A number of our churches do not have large congregations. In fact, most of the laity is made up of single parent households, i.e., women, children and the elderly without substantial income. On prior posts our clergy let us know what they expect from their congregation in the way of salary. My question to our clergy is what is the pastor's responsibility to his or her congregation? When you look at your members whom do you see? What did your seminary experience teach you? Better yet, what does the Spirit of God tell you? What do the scriptures say?

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2004

Answers

Good question Mary. There is no group of people closer to God's heart than "Widows and Orphans". This includes the single parent households and the children including those with no parents; the disadvantaged which includes the elderly; and any group that cannot do for itself. That also should be the primary focus of our ministry, and I'm happy to say that God has laid this burden on my heart too. If we do not love the "widows and orphans" we do not love God. Remember what Jesus said to Peter: "Feed (take care of) my sheep; Feed my lambs; Feed my sheep". The Pastor's responsibility is to Feed the Flock of God.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2004

Sister Mary, you've asked a provocative question and I hope our clergy responds. May I offer something on this? IMHO, the clergy should, more so than all of God's children, emulate the SON. They should teach what He taught, speak what He spoke, walk as He walked, and as far as possible, think what He thought! An example comes to mind...When the teachers of the law had an occasion to try and trap Jesus with a question about taxes, here's how they approached Him - they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion?" (Matt 22:16-17) I think our clergy should be so styled - as dearly loved children, imitators of God. In so doing, their congregations - the sheep - those hungering for righteousness and thirsting to drink from the spring of water welling up to eternal life, would grow in the Lord, truly honor the service of their teacher, and be a living testament to Christ for generations to come.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2004

Amen and amen brother Ron.

-- Anonymous, May 09, 2004