Comments for The Church in America http://thechurch.wordpress.com Church - Growth - Planting Community - Transformation Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:10:02 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Shenna http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3460 Shenna Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:10:02 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3460 Joe, I was in your shoes about 15 years ago and I went to a Bible School @ age 17. I met my 1st husband there, who i was marriede to for 10 years. Found myself wondering how I got from there to where I am today, totally differant than what i would have ever believed at your age. Though I am thankful for the things I have learned through the tribulations of my last 15 years, I wish things had turned out differant. Please be very careful and dilagently seek God about every decision you make. And always remember you don't need to look for things or relationships as you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness all these things will be added to you. Just a little wisdom from a person that had the heart you do at your age and made some bad choices thinking they were right... dilagently seek God before every step you take. In Jesus, Shenna Joe,
I was in your shoes about 15 years ago and I went to a Bible School @ age 17. I met my 1st husband there, who i was marriede to for 10 years. Found myself wondering how I got from there to where I am today, totally differant than what i would have ever believed at your age. Though I am thankful for the things I have learned through the tribulations of my last 15 years, I wish things had turned out differant. Please be very careful and dilagently seek God about every decision you make. And always remember you don’t need to look for things or relationships as you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness all these things will be added to you. Just a little wisdom from a person that had the heart you do at your age and made some bad choices thinking they were right… dilagently seek God before every step you take. In Jesus, Shenna

]]> Comment on I want to go into ministry. How do I start ? by akhy rannjan http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/25/i-want-to-serve-the-lord-how-do-i-start/#comment-3456 akhy rannjan Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:38:31 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/25/i-want-to-serve-the-lord-how-do-i-start/#comment-3456 i think i must be used in building of God's kingdom. whatever i am because of GOd' grace. i think i must be used in building of God’s kingdom. whatever i am because of GOd’ grace.

