Emergent pastors

This post is from the defunct blog “Dying Church”

From The Mute Troubadour (060403) – thanks to Mike Todd for the link:

Some Characteristics of an Emergent Pastor 1) Is a "tentmaker;" does not rely on a local church/congregation for financial support. Will accept such support only if freely given, because it is right for God's people to support those who serve the Gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1-21). 2) Is spiritually motivated by Matthew 5 – 7; Matthew 28:20; John 1, 3, and 17; 1 Corinthians 12 – 13; Ephesians 5; and Philippians 2:3-11. 3) Is theologically and vocationally motivated by Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 28:16-20; and especially Ephesians 4:4-16, and 2 Timothy 4:1-5. 4) Shepherds people to/with Christ by way of the scriptures and sacraments. 5) Christ-oriented, not career oriented. (The very notion of a "pastoral career" is a travesty of the word "pastor.") 6) Understands that love is self-giving, not sacrificial in the sense of "losing" something. 7) Clear sense of self in relationship to God and others. 8) Bound and abandoned to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 9) Serves the demands of the Gospel, not those of people. 10) Understands the difference between church tradition and local custom(s), that customs are expendable while traditions are renewable. 11) Consciously works with the Holy Spirit in serving the Kingdom on earth. 12) Is a servant, not a manager; a servant, not a technician; a servant, not an entrepreneur; a servant, not a CEO, "senior minister/pastor", "coach", or "advisor." 13) Has banished the words "leader" and "leadership" from his/her self-understanding as to the pastors' role among God's people. (See #12.) 14) Has rejected the institutionalized church, but avidly seeks and works with the instituted Church, however it is manifested in this world.