So, every time something else goes down… I gather my family to: 1. explain where we contributed to the problem and how we can do differently next time… and to ask for Gods mercy and grace. 2. to explain that we are not fighting against people, but the spirits motivating their actions… and to pray for the people who have wronged us.

This is not always easy… it's not EVER easy. But it is the only way to create a SECOND generation PASTOR. Even though my kids are not YET in ministry, they have the right HEART about these matters… they are not bitter… and they seem to care about this lost world (and the lost church) in a pretty epic way! They know that mom and dad are not perfect… they see us pray and ask for Gods forgiveness when we are wrong… they see trying with all our hearts to love our enemies and bless the people who curse us… and pray for those who despitefully mistreat us!

Thanks again Pastor Chris!!

Great post. This needs to be shouted from the housetops. I’m a second geneneration pastor and have a huge heart for pastors and church leaders. I hate to see pastors giving up on their calling because the sheep have made their job so burdensome. I think you nailed down the one major problem which is rebellion. I think there is also another major problem which is a general sense of fear and lack of courage on the part of pastors. Leadership requires courage. If you fear the people you can’t lead them. Pastors need to stop living in fear of deacons and Sunday School teachers and choir members, etc). I don’t pretend to think I know everything (or hardly anything) about ministry but I have learned that if you don’t exhibit courage you’ll get eaten alive. We have to remember that God called us and delegated authority to us to lead. So LEAD! If we don’t lead someone will and that will probably be the person that shouldn’t be leading. For pastors struggling with courage they should read the Apostolic Constitutions which are ancient documents describing the ministry of early church pastors. Many people would be shocked at the authority that the early church pastors wielded. I guess the bottom line is that we have two major issues affecting the church: the rebellion of sheep against spiritual authority and the lack of courage among many pastors to confront the rebellion. Anywho, that’s the way I see it.

You challenged me to pray about a few of the things you brought up… and I’m already doing that. Just like you, I desire to see the Christian church walking in the character of Jesus… and dedicated to the great commission. I want reform in the American church, just as you do. I feel as if the macro problem lies with the rebellious nature of this culture and how that is played out in the Church… and you feel as if the marco problem lies with the failures of the modern preacher.

Whereas I agree with you about the need for reform in the pulpit:
* You feel the importance of pointing out the sins of leaders as a warning to others…
* I feel like the church should support and encourage their leaders and help to carry their burdens so that the leaders can be healed from abuse and burnout… then leaders will be able to see more clearly and minister far more effectively.

Undoubtedly, there is a need for reform in every sector of the modern church… and even though I present some of macro issues here on this blog site from time to time… I always try to ENCOURAGE what is good about us… and BUILD on that, rather than to point out our flaws all day long.

There are still many good churches in America… the church, even at our worse is still the light of the world. Even though we only flicker at times… the ancient embers still glow underneath the cold dark ashes of yesterdays awakenings.

So let us fan the FLAME… let us breathe life and nourishment to those areas of Gods church where fruit is growing… and remember that our FATHER is the gardener and He will prune HIS vine. Let us bend down and pick up those who are wavering and struggling in their faith and character… let us heal them with our mercy and restore them with our love.

Excellent way to close this discussion Esslythe! Your story is amazing… God is going to BLESS you so much in the future for standing with your pastor. I am praying for your Pastor… that God would restore his home and heal his broken heart. I pray for your church, that you continue to be a great force of influence throughout Indonesia! By the way, I love your writing style… enjoy reading EVERYTHING you post!

To everyone else… AMAZING discussion! I loved EVERY one of your comments! Melanie, Nick the Geek, Michelle, Dave, Connie, Rick… thanks for being here!

God bless you all with a super day!