Pastors

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Q. This is about my pastor. My pastor gossips and backbites and I would not be comfortable going to him with any problem I have, because of what I know about him. The deacons know of these problems, and their response is, "He preaches God's Word when he is in the pulpit", that seems to be their only concern. Is this how I should feel about this also? There are more things coming to light about him, one of several things is a girl that, whom I teach, wanted to be saved and my assistant had to talk him into going to talk with her. The girl did not want to leave the church until she was saved. He didn't know the girl's family, and he wasn't sure on how the family would react. Is that a concern for pastors, if they don't know the families? I'm very active in this church but I'm really confused about the actions of my pastor and whether I should stay there. If you could give me some scripture and your response to my questions. I appreciate your help.

A. These are rather difficult situations to be in, but, nevertheless, they do need clarification - especially in the days in which we live.  I shall try to answer them as best as I can for you - one at a time.  

The first issue: "My pastor gossips and backbites..."

This is not a good thing - of course, as it will cause those around him to not trust him either.  In that type of situation, you will find that you are not alone in such a lack of trust.  I can only imagine why these things exist in his life, but I want to strongly encourage you to pray for him - as we are commanded to do.  And even more importantly, though difficult, they are to be respected as God's man.  Although inner feelings may betray this attitude, do not be guilty of teaching others to be disrespectful of the position.  I start here because, if your own attitudes are not right (and I do not know or say that they are), they will cloud your judgment about other things, too.

The Scriptures do give us some insight as to a course of action.  Because you are dealing with a Pastor, there is to be another witness.  1st Timothy 5:19 tells us what to do: Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. And another verse is similar: Matthew 18:16: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Since apparently you already know of others who feel the same way, preferably find a deacon and talk to the Pastor about this.  My advice is to go to him rather quickly, and not let it "seethe" in your heart.  Time will make it worse, not better.  Make certain that you both are in much prayer both beforehand, and, as you go.  Pray also about God's timing, too. Pride or anger in the heart will certainly not help - but he does need to be approached - for Christ's sake.  Truthfully, though, only God can bring the desired results.

The above course of action is the most important.  Then, if there is no satisfactory result, pray about finding a new church. Do not hesitate, but be careful to find a good one.  The reason, if no satisfactory results are obtained, that you should move on, are simple.  God is moving you on, and wants to bless you in another place.  These things did not happen to you by coincidence (Romans 8:28).  Rather, He may simply be making your nest (comfort zone) an uncomfortable place to be - that you might follow His leading elsewhere.  

The second issue: the deacons.

Deacons should not be mere "yes" men, in a church.  However, it is also true that many pastors often expect them to be nothing more than that.  Yet, God in His infinite wisdom, had a better plan.  If that was His plan, it does not take a spiritual man to be a mere "yes" man.  Yet this strong requirement still stands - and it was always part of His plan that they be spiritual men.  Although the Pastor is at the helm of the local church, yet a Pastor that loves God, and wants to serve Him, will also greatly value the thoughts, input, and help of these godly men.  They ought to be more than just warm bodies, but also men who use their hearts, minds, and bodies for His great glory and work. Praise God for men who are true deacons - according to the Bible.

Then third issue: salvation of children.

This matter simply boils down to - Who are we trying to please?  In Mark 10:14, we see a similar matter, wisely handled by our Lord: But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  While I do not at all desire to be harsh, or judgmental (I do not know what was going through this pastor's mind, or, in his life at the time), the Word tells us to bring them to Jesus. This should be done with zeal, and without concern for other's opinions - this does not mean, however, to throw away common sense and discernment.

I hope this has been of some help - though rather brief.  May God bless you as you seek to serve Him in a way that honors Him and His way above all else.

Mike Valles, Evangelist

Q. I have a question that is really bothering me. In our church the pastor has his attention on every aspect of the church and has been known to tell some to not come back after problems happen. I belong to an independent, bible believing, fundamental baptist church but was raised in a southern baptist. Things seem to be done different in our independent church unlike what we did in our s.b.c. church. Why the difference? [anon]

A. Why the difference??? Well lets see if I can answer that one both Biblically and Historically. Around 1920 a movement started in New England called the Baptist Fundamentalist movement. It was a so called "turnaround" from the norm of Baptist churches of the day. For a specific instance, in the 1960's, one of the leaders of this movement in Hammond, Indiana was a man by the name of Jack Hyles. Jack believed that the Bible should be interpreted quite literally and that the church should be run like a well oiled machine with the pastor at the head as the undisputed leader of the congregation. Matter of fact I was in Hammond, Indiana when this all started. Imagine that! Not only was I there but my father and grandfather were there to help establish the first Southern Missionary Baptist Church ever in the Chicago area (Back to the Cross, Missionary Baptist Church). It is still there today under another name, I believe they call it Trinity Baptist now.

Anyway, the Missionary Baptists were from the old school that believed that the congregation, from the greatest to the least had an equal say so in church matters and that the business of the church should be handled by the congregation. 1st Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. They also believed that the pastor wasn't to Lord over the congregation at all: 1st Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

If you will go to the Various Baptists page you will see the distinct definitions for these sets of brethren.

Please understand that I have the utmost respect for departed Brother Hyles track record! Facts are that under his preaching there have been many souls won to the Lord but on the same token there have been many of his congregation rebel and leave the fold because of the pressure to obey his policies placed on people. The same ideology has been spread all over the United States from the graduates of Jack Hyles University and now this mentality is deeply embedded in Temple Baptist University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. All too sad that this is the reality of  many of todays Baptists. Maybe one day they will realize that it is all level at the cross and that there is no big "I's" and little "you's" in Gods house. That my dear lady is "Why The Difference"!

[The Parson]