Can a Pastor be overly sensitive?

When a pastor has done serious study he is able to show that he has studied all sides and come to some conclusions and the reasons why. I tell people up front that they are welcome to disagree with me. Then I begin to show how a number of good men will disagree and the viewpoints they hold. I think it helps to see how others can disagree and yet serve God. It is healthy for the younger to see disagreements among the older and see them handled in a healthy way.

The first time someone voiced a disagreement I was surprised. He spoke loud enough so a number could hear. But in the next few sentences I gave some reasons and that person was silenced. It removed his credibility.

Sometimes there are no easy answers. If the preacher addresses the differing points of view it is helpful to the listeners and it shows the preacher did his homework and did not just give another opinion.

 

If your open comments can be looked at as a possible open rebuke, then you should reconsider. Since this appears to be the case, your motive also should be reconsidered, examining the possibility of your pride as the most prevelant influence.

Now, you should ask that pastor for a "chance" to discuss any thing privately. I find it amazing how you stated this was open discussion, but then right afterwards you say he denied your interjections as disruptive; it is either of two things/ you were actually disruptive, or he didn't have the answer to your question. So? Your motive MUST be examined. If you are "right", then you are faced with two things: either leave, or be still and know the God is God.

If you are bucking up against pastoral authority, then you are on dangerous ground and open for lightning bolts from Heaven, and God don't miss!!

 

then he was out of order and should have been told so, with the offer to deal with his disagreement privately as to not corrupt the thinking of the simple.

Over-powering him intellectually opens the door for a more intelllectual "war" against the pulpit: a very dangerous situation and very God dishonouring. (much as a lot what happens here on BB is just that!!!)

 

rlb,

As we only have your viewpoint in this matter I will answer in accordance to what you have said and assume that how you stated it is the way it was.

I would have no problem with your above stated approach in my teaching sessions. I like honest questions and input. But I must say that most of the pastors in the area where I serve would have a heart attack if someone questioned them during their teachings. It is a shame, because it seems as though many of these meetings purpose is for everyone to show up and listen to the master-teacher and agree without any real understanding or study. I believe when we meet for teaching the purpose is to grow in the Word. I remember in a former church when I was teaching on Wednesday evening one of the new members asked a question in the middle of the lesson and some of the older members about broke their necks turning around to see who would dare question the pastor. After a few months everyone was involved, but not all pastors are comfortable with that. If that is what you want might I suggest you find a pastor/teacher who is open to that.

Honest questions (IMO) should always be welcome. Disruptive questions with intent to either display the pastors ignorance or someone elses "superior" knowledge need to be avoided. They serve no purpose, but bring harm. If you have a problem with a pastor who does not like questions being asked while he is teaching, you need to approach him privately. If that does not work it may be time to find another place to be involved in learning.

Bro Tony