I pretty much do everything, along with my Bishop, music, liturgy, hospital visitation, jailhouse ministry. I earn no salary and haven’t even recovered any of my expenses in about four years. I throw money into the collection plate I earn on my day job. I paid for my own education, my own vestments, my own books, and so forth.
OUR laity is not the problem. The problem is the laity that does not attend my church but answer me in places like this.
>>OUR laity is not the problem. The problem is the laity that does not attend my church but answer me in places like this.
It’s the internet. Nobody is real here. Just look at how many people here claim to be ready to fight Civil War 2, but won’t take a day off to attend a weekday rally or get arrested for civil disobedience.
I left the UMC Because of the attitude of the ordained pastors, but my new church has a pastor like you: a part-timer who works a day job and still finds a way to shepherd the flock with love, energy, and enthusiasm. I love pastors, even the ones with a overblown sense of entitlement. But, I won’t “serve” one if he isn’t prepared to serve us.
This has to be one of the most childish comments I've seen at FR.
If you post on a forum you're offering an opinion. Only a child thinks their opinion won't be responded to with a different view. IOW, if you don't like what others have to say don't post on an open forum.