December 13, 2006
Out of Context: Randall Hasper
"We modern, well-educated, pastoral Dr. Phils may, if not careful, begin to think our answers are more important than God's Word or God's presence. But we must remember that we are servants of Christ in the ministry of healing damaged hearts, not religious answering machines."
-Randall Hasper is pastor of Paseo del Rey Church in Chula Vista, California
Taken from "Domestic Disputes" in the Fall 2006 issue of Leadership journal. To see the quote IN context, you'll need to see the print version of Leadership. To subscribe, click on the cover of Leadership on this page.
Posted by UrL Scaramanga on December 13, 2006
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Comments
Frankly I don't think a pastor's primary ministry should be "healing damaged hearts". The pastor is there to instruct and to prevent doctrinal drift, not to make people feel better. The christian message itself is powerful enough to do that. Friendship also plays a role. I said freindship not fellowship.
Posted by: John M. at December 13, 2006
Hasper's statements help make an excellent case for an expository (or topical expository)approach to our preaching. Instead of seeking out "proof texts" to back up our opinions and self-help formulas, we need to be letting the Word of God do our guiding and speaking for us.
http://geoffbaggett.wordpress.com
Posted by: Geoff Baggett at December 13, 2006
John,
I'd be quite interested in what prompted you to distinguish between friendship and fellowship. I have an idea, but I'd like to hear from you. I've been thinking about this same thing and how it affects my church.
Ronedski@yahoo.com
Posted by: Ron at December 14, 2006
LOVE the quote.
Posted by: Keith McIlwain at December 15, 2006
"Frankly I don't think a pastor's primary ministry should be "healing damaged hearts". The pastor is there to instruct and to prevent doctrinal drift, not to make people feel better."
I don't think "healing damaged hearts" in this quote means the kind of feel-good self-help our culture creates. I think Hasper means the healing power of Christ's love on the damage caused by a life of separation from God and living for self. I take great issue with the idea that hte pastor is there just to make sure everybody believes and says the right things. True life change can't come just from knowledge. It is a fallacy that if you believe the right things, you will behave the right way. Human beings just don't work that way. The radical healing/regeneration/repentance that Jesus brings requires pastors who are into more than making sure everyone intellectually assents to certain theological ideas.
Truth matters, but not without love. A pastor who wants only to "prevent doctrinal drift" without a true regard for the people to whom he is speaking will be ineffective. Psalm 78:72 describes the leadership of David: "He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands."
Posted by: Travis at December 17, 2006