Clergy Killers / Killer Clergy
It is dangerous to be a pastor. As the seminary recruitment department, we are accustomed to speak of the joys of the Holy Ministry, which are abundant. It is a privilege and a delight to declare the wonders of His love. My own years as a pastor in Pittsburgh, PA are characterized by many fond and happy memories. But there are dangers of which to be aware as well.
We hear of conflicted congregations where the pastor is tyrannizing the people or misusing his office. It is sad but tragically true that some men are governed by egotism and thus use the Holy Ministry as a means to exert control over others.
We need to also acknowledge that there are plenty of laity, church councils and even whole congregations who are filled with egotism and the need to control. Just as there are pastors who become bullies who try to drive the herd rather than lead the flock, there are also toxic congregations who routinely chew up and spit out the faithful servants God Himself has given them. Both scenarios can be found and it has always been the case. I’d like to point your attention to a helpful book called: Clergy Killers: Guidance for Pastors and Congregations Under Attack.
In all of this, we do well to recall the words of the Apostle: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).” Our Enemy is clever and he celebrates congregations in conflict. He is the author of it all.
To all pastors, love your people. And to all congregations, love your pastors. To all who are considering the seminary, count the cost. Luther’s great hymn is referring to the Christian life in general and not only the experience of pastors, but it warrants a review.
Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill, they shall not overpower us.He’s by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.
Life, goods, fame, child and wife. Following Christ means a willingness to lose everything including your savings, career, house (goods). Including your reputation (fame). Including your family, progeny, companionship (child and wife). In losing our lives for His sake, we find life. No true martyr invents persecution for himself. And it is not persecution when people despise you for being a jerk. But any man who is not willing to suffer, if need be, for the sake of the gospel, should not become a pastor.
Sphere: Related ContentTagged Church Conflict, Pastoral Ministry, Persecution, Suffering
Preaching is one of the most challenging, enjoyable and dangerous things any pastor will do. The responsibility is tremendous and the world allies with our sinful flesh to make preachers deliver poor sermons and to distract inattentive hearers.
In order for a pastor to serve the people of God as well as possible, it is vital that he continually be challenged to grow in his knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and the skills of pastoral care. He, like everyone else, also needs ample time to relax and enjoy the camaraderie of his colleagues.
With the vicarage placement and candidate call services behind us and the baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies soon to occur, our wide-eyed seminarians will have heard several helpful exhortations before embarking on their new ministries.
I expect to be soaking in the blood of Jesus when the preacher says, “Amen.” That bright red river of life from the cross of Calvary makes the robes of God’s people white like snow. The professors at Concordia Theological Seminary would say that a sermon should be a good exposition of Law and Gospel in a liturgical context. There should be Law that cuts you down and Gospel that picks you up. BUT the Gospel should always predominate. In other words, when the preacher opens his mouth - Jesus picks you up. The preacher must give you Jesus. He shouldn’t just tell you about Jesus. He shouldn’t just mention the cross. Preachers should never tell you about telling the story. Preachers are called to preach the Christ. They are called out of darkness to proclaim light and life into this dark and dead world. Preachers do that by preaching Jesus to your person. Pastors bring the forgiveness of sins from the cross and wrap you with it, like a warm blanket on a cold, winter’s night. They take his blood and wash you with it. Like a mother after you’ve played in the mud, a pastor scrubs you clean (even behind the ears) with Christ’s blood. They do it because only that blood can take away your sins. They are faithful to this call because God resurrects the sinner from his watery grave and gives him new life. How does God do it? He does it by opening the mouths of preachers, and then soaking you in his Son’s blood. He does it by opening your mouth and pouring that blood down your throat. He does it through weak and sinful men. He does it through your pastor. Expect to be soaking in Christ’s blood when the pastor says, “Amen.” Expect to be alive because Christ has wrapped you with his love and breathed new life into your ears. Not only should you expect it, you should demand it. It is your heritage. It is God’s good gift. AND…it’s yours.
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