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DMcFadden · #12 (**permalink**) 04-19-2008, 08:37 PM

There were too many missing details to speak knowledgeably. We really need to be careful about pontificating on cases where we don't know the whole situation.

Generally speaking, however, during my pastorates, I had numerous full time associates. Nobody from our finance committee ever told me about their giving patterns. We did not do that in my congregations. This makes me think that he may not have been giving at all. And, that may be the reason why the issue got flagged. And, yes, I would feel that it was a pretty hypocritical thing to be a pastor of a church and not contribute to its support.

If he is willing to submit, however, then I agree with Will that it smells as if something else is going on besides the money. If he was only "willing" to go along but did so with a bad attitude, that would still be an issue. Otherwise, the senior pastor sounds way out of line. Sad.

There are enough reasons why congregation members roll their eyes over the expectations of their pastors. To preach the need for Christian stewardship and have a staff pastor not participate would undermine the ministry and credibility of the senior pastor. That is generally not a good way to assure longevity for associate pastors, at least in baptist circles.