]]> Comment on What is a Pastor? by Rev. Ruben Brazzile http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/05/what-is-a-pastor/#comment-3449 Rev. Ruben Brazzile Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:15:44 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/05/what-is-a-pastor/#comment-3449 Very good article, and provided background I was looking for. Very good article, and provided background I was looking for.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by joe smith http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3444 joe smith Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:05:59 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3444 Hi. I know i have a calling, because firstly i can feel it, secondly many people very randomly have told me. but obviously because im already at 17years old serving God with everything i can, with a passion for him and for his people just to bring people to god through his word,bringing hsi word to life. and even if i dont feel like it, its as natural as walking for me. for instance i will not sleep if a soul needs guidance. i commit myself to living holy and acceptable to God, But i never have the time to serve god to my full potential because i have school ect, and i find myself So exhausted trying to Serve god aswell as school but i cant give up because i just love it! i can already see the Stress\pressure of ministry and im not even in ministry yet, but am determined that is my purpose, to bring as many souls to the kingdom as possible to show people HOW to live for jesus, to be the shepard for god. i really like you blog it makes people really think. Hi. I know i have a calling, because firstly i can feel it, secondly many people very randomly have told me. but obviously because im already at 17years old serving God with everything i can, with a passion for him and for his people just to bring people to god through his word,bringing hsi word to life. and even if i dont feel like it, its as natural as walking for me. for instance i will not sleep if a soul needs guidance. i commit myself to living holy and acceptable to God, But i never have the time to serve god to my full potential because i have school ect, and i find myself So exhausted trying to Serve god aswell as school but i cant give up because i just love it! i can already see the Stress\pressure of ministry and im not even in ministry yet, but am determined that is my purpose, to bring as many souls to the kingdom as possible to show people HOW to live for jesus, to be the shepard for god. i really like you blog it makes people really think.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Harris http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3442 Harris Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:06:45 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3442 Fulltime ministry is not what the society today has made it to look like.It should be seperated from mere church administration.Or the love of tourism and travel converted into an evangelistic zeal.Every believer is called to do the work of ministry fulltime as a fulltime christian.It is not some sorts of professionalism which seminaries portray. Fulltime ministry is not what the society today has made it to look like.It should be seperated from mere church administration.Or the love of tourism and travel converted into an evangelistic zeal.Every believer is called to do the work of ministry fulltime as a fulltime christian.It is not some sorts of professionalism which seminaries portray.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Ben Eble http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3441 Ben Eble Sat, 21 Feb 2009 06:50:22 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3441 I do not think that the modern day Protestant churches are set up to produce leaders as the apostles once did. If we took an honest look at how church ministry developed in the New Testament, we would be hard pressed to reconcile this pattern with the modern day pastor/institution backed church system created by the Protestants, during the Reformation. As your own writings have illustrated, the modern system is ineffective, and does not produce fulfillment. Meanwhile, the wide road is heavily trodden by the masses who are heading for destruction. What an irony. While the church fails, the unsaved march their way to hell. It is sad. We should mourn for all Christians everywhere, as Paul once did when the church at Corinth strayed from her true course. The pastor-centric church system, invented by the Protestants, blinds us to the great revelation which Paul had concerning the Body, which is "Christ in You (the Body) the hope of Glory." The apostles never labored to create the man made system which now stands. The apostles believed in spiritual maturity - not spiritual dependency. The face of the American church will change - just give it a few more centuries. Do we need pastors? Absolutely, just as much as we need apostles, prophets, teachers, and even the spiritual gifts, in the church. But, to try to build a church on any one of these wonderful facets, is thoroughly un-Scriptural. I do not think that the modern day Protestant churches are set up to produce leaders as the apostles once did. If we took an honest look at how church ministry developed in the New Testament, we would be hard pressed to reconcile this pattern with the modern day pastor/institution backed church system created by the Protestants, during the Reformation. As your own writings have illustrated, the modern system is ineffective, and does not produce fulfillment. Meanwhile, the wide road is heavily trodden by the masses who are heading for destruction. What an irony. While the church fails, the unsaved march their way to hell. It is sad. We should mourn for all Christians everywhere, as Paul once did when the church at Corinth strayed from her true course. The pastor-centric church system, invented by the Protestants, blinds us to the great revelation which Paul had concerning the Body, which is “Christ in You (the Body) the hope of Glory.” The apostles never labored to create the man made system which now stands. The apostles believed in spiritual maturity – not spiritual dependency. The face of the American church will change – just give it a few more centuries. Do we need pastors? Absolutely, just as much as we need apostles, prophets, teachers, and even the spiritual gifts, in the church. But, to try to build a church on any one of these wonderful facets, is thoroughly un-Scriptural.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by JDray http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3440 JDray Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:39:03 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3440 I like the information here. I am a minister, and am not looking to go into full time or part time ministry for that matter. I surely hope that God does not require me to do so. I suppose I am in the ditch on the other side of the road. Thank you. I like the information here. I am a minister, and am not looking to go into full time or part time ministry for that matter. I surely hope that God does not require me to do so. I suppose I am in the ditch on the other side of the road.
Thank you.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Colin Chen http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3439 Colin Chen Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:24:39 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3439 Good Day, I am from Singapore. I chanced upon this post by the grace of God. Thank you for your questions. They do have a point. I guess for me, I have a deep burning desire to reach out to people, saved or unsaved. To nurture and mentor people in the ways of the Lord. To be on the street and bring the gospel to people. To send apostolic missionary teams to unreached people groups in south-east asia. To plant multiple churches in my own country. To lead a network of churches and daughter churches in the ways of the Lord. I am not able to see myself doing all that, and have a full-time secular job as well. I would like to hear from you. What are your comments? Do email me at the address I have provided. Thank you and God bless, Colin Chen Good Day,

I am from Singapore.

I chanced upon this post by the grace of God. Thank you for your questions. They do have a point. I guess for me, I have a deep burning desire to reach out to people, saved or unsaved. To nurture and mentor people in the ways of the Lord. To be on the street and bring the gospel to people. To send apostolic missionary teams to unreached people groups in south-east asia. To plant multiple churches in my own country. To lead a network of churches and daughter churches in the ways of the Lord. I am not able to see myself doing all that, and have a full-time secular job as well.

I would like to hear from you. What are your comments? Do email me at the address I have provided.

