When I was working as a priest, it seemed sometimes that people thought they were paying me to be “church” so that they did not have to be. They wanted me to do all the things they felt should be done, but they did not want to do themselves: visit their elderly parents, teach their children, increase attendance, give to the poor, preach the gospel, etc. etc. I began to think that Anglican clergy get called vicar (short for vicarious?) because their congregations want someone to be good on their behalf.
Now for the joke:
When I was a pastor, I was paid to be good.
Now, I’m good for nothing.
[...] h/t quester [...]
Isn’t that the truth, Quester. And, I think trying to do everything, and be there for everyone all the time is a sure path to spiritual burn-out. It would be for me anyway.
What ever happened to the “priesthood of all believers?”
I hope you’re joking about being “good for nothing.”
No way. I sense your kind, and compassionate heart.
What ever happened to the “priesthood of all believers?”
They received neither job descriptions nor pay, and decided to give the former to the latter.
I hope you’re joking about being “good for nothing.”
I was trying, but I think it fell flat.