Dear Friend,

A recent chat with a pastor reminded me of a rather unpleasant fact: churches can make or break their pastors!

The church board may beat him (or her) down with ungodly behavior, unbiblical demands, and un-Christlike attitudes. And if he doesn't think and react spiritually, which means scripturally, he will breath his last in ministry and thereafter be useless to God and helpful to no one. Why? His church has "killed" him - or slowly but surely beaten the holy excitement, living hope, joy in ministry, care for God's people, and love of serving Jesus right out of him. Naturally, sheep don't rise up and kill their shepherds, but I'm sad to report that, spiritually, it happens all the time. A recent Barna survey stated 38% of pastors in America seriously considered quitting the ministry in 2021.

On the other hand, if the pastor learns to forgive his demon-like deacons and exasperating elders, he will soon discern their real inspirer and his real enemies: the "rulers of the darkness of this world," who do Satan's bidding against all effective light-bearers, especially pastors (Ephesians 6:12). He then must make a pivotal decision: let them win or do whatever it takes to defeat them. Or in simple human terms, go or grow. That is, faithlessly flee the pastorate or faithfully remain and grow stronger by trusting and obeying his way through the conflict. If he chooses to grow instead of go, he will determine to, more than ever, seek Christ, overcome each problem by prayer, mine God's Word, soak in His presence daily, listen for His messages, and deliver them to his congregation, immature and carnal as they are, for Christ's sake. This will make him increasingly strong. And spiritual. And spiritually minded. And Christlike. And full of God's overcoming love. And willing and able to faithfully feed, lead, and intercede for his stubborn sheep daily, despite their troublesome butting, kicking, and biting. What has happened? His love for Jesus has overcome their lack of love for him.

Paul encapsulated this Christlike pastoral love in his second letter to the Corinthians. When many Corinthian Christians were rejecting Paul's ministry due to the envy-driven slander of false apostles, Paul declared his intention to not go but grow: "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved" (2 Corinthians 12:15).

And as embattled pastors fast and pray for their unreasonable opponents on their board or in their congregation - who fuss and fret and find fault over everything from the church's worship to its programs to the length of sermons to the lack of fun and games or to even the way the pastor's wife dresses or wears her hair - some of his critics, perhaps many, will come to their senses. Suddenly, by the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, they will see how petty, carnal, self-centered, unbiblical, and out of divine order they have been behaving and receive a fresh baptism of humility and penitence. Then they can all grow together into the likeness of the One who is coming soon for changed, not carnal, Christians; edifying, not exasperating, elders; and humble, not haughty, board members. It's time for self-examination.

If you are one of your church's assistant pastors or worship leaders, or on its staff, board of elders or deacons, or various committees, or just a faithful member of the congregation (an important position indeed!), ask yourself these questions:

  *Am I a carnal complainer or a spiritually minded cooperator?
  *Am I a troublemaker or a peace maker?
  *Am I speaking against my pastor or praying for him?
  *Does my behavior encourage or discourage him?
  *Am I responding to his efforts to teach and correct me or rejecting them?
  *Am I helping uphold my pastor in his ministry or pulling him down?

The Old Testament's description of the Battle of Rephidim gives us a powerful lesson on this subject (see Exodus 17:8-16). As Joshua led Israel's armies in battle against the hateful Amalekites in the valley, Moses stood on the hill above them exerting divine authority over Israel's enemies by holding the rod of God high over his head. But as the day wore on, Moses wore down and was nearly worn out. It was a crucial moment. The battle could have gone either way. It all depended on whether or not Moses could continue holding up the rod of God.

Just then Aaron and Hur, Moses' assistants - his associate pastors, deacons, or elders, if you will - made a momentous decision. They chose to help their struggling, weary pastor. They provided him with a stone to sit on and personally held up his two hands while he continued holding up the rod of God. Though simple and practical, their solution was powerful, as it enabled Moses to continue exerting God's authority over the battle. If they had not helped him, the whole congregation of Israel would have fallen to the Amalekites (Exodus 17). Because they helped him instead of hindering him through neglect or opposition, Israel won, Moses won, they won ... and God won!

Perhaps today your pastor, elders, and congregation are encamped in a "Rephidim" experience. The spirit of Amalek is stirring rumors, misjudgments, contention, un-Christlike behavior, and bitter division. You see the trouble. You know who is causing it. You recognize their unspiritual attitudes. You know your pastor is stressed, perhaps beyond measure. And you also know what you can do to help him, whether through intercession, a kind word, or practical help. Or better yet, all three!

The question is, will you? Will you help your pastor go or grow? Live on ministerially to bless many people, or slowly but surely die and disappoint Jesus? Make no mistake, as with Moses, Aaron, and Hur at Rephidim, your pastor's failure is your failure and his victory is your victory. So, make your momentous decision now - and help win the day for your pastor, your congregation, yourself, and God!

Making my decision,

Greg Hinnant
Greg Hinnant Ministries