In theory we believe in an hierarchical structure in church. God the Father then Christ then on down to local pastors and so on. We say that this is how God set things in order. And that only under this chain of command will we find true satisfaction.
But I have lived long enough to have learned a few things. Like, who to talk to when you need certain things done. Like who is the person responsible for making sure things get done. And who to ask when you need help. What kind of help and what kind of job will tell us who to bring our request to.
What do you do when you are sick? You ask for prayer. You ask pastor to pray. You ask a parent or a friend to pray. If the Lord heals you then that's that. If He does not heal you you get medical help. I do not ask pastor when I am choosing a doctor. I do not ask my PCP what church to attend.
My point is that no one is trying to dethrone God or Christ or even pastor. But lets be honest and admit that when we need help it is in our best interest to know who is able and willing to help us.
When my wife died I found that God's help was no help at all and that pastor's help was not helpful at all. I got help in a grief support group that met at a local church and it saved my life. Griefshare did for me what the Lord would not do and my pastor could not do. If I had relied on prayer and church attendance to see me through these past few years I might not be here writing this today.
One final thought. God always answers prayer. No is an answer. Not now is an answer. Never or later or stop bothering me are all answers. God always answers prayer. He does not always answer the way we would want Him to answer.
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