When should a preaching pastor be asked to resign?
Periodically, I field questions from readers on various church issues. One recent inquiry applies to pastors and members alike. It came from a member who related the church’s deacons taking a 5-4 vote of “no support” for the pastor. To avoid a church split, he resigned.
The reader said various people didn’t like the depth of the pastor’s sermons, his affinity for using videos during evening Bible studies, or the vacation time he took. The member posed the question: “Is ‘preferences’ a biblical reason for not supporting a pastor?”
Although I am concerned that someone can use a communication from me as ammunition to lobby others, this kind of situation is a common problem in churches today. So, I felt I should take the opportunity to underscore what I believe the Bible says about the structure of church leadership—especially as it relates to the preaching pastor.
Appointing overseers
On his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul appointed elders in each church he visited. Also known as overseers, shepherds or pastors, these elders were to “direct the affairs” of the church. Paul told the Ephesian elders, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28).
Good shepherds are to protect their sheep against predators that would isolate and devour the young lambs. This includes protecting the church against false teaching, divisiveness, and immorality within the body.
Good shepherds are to lead the sheep. In 1 Peter 5, the apostle instructed elders not to lord it over the flock but to set an example for them. A good shepherd doesn’t drive the sheep or bark at them from behind.
The good shepherd also has a responsibility to see the sheep are fed by leading them to green pastures and still waters, where they can be nurtured and grow to spiritual maturity. The shepherd sees that the flock is fed the Bible.
Probing questions
If I had had the opportunity, prior to this lack of confidence vote, I would have had several questions for these deacons:
1. Have they done everything possible help the preacher grow in areas of weakness? A minister is expected to wear so many hats it’s impossible to do every task with excellence. Preaching is such an important part of his assignment that if he is not a gifted communicator, other elders (or deacons) should provide additional training and encouragement before considering dismissal.
2. Do they have realistic expectations? Modern technology gives us immediate access to the best of teachers. While this is helpful, few local preachers can measure up by comparison and thus are often subjected to unwarranted criticism. If the church is small and in a rural area, it may be prudent to be content with a preacher who is a caring pastor and individual encourager.
3. Is it wise to take drastic action on a 5-4 vote? The Holy Spirit working among elders is not going to be divided. Without unity at the core, there will be division in the flock. When leaders are divided, they need to spend more time in prayer and not act until they can rise in unison.
4. Are they taking advantage of opportunities to see that the congregation is fed? Instead of interpreting the use of videos as a weakness, it may be better for the overseers to reinforce and even increase that practice. Most of us get our meals from a variety of sources; few rely on just one cook for every meal.
5. Do they recognize that some church members complain about “not being fed” because they are spiritually lazy? Some shallow believers never come to an understanding that spiritual growth changes from learning more Bible to serving people. When we are infants in the faith, we are nurtured by learning more scripture. Eventually, we should reach a level of maturity where our primary spiritual growth comes not from learning more Bible, but from sharing our faith and serving those in need.
Preserving unity
While I question the vote against this pastor, I commend him for resigning and not forcing a congregational vote.
The unity of the church always needs to take precedence over our own ambitions and feelings. Always remember that Jesus prayed that His followers would be unified as a testimony to the world that He is the Christ (John 17:20-21).
Photo source: istock
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
More on Conflict & Criticism
- Unique problems grow you uniquely (by Richard Blackaby)
- They tried to quiet Charlie Kirk—but the gospel still speaks (by Bob Russell)
- The power of an unoffendable heart (by Tom Crenshaw)
- How did Jesus deal with animosity? (by Chris Bolinger)
