Thread: California pastor commits suicide

very sad.

Originally Posted by Bookman

Yes. 50 years without a pastor or any paid staff. There ARE disadvantages, but overall I like it.

The entire planet is dotted with churches that have 25 or 35 people and wonderfully cared for by a pastor, whom gladly stands his post preaching to his flock. These are assailed by Satan because of that pastor's resolve. An elder team is but a wild dream to them. They stand alone. Most are employed as was Paul, we call them tentmakers.
Bookman, I am glad your church operates as it does. Yet, this is idealistic at best to think all others need to operate as your church does. The devil is sly and can take down your church, exploiting the smallest weakness and even using your church's strengths against itself. This is the church I have been assigned by God to stabilize. They have used an elder team for decades and nearly destroyed (from 3 services, 300+) before they called me in a true apostolic work of the Macedonian call "come over and help us". What the pastor/prophet brings to the restoration is especially equipped and anointed to breathe fresh life upon it.

Pastors are vital. They are precious. God uses them to stand firm amidst adversity.

Originally Posted by FireBrand

The entire planet is dotted with churches that have 25 or 35 people and wonderfully cared for by a pastor, whom gladly stands his post preaching to his flock. These are assailed by Satan because of that pastor's resolve. An elder team is but a wild dream to them. They stand alone. Most are employed as was Paul, we call them tentmakers.
Bookman, I am glad your church operates as it does. Yet, this is idealistic at best to think all others need to operate as your church does. The devil is sly and can take down your church, exploiting the smallest weakness and even using your church's strengths against itself. This is the church I have been assigned by God to stabilize. They have used an elder team for decades and nearly destroyed (from 3 services, 300+) before they called me in a true apostolic work of the Macedonian call "come over and help us". What the pastor/prophet brings to the restoration is especially equipped and anointed to breathe fresh life upon it.

Pastors are vital. They are precious. God uses them to stand firm amidst adversity.

I've been part of some fine churches led by excellent pastors. It can work. And elder-led churches can fail. But I don't think the NT pattern is anything like what we have today. I think Paul would encourage churches to have visionary elders who use their gifts for the building up of the church. One of those gifts is the office of pastor and certainly one or more elders need to have this gift. I'm just noting how wrong it is to put such a weight on the shoulders of one man. If Bill Hybels had been one of several strong elders, he would have been held accountable long ago.

Originally Posted by Bookman

I've been part of some fine churches led by excellent pastors. It can work. And elder-led churches can fail. But I don't think the NT pattern is anything like what we have today. I think Paul would encourage churches to have visionary elders who use their gifts for the building up of the church. One of those gifts is the office of pastor and certainly one or more elders need to have this gift. I'm just noting how wrong it is to put such a weight on the shoulders of one man. If Bill Hybels had been one of several strong elders, he would have been held accountable long ago.

Already in Acts 6 the apostles decided they needed relief so that they would be able to concentrate on "the ministry of the Word". When churches grow they need more people to get the work done than just a pastor. The Bible mentions elders but also administrators, helpers, the various ministry gifts. Then everyone can be involved as a volunteer, to a greater or smaller degree.

Originally Posted by Colonel

Already in Acts 6 the apostles decided they needed relief so that they would be able to concentrate on "the ministry of the Word". When churches grow they need more people to get the work done than just a pastor. The Bible mentions elders but also administrators, helpers, the various ministry gifts. Then everyone can be involved as a volunteer, to a greater or smaller degree.

In our non-denom rural (high profile) church we have one pastor (will add more later if needed) with a very caring elder board (3) that I know has my arms lifted as Aaron and Hur did Moses. Precious. We also have an admin board of probably 12 or so that have care over various areas. In theory it should work, and has in the past. It’s a good working model. Our elders have jobs and families that prevent them from doing all I can do. Each part fits together. My load is considerable but I’m strengthened knowing they have my well-being and effectiveness at heart.

Depression is a ugly thing.
It is hard for christians to suffer from depression. So many believers say that it is because sin, the lack of faith, etc and give advice in that direction
It takes a lot of courage in a church to admit that you have a depression.
Nowadays treatement is getting "easier", but is not always working.
A good girlfriend of mine is suffering strongly from depression since months. It hurts my heart. We all in our church are praying and hoping for help and healing.

Originally Posted by krystian

A post by his wife on Instagram:

https://web.stagram.com/p/Bm8wJ6XH397

Just tragic.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/p...reveal-227075/

Just read this and the ridiculous pressure he was under - false expectations to live up to and totally unbiblical
Sadly many pastors feel that God is pleased they live a high velocity lifestyle

Originally Posted by Cardinal TT

https://www.christianpost.com/news/p...reveal-227075/

Just read this and the ridiculous pressure he was under - false expectations to live up to and totally unbiblical
Sadly many pastors feel that God is pleased they live a high velocity lifestyle

Treadmill, performance based christianity. Tragically, he discovered that place where God’s grace ended. He took on much more than was given him to do. Trendy has a price.

More details emerged about this pastor's death. One rather shocking thing.. he attempted suicide inside the church.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/p...31ee59-2505425