Do you believe priests/pastors are closer to God?

[Not David]

Just curious about what you believe.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Just curious about what you believe.

Depends on the requirements to become one.

In some situations novices straight outta seminary become pastors.

 

[Not David]

Depends on the requirements to become one.

In some situations novices straight outta seminary become pastors.

Yes, that's problematic.
One should first become a deacon or something like that.

 

[ewq1938]

Closeness to God has nothing inherently to do with position, age, jobs, or knowledge.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Just curious about what you believe.

No they are just a bit more knowledgeable. And with that knowledge they must be correct which that in its self can disqualify many from even being teachers. God judges those in this position more harshly than the rest of us. We should pray for them.
Blessings

 

[JackRT]

Pastor/priests are certainly held to high expectations but history has shown that they are just as fallible as any other human being.

 

[Not David]

Pastor/priests are certainly held to high expectations but history has shown that they are just as fallible as any other human being.

I don't believe closeness to God has to do with infallibility.

No human being is infallible.

 

[Messerve]

Just curious about what you believe.

Basically no. They could be, but their position is no guarantee of that.

 

[topher694]

No.

More experience in some cases perhaps, but not closer.

 

[Greengardener]

Your question raises a question in me: What would be the definition of "closer to God?"

 

[Jonaitis]

Often times, but not always. It depends on the person, not necessarily their office.

 

[Not David]

Your question raises a question in me: What would be the definition of "closer to God?"

Probably related to theosis/santification.

 

[-Sasha-]

I believe that ordination does bestow especial grace on the priest, would you consider that as being closer to God?

 

[nonaeroterraqueous]

I don't believe that the office confers special spirituality upon the holder, but I do notice that clergy seem to be both closer to and much farther from God than the average layman. To commit to a position of teaching others is an increased responsibility and an increased privilege, which tends to drive a person further in one direction or another.

 

[Jonaitis]

I don't believe that the office confers special spirituality upon the holder, but I do notice that clergy seem to be both closer to and much farther from God than the average layman. To commit to a position of teaching others is an increased responsibility and an increased privilege, which tends to drive a person further in one direction or another.

You know, that is true!

 

[PloverWing]

No, I don't believe that ordained clergy are necessarily closer to God than lay Christians. The life of a priest is one that keeps one close to God, and I respect the difficult work that priests do. But I also respect the life and ministry of the laity. The life of a lay Christian, well lived, in prayer and ministry, can also bring one close to God. The clergy and the laity have different ministries, but both paths can lead to theosis/santification.

 

[bekkilyn]

Nope, I believe in the concept of the "priesthood of all believers" in which all have direct access to God without any mediators besides Jesus Christ who is our high priest. It would do us all well...clergy and laypeople alike...to practice the presence of God every moment of every day.

 

[ewq1938]

Nope, I believe in the concept of the "priesthood of all believers"

1Pe 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

 

[Carl Emerson]

We have has a shift in many modern churches from "father led" to "teacher led" congregations.

This relates to a shift from Wisdom to Knowledge...

This leads to a lack of Pastoral care... Remember how the Vicar used to visit every family?

Good management skills are sought after and cultivating family is less of a priority

Leaders can enter the occupation as a career choice.

Godliness is not high on the agenda - credentials and charisma would seem to be the order of the day.

 

[Paidiske]

This leads to a lack of Pastoral care... Remember how the Vicar used to visit every family?

Ugh, I hate this kind of argument.

Yes, there was a time - perhaps - when clergy spent four days a week visiting, one writing a sermon, and one taking services (with one day off). That was also a time when what was expected of clergy was very different, and the tools available to do it were very different.

I can't administrate the parish, manage compliance with a raft of different legal obligations, deliver in-depth teaching programs to people of every age from newborn to 90-something, lead creative and vibrant worship midweek and on Sundays and in nursing homes, spearhead all sorts of community building and outreach activities, and manage more than a couple of pastoral visits a week, who are likely to be folks in particular crisis. (In fact, I can't manage all of that anyway, but that's a separate issue).

Also, technology has changed. Today pastoral care might mean that I scroll through my FB feed, notice that a parishioner has posted about having skin cancer, pick up the phone and ring and ask how they are. I'm not visiting, but that doesn't mean I'm out of touch.

More on topic: no, I don't believe that clergy are, by default, closer to God than laity. There are many incredibly faithful, prayerful, profoundly holy people who are not called to ordained ministry. I would hope, at least, that indifference to God is not really an option for the clergy.