- Dec 15, 2006
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What is a lay pastor?
Not really sure what they do
Not really sure what they do
What is a lay pastor?
Not really sure what they do
I think you might have missed the humour in my title. Read it carefully and relate it to the skill of delegation. I did my M.Div at the age of 66 years, and the purpose was to strengthen my qualification as a church elder and lay-preacher. I didn't do all the preaching - we have a ministry team and share the worship leading and preaching. Because in the absence of a minister, we are an elder-led congregation. Just because I was the senior elder, it didn't mean that I called the shots. I was in a team of three other good, experienced, mature men of God who supported me, and corrected me when I needed it! So, I wasn't really the "pastor" at all, but as just one member of a leadership/pastoral/ministry team. But I guess that as the "session clerk" (that's what they call the senior elder in a Presbyterian church), the "buck" stops with me when questions have to be asked. But decisions are made by the leadership team, and I have just one vote on that "management committee".Pastor Buck, your response is well taken. I have done my fair share of layity work in the absence of an ordained pastor. My leadership in giving weekly messages/ sermon, actively participating in bible study, prayer meetings, administrative duties, music ministry and the like was given freely and joyfully; I believe by God's leading through the Holy Spirit. The title applied to this work was unimportant. I am of the belief that when you exhault a person, including or oneself, you snare that person with the devil.
The bible tells us, the meek shall inherit the earth and blessed are the poor in spirit, who realize their dependence upon God. So I still have to query, why the title in the absence ordination? Again, your point is well taken and I appreciate your thoughts. At ye end of the day, God does not care about what is written on our to do list or the titles we hold as much as He cares about what is written on our hearts. Thank you.
I think you might have missed the humour in my title. Read it carefully and relate it to the skill of delegation. I did my M.Div at the age of 66 years, and the purpose was to strengthen my qualification as a church elder and lay-preacher. I didn't do all the preaching - we have a ministry team and share the worship leading and preaching. Because in the absence of a minister, we are an elder-led congregation. Just because I was the senior elder, it didn't mean that I called the shots. I was in a team of three other good, experienced, mature men of God who supported me, and corrected me when I needed it! So, I wasn't really the "pastor" at all, but as just one member of a leadership/pastoral/ministry team. But I guess that as the "session clerk" (that's what they call the senior elder in a Presbyterian church), the "buck" stops with me when questions have to be asked. But decisions are made by the leadership team, and I have just one vote on that "management committee".
For example, when the meat pies for morning tea have to be sampled for quality, they have to be brought up at the next meeting of the "Session" (leadership committee). (Humour alert!!!)
Past the buck. Yes, I knew that. Be well my friendI think you might have missed the humour in my title. Read it carefully and relate it to the skill of delegation. I did my M.Div at the age of 66 years, and the purpose was to strengthen my qualification as a church elder and lay-preacher. I didn't do all the preaching - we have a ministry team and share the worship leading and preaching. Because in the absence of a minister, we are an elder-led congregation. Just because I was the senior elder, it didn't mean that I called the shots. I was in a team of three other good, experienced, mature men of God who supported me, and corrected me when I needed it! So, I wasn't really the "pastor" at all, but as just one member of a leadership/pastoral/ministry team. But I guess that as the "session clerk" (that's what they call the senior elder in a Presbyterian church), the "buck" stops with me when questions have to be asked. But decisions are made by the leadership team, and I have just one vote on that "management committee".
For example, when the meat pies for morning tea have to be sampled for quality, they have to be brought up at the next meeting of the "Session" (leadership committee). (Humour alert!!!)