In my tradition, the preacher does not stand outside the community of hearers but rather in the middle of it. Yes, pastors are elected to study the scriptures, administer the sacraments, care for the souls of the community, baptize, provide sacred space, offer confession and absolution, share the preached word, etc. It’s a j-o-b, for sure, and a full-time one. But the pastor is not at a higher spiritual status than anyone else in the community.
Hi Jonas. I read your "job description." How different is this from Catholicism. Especially the confession bit? Just interested and not trying to start a firestorm.
Hi Jonas. I read your "job description." How different is this from Catholicism. Especially the confession bit? Just interested and not trying to start a firestorm.
Thank you for saying this and believing it too . . . "But the pastor is not at a higher spiritual status than anyone else in the community."
Many preachers have lost their way and no longer realize that fact.