Battered Leaders and Toxic Followers (part 1)

Just recently a ministry friend sent my wife and I the following note.  "I don't know if you listen to this broadcast or not but all I could think about was you guys!"  Our Christian friend then directed us to the most recent Mortification of Spin podcast.

After downloading this twenty minute recording I understood why this Christian friend thought of us while listening to this program.  First of all, the topic of abusive members (congregations) and battered leaders is something I have reflected on quite a bit over the past many years.  After our first few years of ministry in Freeport we had a much better understanding of what Paul encountered while seeking to shepherd the flock in Corinth (by the grace of God much has changed for good over the past 7 years).

Secondly, though Todd Pruitt is a Reformed Presbyterian and I'm a Reformed Baptist, Pruitt's ministry testimony is quite similar to my own "revitalization" story.  The lessons Pastor Pruitt recounts in his ministry blog are many of the same things the Lord has been teaching me over the past six and half years.  Truly there is nothing new under the sun.

Todd and I have both observed that many books and blog articles are published each year that highlight the common pitfalls, problems, and temptations faced by pastors and church leaders alike.  Paul David Tripp's recent book Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry is one such example.  Most of us have read  and witnessed firsthand various horror stories of how 'fleshly' pastors have wrecked havoc and heartache on well-intentioned congregations.   Having said that, not many books and blog articles draw attention to the role unhealthy churches and toxic church members play in the current evangelical landscape.

Whether you are a church member, an elder/deacon, or a pastor the following blog series is well worth your time. 

When the Pulpit is Bullied

 

"How high should standards be for a pastor and his ministry? Do we rate his success in congregation size, fame, or by how white his teeth are? Standards can be unrealistic and unbiblical when a new pastor comes on the scene, and comparisons can foster a culture of critique and criticism. Bad pastors are also a reality. However, the church has a common crisis at hand: are we firing, disrespecting, even "bullying" otherwise competent men who don't live up to our superficial standards? But what if there is a real problem with your pastor? How do you deal with it?"

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals answers these questions and more here. 

Overcoming the Flames of Ferguson

In the aftermath of the controversial Darren Wilson grand jury verdict and the Ferguson city riots each of us has read dozens of opinion and cultural commentary pieces.  The Gospel Coalition offered two different perspectives on this tragedy through the writing ministries of Thabiti Anyabwile and Voddie Baucham (both men are faithful, gospel loving, black pastors).  I personally believe Voddie Baucham and Bobby Scott offered the most discerning insights in their respective blog posts concerning the situation in Ferguson. 

Having said that, I have not read many articles that have offered a positive alternative to the racial tension that seems to be growing in America.  Here are some thoughts on how Christians can work to overcome the flames of Ferguson and how we might go about minimizing the personal distrust that exists in many of our communities.

 1) Show the love of Christ to your neighbors (Matthew 22:38-39).

In Carmel, Indiana our family enjoyed a special relationship with our Muslim next door neighbors (immigrants from Turkey) and had a wonderful friendship with our (Christian) African American next door neighbor (Kim). These relationships began with small talk. They grew with “random acts of kindness” and eventually they blossomed into friendship meals in each other’s homes. Matthew 22:38 is not rocket science but applying this verse will require prayer and Spirit-empowered effort.

In our current neighborhood we strive, by the grace of God, to be good Samaritans to all of our neighbors. This includes taking meals to the widower next door, talking over the fence, showing interest in the lives of our neighbors, etc. We also enjoy a very friendly relationship with our black neighbors who live across the street from us. I have shoveled their driveway before and they have brought us over some delicious baby back ribs.

Our neighbors seem to really enjoy our children (most of the time anyways) and our kids enjoy our neighbors. Children often bring people together as they are a source of much happiness, joy, and life. Teach your children the virtue of serving others and show them how believers can care for all different kinds of people (old, young, white, black, etc). Help them to understand what Matthew 22:39 should like in your unique context.


2) Get to know other Word-centered pastors and support one another in the ministry of gospel reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).

How A Struggling Church Can Grow Again

Many churches in America are spiritually sick, but they know it not, often because things on the outside appear to be "alive and well."

If a local church is growing numerically and financially the (false) assumption is that God's hand of blessing must be on that ministry/business/church/pastor.  A cursory reading of Scripture (think about the 'unsuccessful' public ministries of Jeremiah or of Messiah Jesus) informs us how dangerous this line of reasoning is.  Yet every American pastor, where bigger is always better, is tempted to to think this way.  Pastor R. Kent Hughes addresses this very important issue in his classic book, Liberating Ministry For the Success Syndrome.  Not everything that glitters is gold.  Robert Schuller's, "Crystal Cathedral" and Joel Osteen's, "Faith Center" are obvious illustrations of this.  Many of the largest churches in America, and likely many churches in your own neighborhood, are often a mile wide and an inch deep. 

Suffice it to say, many churches in America (large and small) are in need of serious spiritual revitalization and biblical reformation.  Both the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and the leaders of Together for the Gospel have come to this same conclusion.   This is one of the reasons why I have devoted so many articles to this theme. 

