Hey saints I would just like to know some of your experiences and how you handled (or would handle) the following situation...
You are invloved in ministry in a small church (about 40 members) and the pastor makes everything mandatory; for example 5am prayer, discipleship classes, etc. and if you did not attend you are probably going to get a phone call to find out why you didn't, how did you (or would you) handle this matter?
I would have a talk with the pastor...and explain that such things should not be compulsory or viewed as an "obligation." If we aren't even supposed to give offerings [u]to God
Prayer meetings are wonderful -- but they don't show how "spiritual" someone is. True dedication is found only in a private prayer closet. I prefer the early mornings to spend alone with God...not assembled with other believers in some sort of corporate prayer meeting. The same is true with other "spiritual" meetings. The purpose of these meetings, according to Hebrews 10:24-25, is for encouragement. I have known people in very "spiritual" congregations who expressed disappointment in the lack of encouragement that results from meeting together.
Perhaps you should explain your concerns to your pastor. I think that a good pastor would understand your concerns.
Thanks brother, I agree with you and its funny because I said nearly the same thing to my wife. What does making certain things mandatory do? Show how "spiritual" I am or how much of a "servant" or "disciple" I am? My Bible says that "If you abide in my Word, you are my disciples indeed" in fact the greek render for indeed there is alethos meaning for real. Making things mandatory wasn't a part of the NT church, the Word says "they gave themselves" am I being out of line with this?
My experience is that if the Holy Spirit is not the inspiration for such behaviour, it's a sign of a religious spirit, trying to introduce 'works'.Your experiences[?]
I don't know how well you know this pastor, but some get very touchy when they feel they are losing control of what God is doing amongst the congregation, and instead of allowing the Spirit to have fuller control, they try to wrest it back from Him by organising events, activities or more meetings, which 'require' the flock to be in attendance. While this might comfort his insecurities, it will not bring [i][b]his
Of course, there could be other reasons he's feeling out of sync with God - like sin in his life. In fact, if his church [i]was[i]will
When there is attack, it's essential to close ranks, and maybe that's what this is about. However, I also believe honesty, confession, forgiveness where it's needed, prayer for healing (as laid out by James in scripture), and every other practice of sound doctrine must come with that deeper commitment to see this / your local body survive as a powerful unit for God.
Perhaps these are things you could air with this pastor, when you have your next conversation with him. Maybe he himself needs prayer, and to be reassured of the trust and support of the people over whom God has given him oversight.
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