Thank you and God bless,
Colin Chen

]]> Comment on Pastor Receives Threats Over American Flag At Church by cindy http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/pastor-receives-threats-over-american-flag-at-church/#comment-3432 cindy Sat, 17 May 2008 04:01:27 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/?p=85#comment-3432 on a light note related to pastoral ethics... a few years ago our church's sound system and computers were stolen. they were found a few weeks later in a small nearby church. that pastor apparently felt he had a greater need for those items than our church, so he helped himself to ours. you've just gotta laugh at stuff like that. on a light note related to pastoral ethics… a few years ago our church’s sound system and computers were stolen. they were found a few weeks later in a small nearby church. that pastor apparently felt he had a greater need for those items than our church, so he helped himself to ours. you’ve just gotta laugh at stuff like that.

]]> Comment on How the Church in America can Survive – Part 2 by cindy http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2008/04/20/how-the-church-in-america-can-survive/#comment-3430 cindy Mon, 12 May 2008 16:44:40 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/?p=81#comment-3430 thanks for the link! thanks for the link!

]]> Comment on Why People Don’t Go to Church by preacherman http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-people-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3427 preacherman Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:58:37 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-i-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3427 I have enjoyed Dan Kimball's new book "They LIked Jesus But Not The Church." I also have enjoyed reading Micheal Greens "Avoiding Jesus: Answer for Skeptics, cynics, and the curious." "Everything Must Chang" by Brian McLaren has been a powerful book as well. Another great one is "The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations" by Dan Kimball. "Adventures in Missing the Point" by Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren has been a powerful influence in my ministry and theology. Another book that I am excited about reading is "Creating a Prodigal Friendly Church" by Jeff Lucas. All of these books answer and deal with these questions. I want to say wonderful and powerful post. I will be back as I have added you to my favorites. I have enjoyed Dan Kimball’s new book “They LIked Jesus But Not The Church.” I also have enjoyed reading Micheal Greens “Avoiding Jesus: Answer for Skeptics, cynics, and the curious.”
“Everything Must Chang” by Brian McLaren has been a powerful book as well.
Another great one is “The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations” by Dan Kimball.
“Adventures in Missing the Point” by Tony Campolo and Brian McLaren has been a powerful influence in my ministry and theology.
Another book that I am excited about reading is “Creating a Prodigal Friendly Church” by Jeff Lucas.
All of these books answer and deal with these questions.

I want to say wonderful and powerful post.
I will be back as I have added you to my favorites.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Desi Najera, Jr. http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3426 Desi Najera, Jr. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:08 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3426 Dear brother Marshall, I would like to encourage you to rethink your decision to go into full time ministry. Your comment, "he has given me a book with thirty ways that we can reach people on every level and we can all become a tool for reach souls while helping someone in our everyday lives and help people while giving a taste of the gospel." is completely unbiblical. We are not to find ways to reach people. It is by the preaching of the Cross and this alone that reaches people. All other ways are stategies, as good intentioned as they are, that fail align itself with the will of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I pray that you would mature in your knowledge of this Great Salvation spoken of in Hebrews chapter 2. Amen God Bless Dear brother Marshall,

I would like to encourage you to rethink your decision to go into full time ministry.

Your comment, “he has given me a book with thirty ways that we can reach people on every level and we can all become a tool for reach souls while helping someone in our everyday lives and help people while giving a taste of the gospel.” is completely unbiblical.

We are not to find ways to reach people. It is by the preaching of the Cross and this alone that reaches people. All other ways are stategies, as good intentioned as they are, that fail align itself with the will of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Peter 4:11
Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I pray that you would mature in your knowledge of this Great Salvation spoken of in Hebrews chapter 2.

Amen
God Bless

]]> Comment on Why People Don’t Go to Church by UnChristian in 2:41 « Missio Dei http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-people-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3400 UnChristian in 2:41 « Missio Dei Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:05:52 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-i-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3400 [...] If you haven’t read the book UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, or They Like Jesus But Not The Chruch, by Dan Kimball, this is a two minute forty-one second primer. (ht) [...] [...] If you haven’t read the book UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, or They Like Jesus But Not The Chruch, by Dan Kimball, this is a two minute forty-one second primer. (ht) [...]

