The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Men's and Women's studies

I heartily agree that the Pastor primarily, along with the Elders, are responsible for the spiritual instruction of their congregation. However, as it is in any relationship where there are two or more parties, each is accountable to the Lord for themselves. What I am trying to say, having been there, is that although a Pastor/Elders may reasonably fulfill their responsibilities and in a heart-felt manner, it doesn't guarantee a particular result. To continue with your analogy of the Navy, in which I also served, there can be instances of insubordination and even mutiny among the crew. My point is that we should be careful not to make a "god" out of a man who has been called to serve in the Pastorate or Eldership. They do have certain and specific responsibilities as shown from their qualifications (cf. 1Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). And, they have been given some authority over those under their care. But what they do not have is the innate "power" to guarantee results. That power belongs to the Holy Spirit. So, let us not put the entire "blame" upon mortal and finite men, although called of God to serve in their respective offices for all the failures of those under their charge. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,