Question for Christians.?

Question

Have you ever questioned your pastor? Did he or she get offended that you would question their prayer for you or their sermon. Do you think it is biblically okay to question? Not being rude of course, but because you geuniune questions.

Answer 1

Absolutely!



And no, he's never gotten offended. I've challenged him many times, including this last week (e.g., what's the biblical basis for requiring someone have a 'call' to the ministry before we approve them to go to seminary). Our pastor welcomes it!

Answer 2

You should never feel afraid to ask a sincere question to your Pastor/Spiritual Leader/Priest, etc.... Especially if you want clarification of what was said during their sermon. If they are offended, that's their problem, not yours.

Although, if was asked rudely or aggressively, then there might be a cause for concern, but you stated it was asked in a polite way.

In the New Testement, James writes: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not... (KJV - James 1:5)

To me, this excerpt seems to say, it's all right to ask questions, so you can get some answers, and if your Pastor/Leader can't help, then go Higher! Heavenly Father says he'll give you the answer....

Hard part is... the listening and being open to what He has in mind...

Also, if you're questioning, it means you're thinking of what is being presented and not just letting it wash over you. I hope this leads you to a good dialogue with your Pastor and I hope you find the answers you seek...

Answer 3

I would say it depends on how you question them. If you yell out during a service, I think I could understand why a pastor might take offense. However, if you take them aside and discuss what you think....I think it's quite alright and most pastors I know would be okay with this. You have to remember though, as you disagree with whatever they've said, they can still disagree with your take on it. And it doesn't make anyone the worse for wear if you can do this is a respectful manner.

Answer 4

yes, in fact you absolutely should question, its your responsibility to question if you dont understand something. You aren't saved by your pastors faith, but by your own. You should always seek to understand God better, by reading the Bible, Praying and by questioning elders in the faith like your pastor. But be honest in your questions, dont go with an ambush and expect him to know everything, he might need to research and pray about something aswell. If your being disrespectful or obviously just trying to pick a fight, or an excuse not to believe, then you might not get a great reaction from you pastor. Jesus might have handled it better, but the rest of us, including your pastor, are works in progress. Give them a chance. If though it becomes clear that they arent interested in teaching you or helping you in your relationship with God, it might be worth finding another church. They may simply not know the answer to your question. But youve got the bible, prayer and the internet to do research, if you find an answer run it by them to make sure your not going crazy or starting a cult :)

Answer 5

Many times and legitimate questions should be welcomed by pastors. My pastor has never been offended by my questions and always has biblical back-up for his answers.

Answer 6

I've questioned my pastor before about issues and no he didnt get offended. No pastor should get offended because everything they say should be able to be backed up from the bible.

Answer 7

You should question, if you aren't sure where the pastor is getting something from...it both keeps him accountable to stick to Biblical principles and also helps you understand better. I haven't questioned my pastor enough to talk to him about it...I've been lucky to have a pastor who tends to cite where in the Bible he gets his message and explains it well.

Answer 8

as long as you were not rude and were honestly seeking to further your understanding or to point out what you genuinly thought was in error... I frequently question my pastor.. not during the service though. And if it is personal I do so in private not in the hall outside or where it could be overheard... but at the mens meeting it is no holds barred... We question a lot...

Answer 9

If ever I have a question for my Pastor, I ask, and no she has never ever been offended and has answered all I have asked, she is wonderful...

Answer 10

Questioning your faith is part of being human. God gave us all free will and the ability to do with it as we choose. Even Christ questions his faith just before he dies - "Oh God, Oh God, why hast thou forsaken me?".



The problem with questioning, though, is that in being human, when we question, we look for proof. We want an absoultely clear answer to our questions. And to prove God's existence on a scientific level goes against the basic ideas of Christianity.



So to answer your question...



Have I ever questioned a pastor? On more than one occasion.

Is it biblically OK to question? Yes.



The best advice I can give you is to look to your Bible. You never have to question that.

Answer 11

Yes, it is ok to question. Jesus liked to be tested by the pharisees and saducees: it gave him a chance to show them the love of God. So if you have questions, then ask your pastor, and if he gets offended and doesn't answer your questions forwardly and honestly, I suggest it is time you changed churches.

Answer 12

All the time. No he did not get offended. Yes it's okay to question the Bible. God is not afraid of questions since He has all the answers.

Answer 13

I have questioned pastors before. I don't think they were offended.

Answer 14

I think if you are a member and he is your pastor Yes it is wrong! You need not have a Spirit of offense! Why bring discord to your church!? Did he say something that was TRUE and it struck YOU wrong? Think twice and pray before you do something...don't be like a pharisee!

Answer 15

I question my pastor quite often in order to gain greater insight as well as to share my own views. These are give and take discussions from which we both seem to benefit.

Answer 16

i do all the time now that i live in berkeley. the priests here have gone off the deep end about quite a few things.



as a catholic i was taught to respect the clergy; but as an irshman ive been taught to question and rebel.

Answer 17

You should! For politeness, wait till after the sermon and talk to them then. In my past expiriences I have never been correct, but they elaborated furthur to help me understand

Answer 18

Of course it is OK. Pastors are human too.

Answer 19

Of course it is ok to question. Never surrender your mind to religious indoctrination and never think you are obligated to believe the things they teach you. The church does not own God or have a corner on Jesus.

Answer 20

sometimes yes i do question my pastor. but it shouldn't offend them. they are there for your questions. go on! ask as many respectful questions as you want. pastors are there to help you grow in your faith!

Answer 21

i personally dont think there is anything wrong with asking questions of your pastor there are many people that see it as a threat to them not neccessarily to the religion and therefore thats there problem many of them forget that you are there to work ion your beleifs and /or religion and not their authority

Answer 22

Yes and I was told to leave the church, He could not or would not admit that he was teaching lies when it came down to the trinity, matter of fact the minister could not explain it either.

Answer 23

It is wrong not to question. "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Answer 24

Absolutely ok to think for yourself, raise your own ideas, and disagree with your clergy. No open minded community would have it otherwise, and God did not create us to make us robots.

Answer 25

There is absolutely nothing wrong with questioning your pastor. He/she should welcome genuine questions. If offense is taken, then I'd guess that he/she isn't very secure in themselves or their calling.

Answer 26

Question? Sometimes I argue. If its different than the bible.

Answer 27

it's definitly ok to question.

You shouldn't do it in an angry or confrontational mannor, but absolutly if you think they've said something wrong you should question them.

Answer 28

The bible says you better question it!