Comments on ClergySpirit: Taboo of Clergy Burnout Addressed in New Release

Thanks for the post. I'll check those websites...

2010-05-24T12:25:17.667-05:00

Thanks for the post. I'll check those websites out too.

It seems that what really counts is not that a certain word is or is not in the Bible, but how it's used. You maintain it was about the role or gift, not the title.

But we can take anything and use it to hurt. Throw away any and all titles, and, in my opinion, we can still use Bible, church, Jesus, faith to do harm.

For example, I've seen people use the servant tag to manipulate and shame others, just, as you say, "leader" has been used to do the same.

Thanks again- and peace to you!

Scott Yes, elders, bishops and deacons are in the...

2010-05-24T10:15:33.992-05:00

Scott

Yes, elders, bishops and deacons are in the scriptures.
BUT, they all called themselves servants.
None called themselves leaders.

I don't believe it's about doing away with the offices we've invented.

Jesus didn't do away with "The Corrupt Religious System" of His day.
And He didn't "reform" "The Corrupt Religious System.
It still exists today. Yes?

Jesus left the "system" He was the originator of.
And called others out - into a relationship - with Jesus.

The “word” pastor/shephered/teacher, and what they do,
is also in the Bible, Eph 4:11-12.

BUT, most of what a Paid, Professional, Pastor does **Today**
is NOT in the Bible. Seems we've "added" a few things. Yes?

NO ONE in the Bible had the “Title” or “Position” of "Pastor/Leader."

Can you name **one** person, in the Bible,
who was called “Pastor/Leader?”

Can you name **one** congregation,
in the Bible, “Led” by a Pastor?

I have seen the dangers of "Titles," and “Position”
of **Today’s** "Pastor/Leader."
“Spiritual Abuse” for both the "leader" and those “being led.”
IMO - The “Title” “Pastor/Leader” is very, very, dangerous for both.

In my experience...
No matter how loving, eventually...
No matter how humble, eventually...
No matter how much of a servant, eventually...

Pastor/Leader = exercise authority = lord it over = abuse = always

I'm not not new to "ministering healing"
to those who have been “Abused”
by those who took the “Title” and “Position”- “Pastor/Leader."

Folks who've been **burnt,** ** burnt out,** ** kicked out,**
and **crawled out** of "the religious system" most call “church.”
with it's leaders, submission to authority, tithes and offerings,
and other unbiblical "heavy weights" put on folks shoulders.

I also spend time with pastors,
"so called leaders," who can't do it anymore.

Trying to please the denominational leaders,
the congregation and it's leaders, his family,
and of course Jesus.
Who is often relegated to last place. Hmmm?

Searving so many masters, that's tough; Yes?

Preaching every week... and it better be good, being the CEO,
the team leader, councilor, marrying, burying, smiley face. etc. etc.

If **Today’s** "Pastor/Leader." (as we see them today) are of God?
He's not taking very good care of His gift to us, "pastor/teacher"; Is He?

This is info from a websites helping burned out Pastors.

http://pastoralcareinc.com/WhyPastoralCare/Statistics.php

• 77% say they do “not” have a good marriage.
• 71% have felt burned out or depressed.
• 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
• 38% are divorced or seriously considering divorce.
• Over 1600 pastors in the U.S. are forced out of their positions each month.

http://www.pastorcare.org/PastorCare/Healing___Health.html

# 80% of pastors' spouses wish they would choose a different profession.
# 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families.
..............Many pastor's children do not attend church now
...............because of what the church has done to their parents.
# 33% state that being in the ministry is an outright hazard to their family.

This is serious business. Yes?

Think there might be a problem with **Today’s** "Pastor/Leader?"

What is popular is not always “Truth.”
What is “Truth” is not always popular.

Peace...

Thanks for your comment! I generally agree with ...

2010-05-19T16:44:40.223-05:00

Thanks for your comment!

I generally agree with your comments about titles. Keep in mind that most churches will say that "elder" or "bishop" or "deacon" are all in the New Testament Letters.

Do you really think that if we did away with such offices that Christian care-givers would not be as vulnerable to burning out?

Hmmm? Senior Pastor? Leader? Is that in the Bible...

2010-05-15T14:58:04.789-05:00

Hmmm? Senior Pastor? Leader?

Is that in the Bible?

Is it possible the reason "Burnout" is such
a problem for today's "Pastor/Leader" is
they have found themselves with a
"Title" and "Position" NOT found in the Bible?

Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
Any congregations "led" by a “pastor” in the Bible?

And every “pastor” I’ve met also had
the “Title” “Reverend.”

Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?

In my experience...

Titles become Idols.
Pastors become Masters.

Heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.

Jesus taught “His Disciples”
NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ.
Mat 23:8-10 KJV

Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about "Idols of the Heart,"
and now God will speak to us according to
the "Idols of our Heart."

And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring,
and they shall “hear my voice;”
and there shall be "ONE" fold,
and "ONE" shepherd.
John 10:16

One Fold - One Shepherd - One Voice.
If Not Now, When?

Be blessed in your search for Truth... Jesus.

This is my first time visiting your site. Thank Go...

2009-07-20T08:37:38.786-05:00

This is my first time visiting your site. Thank God for your ministry. This small bit of infor has convinced me that I need to make some immediate changes in my life. Thank you again.

Thank you for posting this Scott. Sounds like a go...

2009-05-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Thank you for posting this Scott. Sounds like a good read. --Lori