pastor's attendence at Wednesday night prayer meetings

[joymark]

Hello,
My name is Joyce.  We are trying hard to have our Wednesday night prayer meeting grow.  I wonder why the pastor never comes.  Isn't it importantant he be there as a leader and shepherd?

[marc]

Have you talked to him about it?

[joymark]

Not personally.  But I believe, he doesn't want to come.  But you are right, I should ask him.

[janine]

Does the pastor do all the work around there?

[joymark]

thanks for the input.  I have my answer.  I called the Pastor.

[HRoberson]

Is he getting paid?

[Silvia]

If you've talked to the pastor, what did he say?

Is there a good leader at prayer meetings? Or do you just think that he should be there because he's the pastor?

The reason I ask (and sorry for jumping in here late - I just saw this) is because so often people forget that the pastor may have other responsibilites that night, or maybe it's a night that he needs to spend with his family.

Too often we forget that our pastors are real people also. We can't expect them to be serving 24/7 or whenever people think that they need him. Pastors need time off, just like the rest of us do. And...I think we often underestimate the stuff that they do - aren't aware of how much they really do. It's more than just preparing and preaching a sermon or two every week.

(sorry if I'm coming across as being on a soapbox here. I'm not yelling at you, OP. I hope. Maybe this is a "just in case" post - maybe some of it will hit home with you. But I happen to be closely related to a pastor...I will now climb off my soapbox and slink back to my quiet little corner! :-} ).

[Corbley]

Hello,
My name is Joyce.  We are trying hard to have our Wednesday night prayer meeting grow.  I wonder why the pastor never comes.  Isn't it importantant he be there as a leader and shepherd?

Sometimes, when the Pastor attends prayer meetings like you speak of......The discussion usually centers around the pastors thoughts....As you and other members respect him enough to not disagree (or debate).
it changes the complexity of the group

[HRoberson]

...and this is where the good pastor knows how to elicit opposing ideas, comments, and questions.