It has always seemed to me that lay people can do what most ministers do at headquarters. I believe that preachers, called by God Almighty, should be out somewhere proclaiming the good news of Jesus to a lost and dying world. I realize there is a prestige in being at headquarters, but are we really fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission in doing many of the things we are presently involved in?
Does organized church … as such … really fulfill the Divine Mandate on any level?
Evidently u know nothing about what headquarters do! They preach out & travel all the time! That’s COG! They give their lives for ministry….
Melvin, over the years it has been sad to see men leave the pastoral ministry and seek employment in Cleveland of a variety of jobs.
Jobs are given to “good friends” and a lot of local deserving people in Cleveland could use the jobs. Cleveland has one of the highest poverty rates of Tennessee.
If you have an AB friend in Cleveland they will find you a job. Retired preachers go to Cleveland where they hide in the shadows.
Former General Bishop Raymond Crowley and his wife Frances were very close friends to Faye and me. After he was retired back to his home at Chincoteague, I asked him whether he was getting many calls from pastors to come and minister in local churches. He said to me, “Great God, son … in the Church of God, when you’re a has-been you ain’t nothing but a has-been!” Old men are used up and discarded, usually, without appreciation. It isn’t so much that they hide in the shadows, but more that they are pushed there to live out their days in a friendly environment. Many of them are made to feel unnecessary and unwanted in the local church … even in their own former pastorates. After all, two bulbs can’t shine in the same socket and to a young fellow, looking good is important. Then to add to that, a pastor must be careful that his vision is not disrupted by a voice not His own. Nobody can live your vision but you … and if it truly came from God, Satan will truly try to steal it or disrupt it. If you have no sight for the future, have many speakers in and just have a good time and shout it down. But to have a foundation upon which to grow people spiritually, stay constant with the message of the vision God has given for His church. Some men write mission and purpose statements … what is needed is vision from God. You can’t imagine that with a sudden good idea. It must be mined from the Eternal Storehouse at a place of prayer … and it will be hard work … but for anyone willing to pay the price, it will be worth it. If you will do it … saturate yourself with the presence of God … you who are old will “dream dreams” to be shared with those younger, and you who are young will “see visions” for leadership of the people of God. You won’t get that at another workshop or conference or seminar. But you can get it from God. By the way, you’ve come too late to try and tell me that this is no church for old men. I’m still stoking the fire for all of you young’ns. Crowley may have been a has-been in the eyes of younger men, but his prayer place was never abandoned and that made him a giant in the eyes of God. Some of you younger guys need a little more time and practice and then you’ll grow up and mature. I can say that because I don’t need your vote. I just want God’s approval. And that’s all I have to say right now.
Peter this is casting aspersions and doubt. You should refrain from making such statements.
Jim Price, Peter A Vandever is not, nor ever has been affiliated with the CoG. I do not know why he is a part of this forum.