Dave Pack, in his never-ending quest to control every aspect of his follower's lives, has laid out the rules for when a minister comes to visit. Lock the pets up, silence the children, and DO NOT give him any sugar-laden dessert!
Be sure to show proper respect. Remember I Timothy 5:17: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.” And III John 8, “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.” In so doing, you actually serve the Church while the minister serves you!
You do not need to prepare an elaborate meal, or go to great effort to make something special. In many instances, your minister will have already eaten. It is fine to offer water, milk, coffee, tea or juice to drink and some type of snack. Healthful cookies, a piece of pie or cake are fine, but be sure they are wholesome—not laden with sugar. (Many of God’s people do not follow His principles of healthy living and it shows!) It is critical that a minister watches and takes care of his health. Traveling many miles and eating the wrong food can sabotage this. Do your part to help keep him—and yourself—healthy.
Do not be offended if he declines the refreshments offered; it may be that he has had his fill for the day.
If you have animals or pets, it is a good idea to put them in their cage or in another room of the house. This is not to say the ministry does not like dogs or cats—most do. But a pet nipping at or jumping on the minister or his wife is not good. This can be distracting, and since the minister will be wearing dress slacks, a tie and jacket, this could possibly soil or damage his clothes.
Also, ensure your children are well-behaved, polite and respectful. Young boys and girls should be able to sit or play quietly. Children of any age should not become a distraction or disrupt conversation.
Of course, you will want to dress for the occasion when receiving a minister. This is not the time for a T-shirt and jeans. While you do not need to put on your Sabbath clothes, and women are not required to wear dresses, you should receive him wearing nice apparel. Dressy casual is your best choice.
Think of it this way. When receiving one of Christ’s ministers, you are also receiving Jesus Christ and God the Father: “He that receives you receives Me, and he that receives Me receives Him that sent Me” (Matt. 10:40). While this does not mean you should “make a big fuss” over a minister, it does mean you should cordially and warmly welcome him. As always, remember to be balanced.
There is NO minister in the Restored Church of God that is representative of Christ and God the Father and therefore members do NOT need to worry that they are 'receiving" Christ and God. This is the stupidity that is used by COG leaders to instill fear and control over members.
