Earlier this week, I was observing a group of Christians who were having an avid discussion about Clergy. While I was trying not to eavesdrop, I couldn't help but hear them because they were speaking loudly and vehemently about it. Normally, I don't listen to such things because they are none of my business. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and discussions about Pastors & Church leaders is included in that right. However, as I continued to listen, I noticed some hurtful things being said about Pastors in general. Not, "Well, I don't like this Pastor or this Minister because of so and so", but instead words like,
"I hate Pastors & Ministers. They all lie and they are all hypocrites." I would normally chalk this up to an issue with a Pastor they've had before, however, almost everyone in that group agreed with this person. I made a note to see if this was a common trend among churches, since youth are very important to the Body of Christ.
    I did a little research (mostly on the Internet, since I can't travel to all of these places I wanted information about), and asked a few general questions regarding what most Christian & non-Christian teens age 15 - 20 about how they  felt about the Clergy. Below are the results of that survey.


US -  Christian Teens: About 60% of American teens I spoke to felt that Pastors & Ministers were doing what God had called them to do, and they were fulfilling the needs of their congregations. That left 35% who felt that Ministers were not fulfilling their roles, and 5% were undecided or uninterested.

US - Non-Christian Teens: At least 50% of American teens felt that Ministers were hypocrites who were just trying to make money off of everyone. While about 40% felt Ministers were really nice religious people who wanted to show peace and love to the World. This leaves about 10% undecided or uninterested.

EUR - Christian Teens: About 70% of European Teens (the countries included are, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland & Italy) found that Ministers do fulfill their church's needs. while 10% felt they were not, and 20% didn't care or were undecided.

EUR - Non-Christian Teens: 10% of European Teens felt that Ministers were good people who liked to help others. Also, 10% felt that Ministers were hypocritical, while 80% of European Teens didn't care or were undecided.

    US & Several European countries were my main focus, however, if you live in a country I did not mention, please feel free to email me and tell me your opinions & observations. I would be most appreciative.

    If you are wondering where any of this is going, I will now explain. You see, over the course of about 4 months, I have been noticing a trend that seems to be growing in popularity, that is, Pastors are nice to listen to sometimes, but have nothing of real value to offer. This is not something I have made up, this is what I have seen in my neck of the woods over the course of these 4 months, as well as across the Internet, in chat rooms, message boards, websites, and so on.
    Some of you may feel I am biased since I am a Minister. That makes no difference to me. I do not make money from these sermons, nor do I ask for it. I do not use my opinions and twist the Word of the Bible into something according to my own agenda. I do not accept "donations" from people or businesses who would like a little bit of product placement in my sermons. Everything I do is for the greater Glory of God, and in His Service am I truly held responsible. But why does this bother me so?
    It bothers me, because according to Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit", is no longer an admonishment to those who rebel, but now to many newer and younger generations of Christians, it is becoming an option. If you like the Minister, you listen to them, and if you don't like them, you berate them or do not listen to them. Before you may gasp or cry out that you do not do such a thing, please know that I am not referring to all Christian teens. Quite the contrary, most Christian teens are very faithful and loyal to the Lord, and they do heed the words of their Pastors alike. What I speak of is a very quickly growing sentiment that Ministers are out for themselves and do only what interests them. This is a damaging sentiment, in that, the students will not listen to the teacher, and it smacks of arrogance and pride.
    I know there are Pastors out in the world who do only serve themselves, they will answer to the Lord Jesus Christ for their false doctrines and greed. If you do not like a particular minister, please, simply find another house of Worship.  And, as a final note, if you would like to find out more about becoming a Minister yourself, please email me and I will be glad to guide you through the steps.

    
God Bless you,
Pastor J.W. Allen