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Approaching your Pastor

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Grizzly660, Jun 10, 2003.

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  1. Grizzly660

    Grizzly660 New Member

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    I believe that my Pastor is teaching unbiblical doctrines (multiple) and I have tried to approach him about it, in private, humbly and with scriptural support.
    He claims that the Bible supports his positions but refuses to show the exact scriptures or simply claims that "this is the way it's always been." He also claims that all the Church leaders (in this case- the Deacon board) believe the same way and that as long as he's Pastor he'll never change his opinion.
    (I prefer to not discuss the exact topics, as these would be best dealt with in the Debate section.)

    How do you deal with such a person that refuses to listen at all to anyone posing an opposing understanding of scripture?
    Should I bother at all?
    Should I just find another place to minister?
     
    #1 Grizzly660, Jun 10, 2003
  2. Gib

    Gib Active Member

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    If this is the case, then I would look for another ministry. IMO if the deacon board and the pastor are on the same page of belief, you don't likely stand a chance changing the pastor's opinion.

    I would think, because you have already gone to him on this matter, he may feel that you threaten the way he believes. IMO that would ultimately hurt your working relationship with him.
     
    #2 Gib, Jun 10, 2003
  3. Abiyah

    Abiyah <img src =/abiyah.gif>

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    I would suggest that you do what you said: try
    out the issues in the debate section. 8o) We
    would all be interested in considering them.

    I attended a church for over 50 years where,
    during 30 of those years, I did not agree with
    much of what I heard, but I made it tollerable and
    tried to think positively. During the last 13 years,
    however, thinking positively became impossible.

    Sometimes, our Lord wants us to stay in order
    to change us; sometimes, He wants us to use
    our good sense and get out. I just stayed and
    stayed until one pastor excommunicated me for
    insubordination, for refusing to follow his rules,
    which were not in the Bible. I would have been
    far wiser to have left 5 years (minimally) earlier.
     
    #3 Abiyah, Jun 10, 2003
  4. Grizzly660

    Grizzly660 New Member

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    Gib and Abiyah,
    Thank you for your advice.

    I think (Abiyah) you have a good idea what I'm going through. I'd love for God to use me and change things, but even the OT Prophets were ignored. :)

    I'm sure that if I stayed my Ordination would be revoked and I'd be asked to stop teaching. I could choose a peaceful retreat or a confrontational stay.

    Does anyone else have any experiences where they stayed in such a circumstance and saw good things come about?

    Thanks.
     
    #4 Grizzly660, Jun 10, 2003
  5. Mike McK

    Mike McK New Member

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    Since you don't say what he's teaching that you find objectionable, I'm going top assume that they're essential doctrines. But, if they're not, then you need to pray about that and talk to some Christians whom you trust (preferrably outside your church) and decide what's worth seperating over and what isn't.

    The fact that your pastor won't show you where these teachings are found in scripture sends up a red flag to me.

    It's one thing for him to disagree with you but if you've demonstrated from the scriptures why you're concerned and he still won't listen, then you need to go to the deacon board and discuss your problems with them.

    If it's true what he says, that they beleve the same as he does, then I think you need to (a) bring it up with the sanctioning body of your church and (b) prayerfully consider finding another church.
     
    #5 Mike McK, Jun 10, 2003
  6. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    I'm not sure I have posted in this forum before, so I hope it is alright.
    I would do just the others said, post it in a dabte forum and see what others here think of the topics he is teaching. That way you see if it is something other baptists do believe in and [re[haps you hadn't heard it before(still does not mean it is biblical truth), see what scriptures those here in favor of what he is teaching. Gather all you evidence this way. If it were me after that I'd start asking questions of a few deacons, any you particularly close too. Nothing accusing sounding, just feeling them out to see if it is what they beleive too. If in the end he is teaching wrong, and they do beleive what he is teaching, if it were me I'd find another church.
    But that all if it were me. It's what I'd do anyway.
     
    #6 donnA, Jun 10, 2003
  7. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I'd encourage no more posting on THIS thread since there is nothing specifically known as to the real issues at hand.

    Please post the issues as a thread on the Theology Forum. Thanks.
     
    #7 Dr. Bob, Jun 10, 2003
  8. Grizzly660

    Grizzly660 New Member

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    Dr. Bob,
    I was hoping that in the "fellowship" area I could simply get some encouraging advice about how to approach a pastor that is teaching false doctrine. This really wouldn't be the place to debate, but one of the things he has taught is that Christians can guarantee the salvation of their family (based on 1 Corinthians 7:14 and the book of Job) if we simply pray and "plead the blood" on them. His sermon topic was "Building a hedge around our family."
    This is one obviously non-Baptist doctrine that is severely in error, but I'm not posting to debate it (and won't reply to posts debating the point.)
    I've read your posts, Dr. Bob, and I believe you are very experienced and discerning. How would you suggest I proceed?
    Thanks.
     
    #8 Grizzly660, Jun 10, 2003
  9. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Will reply to it in the debate section over the Theology Forum. Let some others chime in. We have lots of people (well, at least 20 I can think of) that are smarter than I am, so they can likewise share.

    I may not be the smartest, but I'm definitely the most humble! :eek:
     
    #9 Dr. Bob, Jun 11, 2003
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