]]> Comment on Why People Don’t Go to Church by Oxysmoron http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-people-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3395 Oxysmoron Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:20:06 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/10/26/why-i-dont-go-to-church/#comment-3395 a very interesting video. We hear what they say, but we aren't listening to what they are saying... are we? Many have come out of the churches for many reasons... and many find no reason to go. If Christ is not there, He won't be tugging at them to attend. Go ye unto ALL the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus... - go to them... - don't try to denominationalize them... - point them to Christ. I have attended a particular church for four years (plus) now and I still ask the question: what on earth am I doing here at this place? I hear them say " we are such a loving congregation"... would love to see this come to fruition. Hopefully I will see it some day. do you know you are the Temple of God? where three or more are gathered I am in the midst of them... the assembly. The big oops! The preacher's kid says: there are many paths, many ways to God. She must not have been listening to her own father's words... or, maybe he misunderstood too. Good video. a very interesting video.

We hear what they say, but we aren’t listening to what they are saying… are we?

Many have come out of the churches for many reasons… and many find no reason to go.

If Christ is not there, He won’t be tugging at them to attend.

Go ye unto ALL the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus…

- go to them…

- don’t try to denominationalize them…

- point them to Christ.

I have attended a particular church for four years (plus) now and I still ask the question: what on earth am I doing here at this place? I hear them say ” we are such a loving congregation”… would love to see this come to fruition. Hopefully I will see it some day.

do you know you are the Temple of God?

where three or more are gathered I am in the midst of them… the assembly.

The big oops! The preacher’s kid says: there are many paths, many ways to God.

She must not have been listening to her own father’s words… or, maybe he misunderstood too.

Good video.

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Phillip Santillan http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3394 Phillip Santillan Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:53:21 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3394 Just wanted to stop by and say hi again! I LOVE this post. Puts a reality check into the decision I've made to follow God's call on my life. Hope you are doing well. We are in the neighborhood now by the way! Just wanted to stop by and say hi again! I LOVE this post. Puts a reality check into the decision I’ve made to follow God’s call on my life. Hope you are doing well. We are in the neighborhood now by the way!

]]> Comment on I want to go into full time ministry because…. by Franklin Marshall http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3390 Franklin Marshall Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:12:34 +0000 https://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/07/27/i-want-to-go-into-full-time-ministry-because/#comment-3390 I feel that the Lord has called me to full time ministry because he has given me a book with thirty ways that we can reach people on every level and we can all become a tool for reach souls while helping someone in our everyday lives and help people while giving a taste of the gospel. My goal is to create a group of churches to work together in a communities to pray for each other and to engage in an on going outreach. Please pray for my ministry Thank You Franklin Marshall I feel that the Lord has called me to full time ministry because he has given me a book with thirty ways that we can reach people on every level and we can all become a tool for reach souls while helping someone in our everyday lives and help people while giving a taste of the gospel.

My goal is to create a group of churches to work together in a communities to pray for each other and to engage in an on going outreach.

Please pray for my ministry

Thank You
Franklin Marshall

]]> Comment on What Do People Experience When visiting Your Church? by Tim Kurek http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/09/08/what-do-people-experience-when-visiting-your-church/#comment-3381 Tim Kurek Sat, 08 Sep 2007 07:05:18 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/09/08/what-do-people-experience-when-visiting-your-church/#comment-3381 Wow! Great video! Thanks for posting it! http://uriahministries.wordpress.com tim kurek Wow! Great video! Thanks for posting it!

http://uriahministries.wordpress.com
tim kurek

]]> Comment on Mad Church Disease “Beat Up, Burned out by anne jackson http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/07/03/mad-church-disease-beat-up-burned-out/#comment-3379 anne jackson Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:23:44 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/07/03/mad-church-disease-beat-up-burned-out/#comment-3379 Thanks for the link! Thanks for the link!

]]> Comment on Mad Church Disease “Beat Up, Burned out by aaronivey.com http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/07/03/mad-church-disease-beat-up-burned-out/#comment-3377 aaronivey.com Sat, 25 Aug 2007 03:37:24 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/07/03/mad-church-disease-beat-up-burned-out/#comment-3377 thanks for stopping by my blog...appreciate your comments. i'm loving your blog...looking forward to reading more! thanks for stopping by my blog…appreciate your comments. i’m loving your blog…looking forward to reading more!

