Concordia TheoBLOGical Seminary

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 [show]Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)
).” 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.