Many pastors today should step down from ministry altogether because they clearly love the applause of men (Gal. 1:10) more than they value the approval of Almighty God. No where is this seen more clearly today then in evangelical pulpits.
God's expectations could not be anymore clear on this matter: "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
The goal of Christian ministry is to lead souls to Christ AND to then teach and preach in such a way as to present every believer "mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28-29; Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 28:18-20). Being a Word-driven preacher and a Christ-centered congregation is not rocket science. Faithful Christian ministry requires demands hard work (Col. 1:29) and faith; (trust and obey).
The state of Christian living in America today is what it is, in part, because far too many Church leaders are more interested in attracting large masses of people then they are in "building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-16). Pastor Kevin DeYoung is spot on when he says, "The preacher who dodges or changes a text because he knows there are men and women out there who don't want to hear it. That man ought not to be a preacher."
Let me provide a few examples of this: In today's evangelical world taking a bold stance on what the Bible says about marriage, gender, and sexuality is not popular. So some say nothing at all (or change the meaning of the Text altogether).
In today's evangelical world taking a bold stance on what the Bible says about the God-ordained roles of men and women is not popular. When is the last time you heard a clear message on Titus 2:4-5? (see also Timothy 2:9-15; Eph. 5:22-33). Other compromising examples include: Elmbrook and Willow Creek Church.
In today's evangelical world taking a bold stance on what the Bible says about heaven and hell is not popular (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-8). So some say nothing at all (or change the meaning of the Text altogether).
In today's evangelical world taking a bold stance on what the Bible says about marriage, divorce, and remarriage is not popular (see Matthew 19:1-9). So some say nothing at all (or change the meaning of the Text).
Those called to ministry must strive to imitate the example of the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1) who said, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ..."But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God...."And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see my face no more. "Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (Acts 20:18-21, 24-27) Paul taught the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth for the glory of God and the spiritual benefit of his listeners.
It is a dereliction of duty to not preach and teach the whole counsel of God. If man-pleasing ministers will not resign, laypeople must leave churches like this; lest our distinct Christian witness be contaminated in a lost world gone mad.
