2023-08-18 14:38:14
The emergence of minors who go viral on social networks speaking from the pulpits of churches, such as the young Vitória Souza, is a cause for concern for pastor and theologian Renato Vargens, author of dozens of books on Christian themes.
According to the author, children should not be treated as shepherds. The leader of the Aliança Christian Church in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, highlighted what he considers three main reasons for not accepting this type of treatment.
“Honestly, this story of children and teenagers who are pastors and preachers is complicated. In my perspective, this directly affronts common sense, ethics, morals and, above all, God”, says Vargens.
Basically, the three reasons listed by the pastor are: 01 – Children have to be children; 02 – Children need to live like children; 03 – “The biblical standard for being a pastor is impossible for children and teenagers to fulfill.”
Rationale
Citing passages such as Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and I Timothy 3:1-7, the pastor explains that the Bible points out that pastoral ministry is directed towards adult men, not minors.
Thus, treating children and adolescents as “pastors” makes the mistake of ignoring what the Bible defines as necessary qualifications for pastoral life. It would be, in practice, to assign a title to those who are not competent to handle the responsibilities of the ministerial office.
“We don’t find a single account in the Scriptures that children and teenagers can be pastors. Our Lord nor the apostles endorsed this circus practice adopted by some churches”, says Renato Vargens.
The pastor, finally, hinted that behind the fame of minors “pastors”, there would be adults acting in an exploratory way. He appealed to churches to be aware of this danger.
“Do not allow anyone to exploit or use our children for their own gain. Our boys and girls are not artists, nor are they little shepherds”, concluded Vargens in the Instagram.
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