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NASB | 1 Timothy 4:6 ¶ In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:6 ¶ If you point out these instructions to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine which you have closely followed. |
Bible Question:
Are there many pastors (or ex-pastors) on this Forum who have been "wounded" by their congregation or District Superintendent or overseeing board of directors for "political reasons" and have been forced out from fulfilling their calling as pastors? If so, how is the church to minister to a pastor and his family who is among the 'walking wounded'? Are there places for pastors and their families (who have been burnt before in the past) to fulfill their calling? |
Bible Answer: Greetings in the Name of OUR SHEPHERD, JESUS! Not to be glib but, "if Momma burnt the biscuits, do you stop eating?" Don't stop doing what God has appointed you to do because someone has hurt you! (This of course applies to your question about "political" issues rather than situations that are contrary to God's Word requiring Church discipline . . .which is another kettle of fish, and a very smelly one at that because it is so infrequently utilized!) As I have read some of the posts to this question, indeed this senario can be a "thorn in the flesh," but God allows these thorns for one of two reasons, "to show His sufficiency or to demonstrate His supremacy." (Beth Moore) A calling from God is a serious matter, far be it from me to "touch God's anointed." Pastors who are "Walking Wounded," should be ministered to as any other soul in need of healing. Why do we discriminate? God is never stagnant; He always calls us from something, to something! Our responsibility is to look, listen and follow! From a personal perspective, members of my extended family did suffer in this way. The procees of healing and re-entry took TIME! And today, the once Pastor of a flock is now the overseerer of other "shepherds!" As a "voyeur" to this sad episode I saw the reality of sin in the church, and the result of non-repentance take its toll. One local church stepped out and "took them in!" However, many people treated the Pastor and his family like "hot potatoes!" No one wanted to become "involved;" yet God assigned me to come along side this family . . . and today, we are related through our children! I think some of the "wounded" are still struggling with forgiveness issues,(don't we all?)but God has graciously re-established this Pastor's ministry. Blessings, Mommapbs |