Do you believe priests/pastors are closer to God?

I would say, "Not necessarily." I also hold to the concept of "priesthood of all believers." It is surprising, though, how many seem to think that by default clergy are closer to God (whatever that might mean). Maybe they want their clergy to be closer to God, because they don't get the sense that they are close to God (in some cases perhaps)? And, there is a long history within the Christian faith of treating clergy as if they are on a special level (i.e. two-tiered Christianity). For my own part, I try to discourage the presumption.

Paidiske said:

I wonder if this is partly a function of church size? I've mostly worked in very small - family-sized or small pastoral-sized - churches. It's almost impossible to be unknown in that context.

Click to expand...

I’ve heard similar comments in the Singles forum and I was very surprised. I’ve attended large and mega churches and never felt that way. But I was very involved and serving a great deal. That may be a factor.

There is also a segment of churchgoers who struggle with social anxiety, extreme introversion, or communication challenges. They fall between the cracks as well.

We also have the isolation issue which is less about church but directly related to a lack of companionship. For persons in this group, relationships in church have a greater appeal. They’re the lone avenue left to develop connections.

All of the above were raised in that area.

I don’t believe that clergy intentionally ignores anyone. But if the member is unable to communicate their needs or has greater relational needs than the norm it may ‘feel’ that way to them.

I'd also have to point out that it's not the role of the clergy to fill the social needs of the congregation. If your pastor/minister/priest isn't meeting your need for pastoral care or involving you in the life of the church, that's one thing. If they're not available just for a casual chat or for social interaction that's another.

David Neos said:

Just curious about what you believe.

Click to expand...

No more than anyone else. They are still human, they have their faults and weaknesses. If you believe that pastors and priests are all pure and angelic beings, you are very naive.

Pastors and priests?
Most seem to be very close to God
while others are far, far away.
M-Bob

David Neos said:

I'm sure we all know they are one step closer to sainthood.

Click to expand...

I'm already at sainthood according to scripture.

Francis Drake said:

I'm already at sainthood according to scripture.

Click to expand...

Agreed.
Paul addressed his letters to the saints in various places, e.g 2 Corinthians 1:1. Saints, in the NT, are believers, those who have the Holy Spirit, belong to God and are called to be holy 1 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1.

If they aren't they should be. They are teachers and leaders of Gods children.

..

.

I

As a general rule I think a pastor is having a closer walk with God than your average Christian, but that’s not a bad thing since he/she is supposed to be held up as an example for their church to follow. However, I have known, as I’m sure many here have, many men/women that were very close to our Lord and some “pastors” that unfortunately not.

So I guess I just used a lot of words to say “maybe”.