A few months ago I came across an insightful interview and I wanted to share it with you.  http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/dying-church-grow-again

The article that introduces this interview begins with these words, We can debate the reasons, but we cannot debate the reality: churches across the United States are aging, and many of them in the coming decade will face the agonizing prospect of closing.

Lessons Learned From the Driscoll Fallout (part 2)

As I have observed Mark Driscoll's very public ministry over the past many years here is a list of questions and concerns that immediately come to mind.  I hope and pray the people of God learn many valuable lessons from this very tragic fall.   I am also praying for Mark Driscoll and for Mars Hill.

Questions and Concerns: 2) Is the gift of New Testament "prophesy" still operative today?  If the gift of fallible prophesy does not exist then what does that say about some of Mark Driscoll's spiritual counsel?  If the gift does exist, is Mark Driscoll using this spiritual gift in a way consistent with the purposes of God as revealed in Holy Scripture (1 Peter 4:10-11)?  What does 1 Corinthians 12-14 teach us about abusing spiritual gifts?  How do these inspired Texts harmonize with Mark Driscoll's public ministry? 

3) When you describe things related to bedroom intimacy the way Mark often does, what sensual images might you be conjuring up in the minds of your hearers and/or readers?  Is this kind of 'salacious' speech appropriate; especially during a corporate worship service?  Where does prudence, self-control, wisdom, and understanding the "weaker brother" fit in?

"Shock and awe" seem to be a major reason why this pulpit allures so many young people.  Yet James chapter 3 provides a sober warning for all church leaders and Bible teachers. Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.

What does this pattern of speech suggest concerning Mark's heart?  In Luke 6:45 Jesus said that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Mark Driscoll not only has the stewardship of a being the lead pastor of a mega church he has also accepted the responsibility of being a "teacher of teachers."  This evangelical hipster pastors many young pastors.  Mark's influence travels far and wide.  Mark is a church planter, a best-selling Christian author, and an unofficial spokesperson of the young, restless, reformed movement. In light of his global influence, how much greater is his sacred stewardship?

The goal of every church leader should be to live and preach in such a way so as to say with Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.   Or Philippines 3:17; Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Mark's pastoral example must include modeling verses like Ephesians 5:3-4 (especially when standing behind the sacred desk). But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

....To be continued

Lessons Learned from the Driscoll Fallout (part 1)

As I have observed Mark Driscoll's very public ministry over the past many years here is a list of questions and concerns that immediately come to mind.

Since the true Church belongs to King Jesus it is His sovereign prerogative to establish biblical qualifications for those serving as New Testament elders and deacons.  Popularity, pedigree, and giftedness do not trump the inspired qualifications of Holy Scripture. The last time I checked the phrase "must be" actually means a man "must be" X, Y, and Z.  When we neglect the safeguards of Holy Scripture the people of God always suffer.  No safeguard better protects the flock than the biblical qualifications.

The non-negotiable qualifications for a local church elder/pastor-teacher are clearly preserved for us in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  It is obvious when reading through the Pastoral Epistles that character is more important than giftedness in the mind of God.
 

Mark Driscoll Is Not My "Homeboy" and Why I Am Praying For Him

For a long time I have watched the "Christian celebrity" phenomenon blast off before it eventually crash landed on top of the American evangelical church.  What this celebrity phenomenon illustrates, among many things, is that evangelicalism as a whole has very little spiritual discernment.  We want 'results' even when it means succumbing to worldliness, pragmatism, or you fill in the blank.  We desperately want to be viewed as relevant, hip, innovative, and successful.

In this vein, Phil Johnson wisely notes- Dr. Trueman is right to point out that it is a uniquely American evangelical phenomenon to foster these cults of celebrity and to encourage each wave of superstars to push the limits of sobriety and propriety further than the last superstar did. American evangelicalism has become a large jingoistic freak show. Sadly, some of today's evangelicals seem to think that's something to gloat about. The Evangelical church seems more than willing to justify questionable behavior and/or salacious speech if the person or church in question are popular enough.

Before I get into that issue let me first say this.  As in all areas of life it is very difficult not to fall into an "extremist ditch" when fleshing out the Christian faith.  For example, some envious "no name" pastors have been hypercritical of any "well known" pastor, any "best-selling" Christian author, and every local church larger than their own.  It comes as no surprise then that these same jealous critics have been skeptical of even the most orthodox of mega conferences such as Together for the Gospel, Ligonier Conference, or the Shepherds' Conference.

On the other hand, quite a few Christians believe popularity equals not only "success" but also ministry "fruitfulness."  People in this camp often assume that big buildings and large crowds validate someone's theology (note 1 Corinthians 1-2) as well as their ministry methodology (note 1 Corinthians 3-4).  Popularity and fame have provided certain choice "evangelical celebrities" and/or mega churches a free pass on valid critiques from within the larger body of Christ.  From the Elephant Room debacle to you fill in the blank.   After all, "God must be blessing so and so."  "Look at how fast his church has grown!"   "Look how many books they've sold."   "Look how many unchurched people attend there satellite services; etc, etc."  Pastor Jerry Wragg and Dr. Carl Trueman have voiced some of these same concerns here and here.  Dr. David Wells also addresses this problem in his classic work, The Courage To Be Protestant: Truth lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World.