When pastors get in trouble, how much power does a denominational superior really have? And is a denominational superior the pastor's pastor? Here are five responses:

SIDE WITH THE CONGREGATION

Depending on a church's history, I usually come down on the side of a congregation, because it's harder for a congregation to mess up with a pastor than a pastor with a congregation. Unless there's a sickness in the congregation, you have too many good people who want their church to work. There may be some neurotic or psychotic people who can do some damage, but usually the congregation doesn't pay any attention to them.

CAN'T DISCIPLINE MEMBERS

We [district superintendents] cannot discipline church members. Only the local church can. …

It's easier when the pastor has caused a problem, because I've got good rapport with our pastors. I'm here to support them. It's easier for me to help one guy change a few things. To try to help a board change is a little harder. To help a whole church change ...