I put this onto Facebook:

Re churches/pastors: (1) Christ loves his (imperfect) church; so should we (2) In a consumer culture, all leaders – including pastors – are more accountable to their clients (3) This often places an intolerable burden on some pastors, who are expected to be the ‘surrogate nurturing parent’ many never had, and as communicators, compete with TV personalities…

And then added this:

Re TV’s impact on the church. Twenty years ago I wrote this, and nothing much has changed:

And this, about the most important area where pastors fail:

And read ‘Reverend Joe’s story here: typical of hundreds of stories I hear every year:

Shalom!

Rowland

****

And among the responses:

“Rowland, I feel like we participate in this cycle like chooks or sheep. So often I’ve been a self-pitying little twirp looking for a hero pastor to fix or ‘get’ me. But in my defence, it was the nature of church culture that taught me this. As long as one man is elevated at a pulpit, and the ‘flock’ sit silent in the pews, we feed the cycle. I don’t ever want to be an expert with a ‘cognitive model’ to explain everything… but for my part I no longer sit silent in pews. I am either vocal, or absent. I’m not saying this is wisdom, it stems from dispair, but by not being a victim of ‘inadequate’ ministry, perhaps I’m not participating in the nonsense that hurts sheep and shepherds alike. I value coaches, teachers, scholars, advocates, counselors and friends, but I am done with ‘pastors’ and sermons that don’t fit therein. A pastor is by nature a specialist, and should be both liberated and limited to the scope of that specialisation. We are all experts on being human. Some of us choose to study faith. No one has a monopoly on God or Truth. Oh well guess i’m still opinionated, but then, I guess you intend to stimulate thought and dialogue? I hope so. ”

And

“So aware of the implications of my last blah on prayer ministry. Ie certain current pastor thinks if he can’t fix something/someone, its weakness in him or our faith. I reckon some demons are only cast out with hugs and cups of tea and great listening skills. Grandparents, music, vegie gardens and poetry are also big spiritual forces. Its nonsense to assume god works better through jibberish and pushing and american accents than through little old ladies with scones and tea. To me the only true church is a delicious tension of empowered souls. It sounds like nonsense even to me. “