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.
This helps me keep things in perspective. When I preach, I’m preaching largely to myself. Every once in a while, others hear what I hear as well. Those sweet words of a God who undergirds our every step. Who looks on us and through us with nothing but love.
A God who is FOR us. Even when we try like hell to be against ourselves and others.
Amen.
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.