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Baptists/Protocol
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Question
Once the Lord, pastor and deacons are acknowledged in the beginning of a service, do others who get up to speak (ex. Announcements) have to say, To God ..., pastor...., deacons.... or is it true that after the scripture no other person should be acknowledged in that manner because all focus should be on God until the benediction?
Also, I have heard people get up and say, "Protocol has been set." To be honest I have been told that I am disrespecting the pastor by not honoring him before I present remarks or announcements at the end of a program or during an announcement.
That is cultural thing and not biblical requirement. Yes, it does say to give honor to whom honor is due but it is an attitude of heart and deed, not a requirement for a verbal honoring every service or several times during the service. I have allowed it when I have a visitor from that culture because I do not wish to offend or hurt the one doing it but I do not require it. When I am speaking at a church of that culture I acknowledge and thank the person for it but I would not be offended if they forgot to do so or did not follow that practice. I'm happy if people don't cuss or hit me. ;) Protocol is OK but if that is all it is maybe it should be dropped. If I were your pastor I would end that tradition because I would feel like it made me look like an egotist or something requiring people to laud me. You can honor folks in other ways every day. If he hasn't been run off he is being honored. ;-) You need to do what will not offend the others or find a church where that is not a requirement. If they think you are disrespecting him then you should do it as a service to the Lord to keep unity. Most of the pastors that I have known in that culture are very humble and would not be offended. Yet, we are to be careful to not offend. Blessings to you as you sort this out.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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