Scriptural Warrant, Pastor Jim?

I don't hold to Lent or Pastoring, not because they're "unscriptural", but because I've not found either practice conducive to my spiritual life (such as it is).

But Jim West? He condemns Lent as a "human institution", and yet holds a salaried post as Pastor of Petros Baptist Church. Which is fine. But there's no Christian person in the entire New Testament whose ministry fits the job description Jim holds there on the edge of the smokies.

Historically, the institutionalized practice of Protestant Pastoring is based on the traditionally pastoral duties of Catholic Priesthood. Which is fine. But neither Peter, Paul, Timothy, Titus, Priscilla, Aquilla, nor even Apollos engaged in the daily activities of Pastors/Priests as we know them today. Jesus' brother James comes the closest, in Jerusalem, but where do we see him (or anyone else) preach once a week? Preside over the sacraments? Legally preside over all administrative business, while being supervised by an elder "board"? Etc...

Again, the human institution of Pastoring has some grounds for justifying itself based on the extraction of scriptural principles and the application of those into differering contexts. Which is fine. But if so, Jim, then why isn't Lent?

As a final note, I appreciate what Pastor Mark Stevens said at the Near Emmaus blog: "Lent isn't about giving up..." I do believe I'd like to dwell more on that notion. Yes, and I may... perhaps even during Lent.

Look, the only thing ANY Christians can do while on Earth here is improvise, and that's true whether we've got Pastors & Pews or Couches & a travelling apostle coach/umpire. Personally, I'd be thrilled to try out a head minister who facilitated more than s/he dominated.  (Can't find one, so far.)  And no, that's not anywhere in the Bible. But - his officialized title aside - neither is what Jim does.

Anyway, my point is about "scriptural warrant". One of these days, we Protestants really should quit pretending we do everything just like the Bible says.

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