Featured I don't like young pastors! What about you?

Lots of "old" pastors were "young" pastors once. That's usually how it works.

The same goes for church members.

 

Yep, I agree. Plus, if you are older, it is your place to help guide.

 

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV (written to a young pastor) "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers tan example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

 

I think I see your point. However, perhaps from a little different aspect. You said "I don't like young pastors!".

I don't like pastors, of any age, who haven't been called by God, to enter the pulpit. There in, lies the difference. Or perhaps, that's what you were trying to say. I don't know, you'll have to make the call on that.

Please let me tell you a story about several men that I know.

I'll call this one John. He graduated from the seminary and was ordained a couple of years ago. I've never heard him preach. Nor do I want to hear him standing before a congregation. From appearances, I have serious reservations with regards to whether he was called by God to shepherd a flock. There are indicators that he chose to become a pastor for the reasons you have embedded in your post. It's an employment opportunity.

I'll call this one Steve. He was also ordained a couple of years ago. He has never set foot in a seminary. There's no doubt in my mind that Steve was called by God. It is evident in both the sermons he preaches and in his life, in general. He's now a pastor at a small church in our area.

I'll call this man Bob. He wants to go to the seminary. I've heard him deliver sermons several times as he's filled in when our pastor had to be away. I don't know him, personally, as well as I know Steve. That said, there's nothing to indicate that God isn't leading him into the ministry. BTW, he'll have to take a cut in pay if he leaves his current employment to become a pastor.

Lastly, I'll call this man Ralph. He's currently enrolled in an on-line seminary. I've heard him conduct a couple of Bible study sessions. He was given this opportunity prior to being given the opportunity to deliver a sermon on Sunday morning. The latter hasn't happened and won't. The fruit he bears leaves the impression that he first needs to fall on his knees to Christ, himself, before trying to led others to our Lord.

Four men. Four examples.

Two of which may fall into what I think I read in your post. Then, there's the other two, which by implication you've also included.

Of the second set, both of these men still have much to learn. Neither is "polished" in their messages and ministries. And...... Here's where our role as laymen comes in. We have a responsibility to both of these men. Especially us old folks. Much like a parent teaching a child to ride a bike.

They have to be given the opportunity to learn how to ride the bike. We have to show patience when the front wheel wobbles as they pedal. We have to put out a steady hand as they learn how to balance without training wheels.

It isn't all about us and what we can get from our pastors on Sunday morning. When God has planted good fruit (called a pastor) we have an obligation to help tend the garden till the fruit comes into maturity.

 

:thumbsup: Great post!

 

You seem to have some misconception that all young preachers are in the pastorate "for the money" and need to get "a real job." This is absolutely hilarious! I know very, very few churches that actually pay their pastors a comfortable wage, considering the man is on call 24/7. I can guarantee you, unless the church has a great salary/insurance/retirement plan, the pastor is NOT there for the money. He's doing a labor of love.

Have you looked at listings of Baptist churches needing pastors lately? Have you actually seen the requirements compared to the salary offered?

Shoot. I'd sure like to find a church like what you describe here, because I'd love to find a place that can, and will, pay a pastor a living wage without him having to work 2 jobs on the side just to make ends meet.

By the way, the Bible lays out the qualifications for a pastor. Raising a family and working "a real job" before doing ministry is not on the list.

 

Another good one.:thumbsup:

 

In almost every Baptist church I've attended, or been a member of, young pastors just out of Bible college or seminary, start out as youth pastors or music/worship leaders. At least that's my experience. They preach "occasionally" and work their way to higher levels of "pastoring", eventually becoming the senior pastor of their own church. I think youth groups like to have a youth pastor more their age, and the youth pastors in our church always involve their wives in the ministry, so the teenage girls also feel comfortable, and any awkwardness is eliminated. This has worked very well down through the years, as my local church has had many youth pastors who are now mature men of God, pastoring churches of their own.

 

Guess Jesus would fail you age limit , eh?

Plus he was very "inexperienced"

 

As a general rule, if we place requirements and expectations on ministers and leaders that Jesus and His disciples couldn't meet...they are probably poor requirements and expectations.

 

Some churches need experienced Pastor's to lead the flock through tribulation. A stagnant Church, without a capacity to pay a Pastor the going wage might covet a young Pastor because of his energy, and faith that God has more in store for the church. But a key is accountability, recall the admonition to not lay hands on too quickly. The young Pastor must understand he reports to the ruling Elders and that they report to the congregants. If he lacks the maturity to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit as reflected in the consensus of the Elders, he is not ready for prime time. If he is a my way or the highway type, he is not ready for prime time.

On the other hand, I was blessed to serve with a young Pastor. He said all the right things, and we treasured him, not for what he had accomplished, but for the possibly of nurturing him toward an expanding ministry for Christ. He was a blessing to my church and to me. God's wisdom flows from humble hearts.

 

Amen! :thumbs:

 

Good post. That has been my experience as well. Furthermore, we vote on their salary every year, and I would never work for that in a public job given the hours they work.

 

Well said!!

I've been in churches where the "senior" pastor is older (50+) but didn't have a clue, and I've been in churches where the "senior" pastor is young, but had a heart for God, and knew the Word and taught it well. The pastor of the church I now attend falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to age and does a great job. I've learned and grown a lot sitting under his ministry.

 

Now that I'm Older....

...I definitely prefer older pastors over younger ones! :laugh:

 

How old was that preacher in Galilee who riled up the religious of his day? Hmmmm...

 

There is no basis for the premise of the thread. Either one is called or not independent of age. As a matter of fact, how many deacons, usually older, have used their office as a power play to run the church? Are they called?

 

Giant Oaks from small acorns grow