Andrew Shields

commented on Feb 2, 2013

Thinking about the word Pornography. It objectifies people. It makes you want more, in a bad way, @ it leaves you unsatisfied, also in a bad way. So yes even though it was used to shock, I think it was used correctly. Don't dream for the big leagues, because if you are faithful, you are already there. This article was helpfulto me, a pastor called to a small church. Much more than a reflection on how to do a worship team with 5 services on a Sunday.

Steven Farless

commented on Feb 2, 2013

I agree 100 and have had to overcome it myself. but it is a mixed message; the pressure, expectations, and insinuations are for us to become that pornographic picture instead of who we really are. "God is blessing them because they are mega." but the guy slugging it out in rural, urban, or blue collar areas where sin and personal destruction cannon hide behind glitter is patted on the back with token encouragement and pity. I agree Ed; but it will continue to be pornography until the message changes. Pornography is a publishing problem, as much as it is a consumer problem.

Steven Farless

commented on Feb 2, 2013

I agree 100 and have had to overcome it myself. but it is a mixed message; the pressure, expectations, and insinuations are for us to become that pornographic picture instead of who we really are. "God is blessing them because they are mega." but the guy slugging it out in rural, urban, or blue collar areas where sin and personal destruction cannon hide behind glitter is patted on the back with token encouragement and pity. I agree Ed; but it will continue to be pornography until the message changes. Pornography is a publishing problem, as much as it is a consumer problem.

Prescott Jay Erwin

commented on Feb 2, 2013

This is a powerfu message which I've shared with my pastor friends via "facebook," HOWEVER the article is titled "How to Fight Ministry Pornography" and it's pretty shallow on the "how to." 1) Be aware, 2) Be satisfied, 3) Be obedient, those are all good, but it seems to fall short of "how to." Putting it in terms of "pornography" is helpful because it's a shocking reality; this needs to be fleshed out more for a "how to" article, otherwise give it a different title.

Anonymous Contributor

commented on Feb 3, 2013

Good dialogue. Yes. Very true as well. However, as a rural pastor I came here with the resolve that I came here to serve the King of Kings. I relinquished the 'grand' for the grander...being faithful to the call to feed God's sheep. I know that the phrase 'Publish or perish' becomes the mantra for the ones under THAT pressure where thousands flock to be fed on Sunday mornings in the large metropolis. But that is THEIR cross to bear. Mine is to be under the microscope of a small group of people in a town where everyone knows everyone else's business...true or not. I see the danger mentioned here. But I like having the men available on the computer as one of the ways to stay fresh and be encouraged. And broken. As I hear their passion, their message, see them broken in the middle of 'success'. I think what keeps me going is the picture that the Lord gave me when coming here about 3 years ago. Whether a family has 12 children or 1 the basic needs of the young being tended to are the same. I have the smaller 'family' but they need the same things and should be convicted regarding sin, righteousness and judgment just like the larger 'family'. IMHO

Anonymous Contributor

commented on Feb 3, 2013

Good dialogue. Yes. Very true as well. However, as a rural pastor I came here with the resolve that I came here to serve the King of Kings. I relinquished the 'grand' for the grander...being faithful to the call to feed God's sheep. I know that the phrase 'Publish or perish' becomes the mantra for the ones under THAT pressure where thousands flock to be fed on Sunday mornings in the large metropolis. But that is THEIR cross to bear. Mine is to be under the microscope of a small group of people in a town where everyone knows everyone else's business...true or not. I see the danger mentioned here. But I like having the men available on the computer as one of the ways to stay fresh and be encouraged. And broken. As I hear their passion, their message, see them broken in the middle of 'success'. I think what keeps me going is the picture that the Lord gave me when coming here about 3 years ago. Whether a family has 12 children or 1 the basic needs of the young being tended to are the same. I have the smaller 'family' but they need the same things and should be convicted regarding sin, righteousness and judgment just like the larger 'family'. IMHO

Ryan Vernon

commented on Jul 2, 2023

I am guilty as charged! Would love to learn more on this topic. I am constantly fighting this battle and church conferences and blogs and such don't help because the "big dogs" are portrayed as having it all together. And if I just do what they do, I'll get the same results. NOPE. I'm constantly asking God why one Mega star pastor can preach on how to be a Christian at work and hundreds of people get saved. I preach on Romans and nothing happens. It's frustrating to say the least. 🤣 I keep wondering what I'm doing wrong and why God is not blessing us like that he's blessing that "guy." I like what John said at the end. Measure the obedience, not the results. Thanks for the reminder that I need to get better at this!