it is one of those things of pride before the fall. we as Christians can do only two major things pray for them and talk to them. I find that one of the most prevalent persons in the new testament did this often, thats right Paul, he told pastors and priests and the rest of the officials that they needed help. we can do the same (of course in love, this is where they faulter) GOD BLESS I will be praying for you. +2

Some people use the Bible to justify being the kind of jerk that they want to be.

For the same reason many doctors act high and mighty, all the extra schooling/studying they put themselves through.

Just because you think they are Kings? and Preists of God, doesn't mean that they have any concept of how to behave. Many fakes pass as preists.

jesus said to beware of false teachers and prophets. this is a clear indication of the fact that they are not genuine true christians. you have to ask yourself some hard questions as to why you want to continue tolerating this behavior, and why you have not searched out the true religion. the apostle paul said this of what many would prefer instead of searching for the truth: "however, the inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading,inspired utterances and teachings of demons." (1timothy 4:1) the bible further says at 2timothy 4:3,4 "for there will be a period of time when they(many professing to be chrisian)will not put up with the healthful teaching, but in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories." and so it is with many who claim to be christian, they are members of many churches that are teaching outright lies, now for centuries. they are members of churches that require almost by force that they give tithes. these individuals would rather put up with such abuse from their clergy than learn the truth of the scriptures and conform their lives to such teachings. it takes too much sacrifice, too many changes and they rather endure and prefer to continue as they are. the truth is that a real shepherd is identified by the love he shows his flock. he has to be willing go give up his life if need be. by the way you describe your postors these are not genuine christians. for more information go to www.watchtower.org

Mat 23:1-12 "Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying: 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. 3 Therefore all the things they tell YOU, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but do not perform. 4 They bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. 5 All the works they do they do to be viewed by men; for they broaden the [scripture-containing] cases that they wear as safeguards, and enlarge the fringes [of their garments]. 6 They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues, 7 and the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called Rabbi by men. 8 But YOU, do not YOU be called Rabbi, for one is YOUR teacher, whereas all YOU are brothers. 9 Moreover, do not call anyone YOUR father on earth, for one is YOUR Father, the heavenly One. 10 Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. 11 But the greatest one among YOU must be YOUR minister. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted"

No one should think they are closer to God than anyone else.God loves me the same as He does Moses or Abraham or John the beloved or Paul and David.He loves us all the same.The Pastor is the head teaching elder of the church,He is the leader of the church.But He is a sinner just as any other christian.My Dad was a Pastor,and My Brother is our pastor now.Neither one of them has ever thought they were closer to God.All true Christians are preachers and are to spread the gospel throughout the whole world.Could it be you don't like your sin being preached at.You know the preacher is the mouth piece of Christ,so don't get mad if God shows you something in your life that shouldn't be there.I don't know if that is your case,but alot of people get mad at preachers for telling the truth in the pulpit.Also Kings of God?Where is that in scripture?

I thought only 144,000 Jewish male virgins actually got to be "kings and priests of God".

Remember that religion is man made, not God made. It may be time for you to seek a Church community that operates more in the way in which you think it should.

It's not just the pastors. There is the ever-present gossip chain, made up of old busybodies and popular girls who have nothing better to do than put others down. They do it for the same reason that everybody else does it - the surge of euphoria that comes with putting others down. It's not part of Jesus's message to us at all. His was a message of hope, unconditional love, compassion, acceptance, and the power of the Atonement. Understand this - the words of Jesus are true, but his followers sometimes aren't.

Preachers/priests/whatever are hucksters, and their 'flocks' have demonstrated that they're suitable marks by showing up so of course the hucksters are going to take advantage of them.

Thats why you have to put GODS WORD above all. Dont listen to anyone and their opinions/doctrines. Some mix truth w/ lies to real stump you. Stay away from Catholics, Methodists, etc.. all teaching something different. We are warned the bible-DO NOT CALL YOURSELF ANYTHING OTHER THAN A CHRISTIAN. Dont call yourself Lutheran(Luther himself warned the people! They didnt listen! True, look it up.) So, people get into these churches and trusting their opinions/doctrines and pretty soon are brainwashed. When.. all this time, the truth was right in front of them, they had the BIBLE right in front of them. Careful, just be careful.

They aren't higher up more than other people. I think many christians assume they are because they hold positions of leadership. I think christians project that assumption and react accordingly. Perhaps certain pastors subconsciously recognize that and project that out too. Most I imagine are unaware while few take advantage.

They forget that without *you*, *they* are nothing! ;-)

The concept of equality is central to Christian teaching, almost unknown to the Church.

Now you understand the REAL meaning of religion. It's not worshipping God, it's about worshipping it's priests.

I used to think that about many people, doctors, nurses, executives, clergymen, lecturers, policemen. Until I realized in the vast majority of cases they were not superior, and not acting superior it was me feeling inferior and acting as if I was inferior. Since I stopped myself doing that, I have really only met one person who behaved that way, and she shall be nameless. So look to yourself, the reason the chimney is smoking, just maybe that you have lit a fire in the grate.

You know, a variety of people ask such questions, which I think is just as important as the people they are talking about. Sometimes people in such a position come across that way simply because they ARE in a position of authority over us. Like it or not, that's just how it is. Obviously, there are levels of humbleness and so forth...but the fact remains that a pastor is in a position of authority over the congregation by virtue of who he is and what his responsibilities are. My wife, God bless her, has a problem with authority, though she will argue this point with me quite heatedly. She willingly accepts the authority of our Priest. But watch what happens when she gets pulled over for speeding and listen to her afterwards when the officer leaves. She married a Sailor (me), but listen to her gripe about having to put her seatbelt on or show her ID when driving onto a military installation. I am retired Navy and she would rather NOT use Tricare Prime benefits because she doesn't like to be told who she can and cannot see for medical care...even though regular insurance companies have the same kinds of issues when it comes to doctors accepting any particular insurance company. My opinion is this: If YOU have a problem with the pastors at the church you occasionally go to with respect to their "authority" over people, then go somewhere else. Not every personality type will suit every person.

Many demagogues have mastered the art of self-elevation by defamation of the masses. Slap yourself in the face and walk out into the world.

You, apparently do not read or know anything about the Bible. If you did, you would not be asking a question like this.