Sometimes it is difficult to live out our theology in the real world (see Psalm 73). This is true for pastors as much as it is true for parishioners. As Bible-believing Christians the Scriptures remind us that church leaders are merely servants and stewards. Some plant, others water, but true spiritual growth is always God's doing (1 Cor. 3:5-9). The glory ultimately belongs to Christ for every (truly) "good work" has His fingerprints all over it (Rom. 11:36; Eph. 3:20-21; Phil. 1:6).
When it comes to Christian ministry if a pastor's hidden ambition is to become a "who's who" of Christianity biblical compromise is inevitable. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that man-made growth can be achieved by following a series of slick marketing principles, by chasing down the latest ministry fads, and by skillfully implementing (mega)church growth theory. The vast majority of ministries that are abnormally successful in terms of sheer size, numbers, and finances have succumbed to this (all too common) temptation. Sadly, the "movers and the shakers" among us often host the major conferences wherein pastors like Hybels, Warren, Ferdick, and Andy Stanley lead other less successful local churches down this well traveled path of pragmatism. Tragically, mile-wide churches that are an inch deep have become the norm, rather than the exception here in America (see Heb. 5:12-14; Col. 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-16; and Rev. 2-3). Spiritually vibrant, theologically sound, Word-driven houses of worship are increasingly difficult to find. I know this because everywhere I move I hear this testimony among Bible-saturated saints.
It should be quickly noted, with thanksgiving, that there are exceptions to the norm! For example, Charles Spurgeon, the so called "Prince of Preachers," pastored the largest congregation in the world without compromising the Word of truth. Spurgeon was a theological heavyweight, a masterful preacher of Scripture, a courageous churchman, an intentional shepherd, a faithful mentor of men, with an evangelist's heart. Today we think of faithful expositors in the mold of Spurgeon who pastor unusually large congregations; (think MacArthur, Begg, Dever, Pennington, De Courcy, Faberez, and Piper). We should all be grateful for faithful church leaders who enjoy an unusual measure of ministry fruitfulness!
Having said that, the list of A-list conference speakers at even the most doctrinally sound events, such as Together For the Gospel, seem to suggest that the more gifted you are, the more books you write, the larger your platform will be! "Ok great. What's your point?"
The ministry rubber often meets the real-world road when a pastor finds himself serving in a church that is not growing (numerically or financially) like Kevin DeYoung or Matt Chandler. You might even call this ministry "barrenness." The longer this pattern of numerical stagnation continues the greater shame pastors often begin to feel. "God's hand of blessing must not be upon that minister." In some cases, it becomes increasingly difficult for these brother-shepherds to attend pastors conferences wherein "the triumphs of ministry" are frequently recounted by those who lead "really large and successful" churches.
In America, the temptation to preach shorter and lighter topical sermons, to stop implementing biblical church discipline (contra Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5), to gloss over controversial subjects (such as same sex marriage, the holiness and wrath of God), to turn the worship service into a emotion-driven concert atmosphere is real. The good news is that if I am describing your struggle you are not alone.
In the glorious gospel of Luke the Holy Spirit introduces us to a couple named Zacharias and Elizabeth. This believing remnant of true Israelites are commended for their walk of faith and God-honoring piety in Luke 1:6. By all accounts Zacharias went against the flow as a faithful priest in what had become a very contaminated religion; (I am referring here to 2nd Temple Judaism; Matt. 23).
Embedded in the details of this wonderful narrative we are told that Zacharias and Elizabeth carried a secret ministry burden.
For this faithful couple their burden was barrenness (Luke 1:7; 25). In this particular period of time a fruitless womb and a childless father was often viewed as a severe reproach (Deut. 7:14; 1 Sam. 1:6). The religious crowd generally saw "barrenness" as a sure sign of Divine displeasure (though I imagine it was only something that was only spoken of when Zach and Liz were absent). I am not reading this perceived stigma and pain into the story for when God intervenes and allows Elizabeth to conceive via a Divine miracle she joyfully declares "This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away MY DISGRACE among men" (Luke 1:25).
The point I am trying to convey is that I know many faithful Christians who feel this way about their singleness, or about the wayward conduct of an unsaved Prodigal daughter, or about the church they pastor that is struggling to pay one part-time janitor (when others around them are hiring a seventh or eight full-time staff member). These secret burdens are not unseen by Him who holds the world in the palm of his hand.
How should we respond to this common experience? Let me suggest seven things:
1) Preach the truth of the gospel to yourself every single day. God has not given us what we truly deserve (hell; Rom. 6:23) and has blessed us with every good thing in Christ (Eph. 1:3f). If you are a Christian than you are greatly blessed and the best is yet to come (Rev. 20-22). God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
2) Be sensitive to those Zacharias' and Elizabeths' that are all around you. If you have a large family with children who love the Lord, or if you run a successful business that is booming, or if you pastor a flourishing congregation be mindful of the secret shame that some around you no doubt feel for what's not present in their life. Elizabeth, secretly viewed her barrenness a "disgrace among men." Her situation had nothing to do with unfaithfulness but that is what she (and many other religious people) thought. We are told to "weep with those who weep" and to "bear one another's burdens" in Christian love.
3) Let us encourage one another with a proper biblical theology of success and suffering (in our preaching, singing, and in our daily living).
4) Remind yourself of who you are in Christ. We are bond-servants of Jesus Christ. The Master calls us to be faithful and to leave the results with Him (spend much time in 1 Cor. 2-4). The overarching goal is to simply hear the blessed words, "Well done good and faithful servant!" If you're faithful in what God has called you to do and be you can rest in whatever comes your way. This is much easier to say then it is to live out in faith but it is still the truth.
5) Strive to model humility. Remember that all blessings and any true spiritual growth is ultimately God's doing (not mans). Give credit to those who serve alongside of you and return the praise and glory to God!
6) Be quick to correct the common misconceptions that are so dominant within American evangelicalism. Faithfulness does not guarantee "fruitfulness" or an easy life (study the book of Job; John 9:1-12; and Luke 9:23f). God allowed Satan to test Peter so that after his denials he could lovingly "strengthen the brethren" (Luke 22:31-32).
Read Christian biographies of those who persevered in the face of adversity; (such as the Roots of Endurance: Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce). Regardless of our life circumstances let us not grow weary in doing good!
Finally, 7) May we keep our eyes on the Shepherd par excellence. The only perfect Pastor in the history of the world saw very little fruit during his public ministry. In good times and bad, let us keep our eyes fixed on Him (Heb. 11:1-12:3).
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:15-17).
