Intimidation, Indignation and Insolence

Far too often these days I have had a conversation with a pastor who has been threatened by a church leader, accused of something trivial and even asked to leave.  More times than not it is not over a theological, moral or character issue.  Many times entrenched church patriarchs and/or matriarchs feel their power slipping away and have to do something. At other times weak church leaders have been backed into a corner by those who won't speak up themselves but need someone else to do their ungodly bidding for them. These are days when churches and members focus on preferences rather than convictions and many times they get the two confused. How is that possible? Well, flesh can do that rather easily. Remember too, flesh can only produce more flesh.

I have talked to pastors who have been opposed for such things as "not listening," and "being disrespectful."If this is true in the life of the minister repentance is a must.  However, sometimes that means...we can't find anything really to accuse you of so we'll just make something up because we don't like you.  Your sermons convict us of sin, expose our iniquity and basically you challenge us to change and we like things just the way they are.


The Bible tells us that Daniel's enemies could not find one thing to accuse him of except as it had to do with "him with regard to the law of his God."  I am not suggesting for one moment that pastors are perfect nor should they be untouchable.  There are situations where ministers have made poor decisions in judgment, been lazy in their duties and even downright disobedient to the commands of God.  I have met hard headed, stubborn spirited pastors and staff that are uncooperative with godly lay people.  In those situations termination in a Christlike way may be necessary. 

Until churches elect leaders who walk with God instead of those who will do their bidding.  Unless pastors and staff seek the face of God, and lead according to the will of God.  Not until churches repent and respect the man of God and allow God to hold him accountable will this kind of stuff stop and today's church have any chance of revival.