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Pessimistic pastors?

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by rlvaughn, Dec 18, 2005.

  1. rlvaughn

    rlvaughn Well-Known Member
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    According to John Piper, good leaders are optimistic:

     
  2. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    In the snow here in Casper today it was hard to be optimistic with misty optics . . :rolleyes:
     
  3. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    This is a good one as well. I have met so many pastors who seem to be anything but optimistic....it is down right scary at times. We have no reason to be pessimistic
     
  4. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Well, Jesus said something about the situation waxing worse and worse and, at His return, there would be questions if ANY faith remained on earth.

    I'd say good reason for pessimism.

    The opposite is post or a-millennial - that we are in the Kingdom TODAY and everything is peachy-keen.

    Not.
     
  5. PastorSBC1303

    PastorSBC1303 Active Member

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    Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

    Sounds like reason for optimism to me!
     
  6. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Jesus was an optimist. He was probably the greatest optimist that ever lived.

    But Jesus was also a realist, and his optimism was never unrealistic.
     
  7. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    Good leaders are realistic in their strength and optimistic in their God.

    Selfishness and stupidy accompany being optimistic in themselves.
     
  8. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    On another note, selfishness and stupidy typicaly accompany unrealistic optimistm. Unbridled optimism can still fall within the scope of realism.

    Also, let us not confuse realism with pragmatism. Optimism, even appropriately realistic optimism, is often not pragmatic.
     
  9. Brother Ian

    Brother Ian Active Member

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    Optimism is great, but reality needs to weigh in too.
     
  10. MikeinGhana

    MikeinGhana New Member

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    The problem here, as I see it, is that we have our eyes on the wrong goal. Pastors get pessimistic when they are striving for the wrong spiritual and ecclesiastical goals. If big numbers, uplifting "worship" services, and complete harmony and unity in the church is our goal, we will of all mken be most miserable, because that will never be achieved until that Kingdom that Dr Bob alluded above.

    Our goal, gentlemen, is faithfulness, not accomplishments. If you are not faithful, you have reason to be pessimistic I suppose. If you are faithful, you can be optimistic of a full reward. Besides, the battle is already won for us. Don't let the skirmishes we face daily defeat you.
     
  11. rlvaughn

    rlvaughn Well-Known Member
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    Good point, Bro. Mike.

     
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