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What Does the Bible Say About..Attitudes?

What does the Bible say about a member's (or person's) attitude toward the pastor? Also provide scriptural references.

Answer

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:17-20)
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” (Hebrews 13:7)
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

These last three are written in the context of elders (who are meant when the Bible talks of shepherds/pastors). They may also apply to preachers as a general rule, but the preacher has no biblical authority over a congregation except as a teacher. In fact, most preachers we read about in the Bible moved from congregation to congregation and were often not available to be chosen as an elder/pastor for any given congregation.

So the attitude toward the elders should be submission, love, esteem, and honor. But it also includes public rebuke when two or more witnesses prove an accusation against them.