Sometimes many congregations act as if the pastor were there as their pesronal errand boy, rather than a spiritual leader sent by the Lord. Some if honest, would say "We want a leader to follow us where ever we go". Sad to say there have been far to many instances where there has been violence directed toward a pastor that would not go along with carnal minded deacons. I pastored a church in which one of the deacons would bring a gun to the meetings, deacons would yell and cuss at me and other deacons. It's too bad and accociation cannot affect any change.
I have godly friends that have come home to find that their belongings are out on the street and the locks to the parsonage and church have been changed. All due to some secret meeting that had been held while that pastor was on vacation.

RP wrote:
Pastor Rick,
What verse(s) did you cite?
Thank you,
RP

Needless to say, this is a growing problem in church services. Unfortunatly, many people are getting let go from their jobs as well for texting while they are supposed to be working. Parents, Teachers, Pastors and others need to help reinforce basic manners.

Well; that's about I can add to the subject. Got to get ready for Prayer Meeting. That is where the real work is accomplished, in Prayer and the Word.

When I first came to my present church, I dealt with a teenager for over nine months about texting in the service. I spoke with her and her parents on several occasions. Finally, I let them know that if it happened again I would stop the service and deal with it. Of course, she texted the whole service, and I held true to my word. Result: The parent screamed and accused me of impropriety for about 45 min. Then left the church along with about 40% of the congregation.