Monday, May 4, 2009
Things have changed for the good.
When I was Called to My first Church in 1973, every young Pastor had to under go the scrutiny of older Pastors in His area. I guess this was to provide Associational integrity. It was very painful to the young Preacher. I am really thankful to hear it said often now, " what a Church does is Her business" Have We grown up a little? What do You think?
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When I started preaching in 1976, I was glad for older preachers to instruct and advise. Young preachers today could care less about what older preachers think. I didn't feel it was scrutiny when rebuked or encouraged. It was help to get going in the right way. Everyone needs as Barnabus.
ReplyDeleteBro. Arch Bishop. It is apparent that You were not in East Tex. especially Anderson Co. Or Shelby Co. Not all of the older Pastors were that way, but many were. I had one true Friend in the Minestry in Shelby Co. that gave a lot of protection in the Minestry. for that reason after about 5 years I was accepted into the area, and I am still here today. But things have changed. for which I am thankful.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you and I are talking about 2 different kinds of experiences. Mine was encouraging. I had one who helped me with sermon outlines, how to pound a point home when preaching. Another prayed with me and God heard and solved some problems. The third one noticed when I was discouraged, took me out to eat and regaled me with his nightmare problems earlier in his ministry - and soon I wasn't discouraged any more. It's sad to know it wasn't like that in East Texas.
ReplyDeleteBro. Arch Bishop. It probally had some to do with whether You were a "home boy" or not. We who moved to this area were considered "outsiders" by most every one. The one older Pastor that I mentioned was raised here moved away for a number of years and came back. I still give thanks to God for Bro Edd Rhodes. who has been with the lord for several years.
ReplyDeleteI was in an association over 200 miles from my home church. The great preacher friends were Bro. Ken Gibson, Bro. J. H. Carter and Bro. Harold Walker.
ReplyDeleteBro. Arch Bishop,
ReplyDeleteBro. Edd Rhodes was my mother's uncle.
Bro. Freeman,
ReplyDeleteWhile I wholeheartedly agree that no young preacher should be "raked over the coals", but should be instructed, prayed for, and encouraged, I believe there is definitely becoming more of a laxity in areas of doctrine, practice and morals today. I am concerned by cries today of "Don't major on the minors" when we are talking about the Word of God or the representation of Christ's blood; or "change the method as long as you don't change the message" when the goal of our worship is becoming to attract people, appeal to the flesh; or "if ...Church had 50 saved last year and we only had 5, we need to see what they're doing." Btw, my comments are not directed toward you, I am just commenting on the state of our times.
Brother Freeman, I believe your comments can give a wrong impression about East Texas, Anderson County, Shelby County, etc. Men like Bros. Ingram, Peace, Lawson, Meador, et al. were good solid men who contended for what they believed was the faith once delivered to the saints. Not perfect, but neither are we. Bro. Rhodes was a good man too. He pastored Zion Hill for many years while I was growing up.
ReplyDeleteYoung preachers can stand a little scrutiny from older preachers (and if they can't perhaps the churches are better off). Perhaps we can find a happy medium between "over-scrutinizing" and the oft-found lackadaisical attitude many have today.
BTW, I remember an old preacher down in Jasper County who raked me over the coals forwards, backwards, coming and going. But after he decided I was a solid Baptist he became a very good friend of whom I have many good memories.
ReplyDeleteI want to add also that my comments were very general in nature and not a reflection either whatsoever upon Bro. Freeman's experience. I have heard of many of the old preachers in Shelby Co. and men today would do well to duplicate their stands. My mother was saved at a revival at New Columbia (Weaver) MBC out of Timpson under the preaching of Bro. Floyd Lawson.
ReplyDeleteIn response to, "Young preachers today could care less about what older preachers think." Please try not to over-generalize, and try to understand the reasoning of some.
ReplyDeleteOvergeneralizing - Many young preachers care much what older preachers think. This is why so many pay such attention in seminary.
Understanding - Some may care what older men think, and listen and given consideration, but not follow the advice deeming it unsound. One must ALWAYS follow the path of scriptures. If we follow customs, traditions or our parents blindly, we make many errors they make. What happened when Israel followed the way of most of their fathers? Case-in-point.
Also, I wonder if disregard for elders among the few who do so is a new thing, or something that has followed an ebb and flow throughotu the centuries.