Hey Guys ... when it comes to your pastor, or even pastors you know of or have been with in the past, do you see them spending much time out of the office??
That is, other than on "church" stuff like nursing home visits, hospitals, visitation? I'm just curious, because I think most pastors are bound to the "office." And normally that is by thier own guilt because they are too afraid to get out in the community and hang out with non-believers in fear of some member saying they are loafing.
I find it both hilarious and depressing that if a pastor spends 3 hours holding an invalid's hand in a nursing home then they are seen as a "great pastor." Yet if they spend 5 hours playing golf or fishing with a guy who doesn't know Christ, then they can be judged as playing around "on the clock."
When it comes to ministering to men, you've got to get on their turf.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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4 comments:
Jeremy give me a call when you can. after 7 is probably best
I read about a study a while back that said that after a person becomes a Christian, within just a few years they have very few, if any, non-Christian friends. WOW! If we have no unbelievers in our "circle" then who are we carrying out the great commission to? Pastors fall into this trap too, maybe even moreso than the church members.
I'll have to say that my pastor sets a fine example of reaching others. He often hangs out where "they" are at. He intentionally builds realtionships with non-believers (goes to ball games, runs, fishes, etc.) so he will have an opportunity to share the Gospel. This is not a new idea - just look at what Jesus did. He hung out with "tax collectors." His attitude toward reaching others is contagious. Our men's group has started having "Matthew parties" where we will hang out and eat / watch a movie / bowl / shoot skeet / etc. - no big Jesus stuff - and be sure to have our unbelieving buddies to come. It's a great way to start building relationships with lost people.
Tom,
I can't get through on your number. Please give me a call 704-637-0717
Jeremy
First and foremost relationships need to be built with unbelieving friends. If we just "avoid" them, are we really doing what we are called to do as believers in Christ? I do agree though, after I became a believer my circle of friends reduced drastically. So now instead of hanging with them all the time I pray for them all the time. Pastors need to be in the world building relationships and witnessing to unbelievers. That is what they are called to do. The associate pastors at the Church I am a member of will meet you at the lake, golf course and especially a restaurant in a minute if time allows. That is what following Christ is all about. Being available at any time and any place ready to give the gospel when the opportunity presents itself.
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