]]> Comment on Why do people leave the Church? by tim bower http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/why-do-people-leave-the-church/#comment-3269 tim bower Fri, 06 Apr 2007 07:26:52 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2007/04/05/why-do-people-leave-the-church/#comment-3269 Thanks for linking to us, it is much appreciated! Tim LFL Thanks for linking to us, it is much appreciated!

Tim
LFL

]]> Comment on Wow! Our Church is really growing, I think? Part 3 by Timothy Noel http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/definitions-church-assimilation-vs-spiritual-transformation/#comment-3249 Timothy Noel Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:05:27 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/definitions-church-assimilation-vs-spiritual-transformation/#comment-3249 Great truths from the Bible. It is true to see that many leaders are misled by church growth. You have taken the word right out from the bible. "Pray.. that the lord may send out labourers into the harvest." Matt 9:38. This is greatly seen in the life of Jesus and the apostles, they were always on the go reaching out to people right in the field. It is also crucial to understand that the church is an abode of security, a place for spiritual edification, spiritual growth and serving to enhance the faith of saved believers. I've witnessed the lack of interest in unsaved people when they were invited to come and listen to the gospel, how would they come... we need to go forth.!! But saved people would come knowing that the presence of the spirit is at church and use their time wisely for spiritual gain and exercise of the spirit. I was personaly very much benefited by your article. Praise to the Lord our God Jesus Christ and may he continue to use the wisdom he has given you. - Timothy Noel Great truths from the Bible. It is true to see that many leaders are misled by church growth. You have taken the word right out from the bible. “Pray.. that the lord may send out labourers into the harvest.” Matt 9:38.
This is greatly seen in the life of Jesus and the apostles, they were always on the go reaching out to people right in the field.
It is also crucial to understand that the church is an abode of security, a place for spiritual edification, spiritual growth and serving to enhance the faith of saved believers.
I’ve witnessed the lack of interest in unsaved people when they were invited to come and listen to the gospel, how would they come… we need to go forth.!! But saved people would come knowing that the presence of the spirit is at church and use their time wisely for spiritual gain and exercise of the spirit.
I was personaly very much benefited by your article. Praise to the Lord our God Jesus Christ and may he continue to use the wisdom he has given you.
- Timothy Noel

]]> Comment on Wow! Our Church is really growing, I think? Part 3 by Phillip Santillan http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/definitions-church-assimilation-vs-spiritual-transformation/#comment-793 Phillip Santillan Sat, 04 Nov 2006 03:59:54 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/definitions-church-assimilation-vs-spiritual-transformation/#comment-793 YES!!! I am so glad that this message is being spread. I only pray that more pastors begin to catch the difference between growing the church via assimilation versus discipleship. YES!!! I am so glad that this message is being spread. I only pray that more pastors begin to catch the difference between growing the church via assimilation versus discipleship.

]]> Comment on What is a Pastor? by MULUSHEWA METEKIA http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/05/what-is-a-pastor/#comment-390 MULUSHEWA METEKIA Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:25:44 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/05/what-is-a-pastor/#comment-390 It is a good commentary.May God bless you immensely! It is a good commentary.May God bless you immensely!

]]> Comment on So you want to be a Pastor? by zane anderson http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/04/so-you-want-to-be-a-pastor/#comment-25 zane anderson Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:22:08 +0000 http://thechurch.wordpress.com/2006/08/04/so-you-want-to-be-a-pastor/#comment-25 Another perspective is that pastoring isn't a formal office but just looking out for your brother or sister. Such a work would naturally fall to the most experienced and thus older ones in the church. In Acts 20 the older ones are enjoined to be shepherds and in 1 Peter 5 the same admonition is put upon the elders. We know that the elders are the older ones because Peter the addresses the younger ones. Godspeed! Another perspective is that pastoring isn’t a formal office but just looking out for your brother or sister. Such a work would naturally fall to the most experienced and thus older ones in the church.

In Acts 20 the older ones are enjoined to be shepherds and in 1 Peter 5 the same admonition is put upon the elders. We know that the elders are the older ones because Peter the addresses the younger ones.

Godspeed!

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