I don't know what is going on with the pastor of the church I used to attend, but for the past year he's had a rather negative attitude. He's not preaching as often as he used to. We have a lot of all music sundays. Not that I'm agaist musical worship or anything. I enjoy singing, but I do think that some sort of message should be included in the service on sundays.

He had been a wonderful pastor before this started. I loved all of his sermons. Unfortunately, since he's not giving them, I decided to leave the church this past summer. I've looked at other churches these past few months, and I can't really find any churches where I've enjoyed a sermon quite like I used to enjoy his. Of course, this just might be because I'm not familiar with the people there, or the way they've got their worship set up. There was one that I did like quite a bit, but their emphasis on speaking in tongues disturbed me. I don't like taking my little sister(age 9) to a sunday school where they tell her that the way she prays isn't proper communication with God, and that she MUST pray in tongues.

So, what do you all look for in a pastor and in a church?

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"Good morning! Hehe... ever realize what an oxymoron that statement really is? I don't like mornings, they aren't very good for me. Then again, we also have to deal with oxymorons like "military intelligence" and "smart bombs" so putting up with an oxymoron like "good morning" really isn't all that tough..."

Someone who peaches the word and is understanding and caring towards people.

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God rocks and so does wp

I had this problem a while back.

I definitely like to be where life is. My old church's youth group was dead...there was no progress happening, it was the same thing over and over. The actual church service was horrible as well, as it was mainly focused to the 50+ age group.

I obviously like the church I'm at now, because I've been there for over a year. Hmm...what I look for in a pastor? Well, I appreciate my senior pastor a lot, because he is involved in his church. He knows what's going on in every aspect, and he fully supports all of it.

And he's not afraid to offend. Some pastors dislike speaking on controversial topics because they're scared their numbers [as in members] will go down. My pastor just goes out and says it [ie, homosexuality is wrong...etc topics] lovingly, and gives us advice on these topics. However, he's not the brain of the church. What he says isn't always what goes. And he's not afraid to admit that he was wrong.

Specifically my youth pastor...he has a connection with us teens. He knows the daily struggles [anywhere from not reading the Bible regularly to masturbation...yeah, I said it] we go through, and he teaches us on that. He's relevant in an accepting way. And he is as well involved in the church, and the kids. Although we have a large group of attenders to our high school services, he takes the time to get to know the newbies, as well as develop relationships with the regulars. He's involved with our high schools [ie; goes to SYATP events, speaks and encourages football players before their big game...etc] and he knows what the struggles are there. For instance, my school has a huge drug problem, so he gives us advice on how to confront that and how to be supportive of people trying to break free from their addictions...

So overall...I believe a good pastor is someone who is relatable, someone who's on the same level as you. If they think they're better than you [and have a 'holier than thou' vibe] then they shouldn't be leading a church. A good pastor is involved with his congregation, and knows how to help where help is needed.

I'll have to get back to you on what makes a good church. This post is long enough as it is.

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Well, for me personally, I need to really know my pastor. I've only been a "member" of 2 churches. The first church, I went to for about 6 years, and I don't think my pastor ever even knew my name. Then, I started going to a church on the churches 3rd week. To state it differently, my church is 2 years old, and I've attended it ever since the 3rd sunday it was "open". Therefore, it's a VERY intimate enviroment. I have my pastor's personal house and cell phone number in my phone. I think it's cool that he is a full time pastor, rather than just having people leave him messages on the church phone. He really cares about our lives, and helps us without judging us. Just in general, God is his main focus in life, so how can you really go wrong with someone like that?
Also, he's realistic. He's not afraid to admit that he gets mad and slips out "bad" words occasionally, rather than trying to act like the stereotypical "pastor that never gets mad or struggles with things." Basically, just someone who truly loves God, and is realistic. ...I think I should wrap-up this rant... haha

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It's hard to stumble. when you're on your knees.

I agree with Arin and Steph. My pastor is very easy to relate to, has a great sense of humor, and loves the Lord with all that he is. He's intellectual, wise, and stimulating and he has a lot of experience. Has no problem admitting when he's wrong about something. He gets on everyone's level- teens and adults alike adore him. He is loving and gentle, but he's also uncompromising on his beliefs, and leads his flock thusly. In short- I believe that I have the ideal pastor, and if ever I have to look for another church, I'd find one that had an undershepherd like him.

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And if you'll but listen I'll make your eyes glisten,

At the rows and the ructions of Lanigan's Ball...

yeah being easy to relate too is important.

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God rocks and so does wp

Our pastor is young, funny, relaxed and easy to relate to I guess these are the qualities I would look for in other pastors to.

well yeah except maybe the young ours has been doing it for 56 years.

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God rocks and so does wp

That the person does not say anything contrary to God's word and is Holy Spirit filled.

yeah but the trouble is that is debatable as to who that is but then so is everything else that this thread has said.

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God rocks and so does wp

I really like my current pastor.

He connects with people at all ages--except maybe elementary students whose parents let them bring things to church (grrr, I hate it when parents do that--it's annoying and distracting!). He's very serious and intellectual; and he always gives several Bible references to back up a point. He always drives the point home and uses common allusions to add humor to his sermons. His sermons are also an hour long; long enough to keep interest and also long enough to supply a point.

My pastor is pretty much amazing

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"It is better to have loved than to have been loved."

"Are you prepared to give up the life you love for someone else?"

"Prepare for marshmallow meltdown..."

"Walking around barefoot when it snows..."

Scarecrow and Tinman/This much
Lost Dogs/Make Believe
Switchfoot/Lonely Nation
Switchfoot/Gone
Paul Coleman Trio/Africa

♥