Where is the balance for churches? Is there one?

That is one of the first and most important lessons I was taught during the preaching class I took a couple of years ago. The Bible has enough authority of its own without the preacher trying to add to it.

However, I do think that a preacher has a responsibility to interpret Scripture for the congregation. If he's not going to do that, there's no point in him being there -- people can read the Bible for themselves, if that's all they're going to do. But the awesome responsibility of getting it right was hammered into us in that class. The Bible is quite clear about the penalties for leading people astray.

 

That's a question that each person has to answer. I was raised Presby and they are one of the most relaxed religions around (They were talking about recognizing same sex marriages). The religion preaches alot about God's goodness. Then I went to a Baptist Church when I was in High School. The mistinster preached a lot about God's wrath! Neither was wrong, just different. I think that it is up to the individual to decide what he/she wants to believe and hear.

 

To focus and facilitate that is the job of the preacher. interpretation is for jesuits. discourse is more important than listening to someone who likes to hear the sound of his own voice.

 

In the modern Protestant church, the responsibilities of focus, facilitating, and care are falling to small group leaders. The responsibility of interpretation rests with the preachers. The dynamic of the church is changing from the paid staff doing everything to more and more laity involvement, especially in the larger churches.

 

What is the right balance for a church? I don't know that there is one because people are different and need different things. Some people need to hear messages about the love and forgiveness od God over and over before they believe it or receive it for themselves. Other may focus on other things while not forgetting the basics. Some people change as they mature in Christ and could feel as if they out-grow there church and need to move on. One thing I think is universal, having gone through a church split, is that churches should not ostacize people who leave their church in favor of another church. We are all still the body of Christ and should love and pray for one another.

 

I think the preacher should preach whatever God puts in his heart regardless of who it offends. He does need to make sure he is grounded in the bible and sound doctrine to ensure what he says is correct. I think the line that is often crossed is when the pastor starts trying to use the power inherent to his position to force people to believe or act a certain way.

The example we discussed recently of the pastor who forced some members out of his church because they voted for Kerry is a good illustration of my point. I think a pastor is certainly within his rights to preach that abortion is wrong and that you should vote for a pro-life canidate. I would even not mind if he uses the names of the canidates. I do have a problem when it goes to the point where he tries to enforce stuff like that. There are probably many other examples less extreme than this. I think the thing to remember is that the pastor is supposed to be a mailman not a policeman.

 

If you want to find an excuse to not attend church there are plenty. Hypocrites are everywhere, why would that keep you away from church? People are supposed to follow Jesus, NOT other people. I love my Pastor, sometimes he beats up, sometimes he shows love, always from the scriptures. However, I don't worship him, nor do I agree with him 100% and he is WELL of that!
Personally, I think most people don't go to church because they are too self centered, and it's hard to get out of bed on Sunday mornings.

 

So how's that coming along? Isn't that kinda what this forum is supposed to be?

 

Kinda, but not really.

My idea is for an online church, mainly geared toward people who either cannot attend a church during regular hours, or for people who hate going to church, or both. There are a few others out there already. I'm thinking it would probably include streaming video of a weekly message, a forums page, and as VOR suggested, a PayPal link for donations. That's just to start. There is a lot of potential there.

Right now, it remains a long-term goal of mine, and exists only in my head.

 

That is not a bad idea. I am sure there would be some hurdles that are not apparent yet but it has a lot of potential.

I think Churches should look into webcasts too. That way you could get the sermon from home or if you are traveling and have access.