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NASB | Hebrews 13:17 ¶ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 13:17 ¶ Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you. |
Bible Question: How important is it to you for your pastor to know your name? |
Bible Answer: Scripture tells us that church leaders will be held accountable to God for their ministry. 1 Cor 3:9-15 describes the testing of their work, as by fire. Heb 13:17 specifically addresses the issue you raise - that church leaders will be held accountable for the spiritual state of the individuals in the church. With that in view, I cannot see how a church leader can justify NOT knowing, and knowing well, all the members of the church. This obviously would include their names. I think the modern trend toward huge mega-churches with thousands of members is very much a problem in many areas, with this issue at the forefront - there is no way the leader of a mega-church could fulfill his responsibility to the individuals in the body if their number is so large that it would take years for him just to say hello to everyone. |