Happy Trails...

[FaithWeaver]

I recently left my home church, and this is one of the reasons; but it is not the entire reason. The pastor would get very upset if someone disagreed with him, and it would always come out in his sermons. He would always say that if you didn't agree with whatever he was preaching about then Happy Trails to you. Then, he would start to sing "Happy trails to you...". Often, people would leave because of this comment, and about 16% did at one time. He would often say that if you couldn't support him and agree with him 100%, then you should resign any position you had in the church. I personally have never seen a growing, thriving, on fire for God church that agreed on everything 100%. What is your personal opinion on this matter?

I believe that the body of Christ should work together in unity; however, does that mean being in 100% agreement on every single issue?

As long as the church is in agreement in its sound doctrine, in the word of God, in Jesus Christ and salvation, etc.. then, does it have to agree on every little issue?

If you have any questions or need further details, then feel free to ask.

Thanks in advance for helping me to better understand the situatuion.

God Bless

 

[TwinCrier]

I actually think it's a good idea to have the church in agreement about doctrine. I don't think it should be about agreeing with the pastor, but agreeing with the bible. I know when my pastor or Sunday School teacher take a stand on divisive issues, it may cause some to leave, but the church shouldn't water down the issues. I think it is wrong to encourage people to just leave though. The pastor should invite dissenters to confront him if they feel he is wrong, then he can defend his docrine from the bible.

 

[SumTinWong]

If a pastor said something that was that disrespectful to me, I would make it a duet as i walked out the door.

There is something to be said for respecting a pastor, but when the respect does not go both ways....

 

[Gold Dragon]

I believe that the body of Christ should work together in unity; however, does that mean being in 100% agreement on every single issue?

As long as the church is in agreement in its sound doctrine, in the word of God, in Jesus Christ and salvation, etc.. then, does it have to agree on every little issue?

Christ and Paul both had a lot to say about Christian unity. The early church obviously did struggle with unity as evidenced by the many calls to unity found in Paul's letters. Here is one instance where Paul outlines the attitude we should have in our disagreements, something your former Pastor is obviously missing.

NASB - Ephesians 4:1-6

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

We should strive for unity and agreement, but recognize that this isn't always possible and to be gracious when that happens instead of having the pompous arrogant attitude of your former pastor.

 

[ZiSunka]

That pastor is so disrespectful of his authority and his congregation that I have to suspect that he is WAAAAY out of God's will. I would never commit to a church where the pastor thought he was infallible, acted in unloving and divisive ways, or got upset in the pulpit. He should perhaps be having a sabbatical to give himself time to study and reflect on the role of leadership in the church.

 

[Matthan]

There is absolutely no room for arrogance in God's pulpits. None whatsoever! That pastor, with the "I'm always right and you had better agree" attitude is pure arrogance. Where is his humble Christian attitude? Where is his humility? Those are two of the most important characteristics of any good pastor.

Kick the dirt from your heels as you leave that situation, and do not look back.

(By the way, Bud, I love duets. Do you know 'Moon River'? How about 'Ain't Nobody Happy If Momma Ain't Happy' or 'Bubba Shot The Juckbox'?)

Matthan <J>< (Festina Lente)

 

[BT]

I guess someone never learned the term "servant leadership" in Bible college.

Oh and if Matthan and Bud start singing it will be happy trails for me, and I'd guess more than 16% of the rest of us!

 

[crossrunner]

Cult leaders often have that attitude...you must listen to me and me only. I am right and you must not disagree.
The Bible tells us to (paraphrasing here...forgive me) that we must measure everything we hear by the scripture and if a pastor or any other Christian for that matter, is in error...we must hold them accountable. Please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[SumTinWong]

I guess someone never learned the term "servant leadership" in Bible college.

Oh and if Matthan and Bud start singing it will be happy trails for me, and I'd guess more than 16% of the rest of us!

David Lee Roth/Van Halen version
bum ba dee da bum ba dee da dee da...

Happy trails to you...

until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then

Who cares about the clouds when we're together, just sing and smile and think of sunny weaaaaather.

bum ba dee da bum ba dee da dee da...

Happy trails till you, till we meeeeeeet aaaaaagainnnnnnnn

 

[FaithWeaver]

David Lee Roth/Van Halen version
bum ba dee da bum ba dee da dee da...

Happy trails to you...

until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then

Who cares about the clouds when we're together, just sing and smile and think of sunny weaaaaather.

bum ba dee da bum ba dee da dee da...

Happy trails till you, till we meeeeeeet aaaaaagainnnnnnnn

Very good Uncle Bud HEHEHE


Thanks everyone for your comments. It just gave me even more confirmation. I had the same feelings. It's a sad situation and I ask that everyone please pray for the pastor and the people in the church. Pray that God will reveal in his time what is going on. Pray for God's will to be done.
God Bless

 

[SumTinWong]

Will do

 

[SonOfThunder]

Yeah, praying. Sometimes it's all we can do