I have come across several references to "internet pastors" and I am wondering just what this is? It seems to me that more and more people are turning to the internet for information, so is an internet pastor just someone who is answering questions concerning Christianity, or is this an actual ordained position supported by one or more churches?

I have long had a desire to be a teaching pastor and a counseling pastor. God has tugged on my heart for many years in these areas and continually puts people in my life who are seeking my advice on spiritual matters. I lack about 5 classes in finishing up a BS in business administration and do not have the resources to return to school to pursue a degree in the bible or in theology. Because of this I have never tried for a position in a church. This whole idea of an internet pastor is interesting because it is similar to what I already do on this web site if I understand the concept correctly.

I am a teacher for a small group from my church and we meet once a week for studies. It is one of the most fulfilling ministries I have ever served in and I love the research and the teaching. I think being an internet pastor could be just as fulfilling if it is what I think it is.

What do you think?

8/18/2009 4:24:58 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

I hope that you don't have to be ordained, as I think you would make an excellent internet pastor. I don't know where I would have been without the internet this year. When I first came to Christ I was too nervous to go to church at first, and none of my friends or family are Christian so it was quite a lonely journey in the beginning. Although there are many websites that are dedicated to questions and answers, I noticed a distinct lack of websites that offered a personal reply to my questions from someone with knowledge and experience, like you. That's one of the reasons I'm so glad I found Delve into Jesus (thank you Michael!). Although I do go to a church now, I am still painfully shy, and have found that I still have a need for the internet to answer some of my questions and give advice. Although it's not a replacement for church, it's a wonderful supplement, and my learning has been greatly enhanced through internet teachings.

You're right, more and more people rely on the internet as a primary source of information now, and how enriched it would be if more people like you were offering themselves as a resource!

If it turns out that you do have to be ordained, perhaps you could still take on the role of an internet pastor (which, as I understand it is answering questions about the Bible, responding to prayer requests, and providing advice and information) but call yourself by a different name?

I hope that you do pursue this- it's a great idea. You will be in my prayers.

Every blessing

Debora

8/20/2009 1:04:15 AM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement. This whole idea is different for me, as I have been a regular attendee of a church for the past 15 years. This being able to discuss our beliefs through the internet is fascinating to me. Unfortunately, I believe there is also room for a great deal of misuse and misleading to take place. One must be careful to always weigh what they are told or what they read by what is contained within the bible. This needs to be the first and foremost source of wisdom and knowledge when seeking God. Before I answer anyone's question I always consult the bible and pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance because I would never want to give bad advice or bad information in an answer.

Blessings upon you!

8/22/2009 1:22:48 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

True, there certainly is a lot of drivel out there! I tend to try and stick to websites recommended to me by someone, and I pray for protection when I'm browsing the net, just in case I stumble across anything evil. With all its flaws though, I still love the seemingly endless wealth of information that's right at my fingertips. It is amazing that we can all come together in Christ even though we're thousands of miles apart. Internet fellowship- I love it!

Blessings upon you too, brother! Please keep us updated....

8/22/2009 1:56:16 PM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

I love the internet as well! It is so convenient when you need to know something. Funny thing though, most of us tend to believe it because we read it, and as you know, this isn't always a good policy. I am glad to hear you pray for protection as this is vital in my estimation. While I do my best never to mislead anyone, and I feel the folks journaling on this web site act the same way, there are a lot of enemies out there who love nothing more than to mislead and misguide new Christians. I even encourage people to question the things I write since I am not infallible and it is all my personal interpretation. The internet is such a blessing though to those who can't get out of the house much. It does give access that 10 years ago did not exist.

Blessings upon you!

8/22/2009 5:13:01 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

I even encourage people to question the things I write since I am not infallible and it is all my personal interpretation.

That's funny- I was telling a friend the other day about why I love Chuck Missler's bible studies so much- he presents his views/beliefs and also encourages his audience to do their research and make up their own minds. I really respect and admire that method of teaching. My friend described him as "a teacher, not a preacher".

there are a lot of enemies out there who love nothing more than to mislead and misguide new Christians.

That's why I think a good church is essential- if a church has good, reliable, Bible-based teachings, then it should be easier for the new Christian to discern the truth from the trash. In fact, if I were ever going to give pastoral advice online, I would make a point of always asking if they were a church member.

hahaha, I think I just caught the passion-for-teaching bug from you! I'll give it back now... I'm not done learning yet!

Every blessing

D

8/23/2009 12:40:55 PM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

Keep it up Debora, God loves when we stretch out and you have good instincts. Just remember that discernment is a Spiritual Gift given by the Holy Spirit to help us to avoid false teachers. Ask Him for this gift and it will grow within you and help to protect you.

Blessings upon you!

8/24/2009 6:11:30 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

kcgodlyman,

It sounds like you have the same desires that Michael did when he started Delve into Jesus?? Is Michael an ordained Pastor?

I believe the Lord has called you to be a teacher and that you have already proven to be a good one here on Delve....

Like you, I meet with personally and lead/teach small groups on a weekly basis..AND have an on-line bible study on Google.

Maybe you could pick a subject or book and teach/discuss it via a Google account? That way you can step out and see if that's what you are being called to do?

Definition of a Pastor - The gift of assuming the responsibility for the spiritual welfare for a group of Christians.

Definition of a Teacher - The gift of effectively communicating God's Word to believers, producing spiritual growth.

Which one of these do you feel led to do?

8/27/2009 6:12:48 AM by Lapanache, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/29/2009

I'm not an ordained pastor, but it's certainly among my many long term goals. Until recently, I was enrolled in a Master of Theology program, but I've had to withdraw in order to give my young family the attention it deserves. I look forward to starting up again as soon my girls are in school.

Very early on, before I had a strong vision of what Delve Christian Ministries was to become, I would have said that I wanted to be an internet pastor. Today, I see my role as much more of a teacher than a pastor. That may change after I complete my studies, but I don't know how God will choose to use me. I look forward to finding that out according to His timing.

8/27/2009 3:02:07 PM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Thank you everyone for your input. I am still a little confused on what an internet pastor is, but I do feel that I am on the right track toward finding my calling. One thing that is interesting is that I have always loved teaching and continue to do so with a small group meeting once a week, plus being co-leader for a men's bible study. The interesting part is that the Lord keeps sending me people in need of counseling, which is an area I did not see myself, but I have found that it comes very naturally for me. I firmly believe in following where the Lord leads and will do so in this case. I will always teach, but must explore the possibilities in counseling. Giving advice on this site has been very rewarding and feels right. Praise God that He is in control and always knows exactly what is best for us.

Blessings upon you!

8/30/2009 3:51:01 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009