Questions to ask Potential Pastor's

In all honesty, P4T is accurate in stating that this Pastor probably was being very cautious over the phone. While E,W&F is an exception to this rule, Pastors know that these phone calls often come from a group of people who jump from church to church, leaving the first time something doesn't go the way they want it to.

I have yet to see such a person come in truly desiring discipleship...I have seen a number of these types who come in with bad attitudes, complaining about their previous churches and pastors. Such attitudes don't get them very far and, rather than change (and realizing that there is no opportunity to start trouble), they quickly chose to leave.

 

In my experience, many small churches do an excellent job of boldly preaching theological truth. Of course, such arguments are always anecdotal.

 

There is nothing wrong about a small church, and larger in size doesn't mean better.

I have heard a lot of great preaching come from smaller churches. And bad preaching come from larger ones. Usually the preacher at the larger church was beyond ever thinking that he could be wrong, for to many of them, the size of the congregation proved they must be right. And arrogance gernerally ensues.

In our ideology today of measuring success, we have those preachers who compare themselves with others, and draw a conclusion, and then slander others, Proverbs 10:18. Comparing ones self with another is the task of fools, 2 Cor. 10:12.

God will determine who was successful, and otherwise.

Furthermore, we shouldn't look at our ministry, or our place of worship as a stepping stone.

To do so is nothing but pure arrogance.

 

Sorry. I misunderstood your post.

 

That is absolutely not what I said. This is my quote you're missing the point about:

The vast majority of believers don't know about, or know they need to know about, deeper theological stuff.

Look at this and read it slowly out loud. (That'll be a test for you, but try it.)

I didn't say what you incorrectly read. I said they do not know about deeper theological truth...and (this is the slow part) they do not know that they should be pursuing growth in deeper theological truth. And it is incumbent on a pastor to help people begin to realize they should be growing and digging deeper and get them there.

It's not my fault you didn't read my post properly. Go back re-read slowly and then think about it before you implicate me as a poor pastor.

 

I don't know that it is. Well it's not about that from where I'm coming from. My concern is railing on these ministers without giving them a generous read.

You're looking for a Reformed Baptist pastor who will personally mentor you through the next two to four years.

I can name two guys out of my entire network that would fit that category and be willing to do so. It's a very high standard. I'm not saying you should pursue it but know it's a small, small category.

You need a personal mentor that fits the category you're looking for.

I am personally mentoring four young guys right now in this way. I love mentoring young guys, three of whom have no desire to be in vocational ministry, because it is what will change the world. Now each one of them has been personally cultivated from within either the church where I serve (2 of them) or from referrals in my local network. My primary requirement for anyone I mentor is that they need to be actively serving in a local church.

My reason is this: the heart of Christian maturity and growth is found in the practices and disciplines of Christianity. Serving others the greatest sign, imho, of a humble, mature Christian. You start serving and you put into play the theology we talk about during our weekly meetings. I'm interested in helping guys who want to grow to grow, who want to learn to learn...the best way to do that is to get them serving.

So I'd recommend you settle into a local church you're called to, start serving, and then see if there is mentor available.

 

I understand exactly how you feel, preachinjesus. Been there, had that done here, too.

 

OK. You got me. I did misunderstand what you said. I apologize for misrepresenting your words.

If there wasn't a time limit on the time you have to edit your posts here, I'd go back and undo it.

That having been said, there is a way to correct people without being rude about it.

 

I appreciate, and accept the apology.

Please, in the future be slower to criticize other people's pastoral ministry.