how will he care for God’s church?
I Timothy 3:5
She listed numerous reasons she didn’t attend “certain” congregations and in the middle was a comment that, as the parent of a "preacher's kid", paralyzed me. One congregation had been nixed because the pastor’s children were "unruly." And, although she wasn’t a parent herself, she was certain that if the pastor’s children were “out of control” leadership of the church would produce the same results.
I’ve often wondered what would be Paul’s “tone” if he were writing to churches in the 21st century. Even in a cursory reading Paul’s teachings are distinct and clear cut. There is no wiggle room. In the early church there needed to be clear definitions of the faith to set it apart from all the other gods that were clamoring for attention. Is our society any different? Are we not living in a world that is clamoring to divert our attention away from Jesus Christ?
Pastors and their families live in this 21st world. And, there is no debate—pastors are held and should be held to Paul’s high standard. Christianity has suffered its share of hits by pastors who have crashed and burned due to sexual misconduct, financial abuse and familial distractions. But, Paul addresses almost every one of these traits even in 62 AD.
As a pastor’s wife I would like to point out the role a congregation has in helping its pastor be all that Paul requires. And it’s not functioning in a hyper critical mode! We all are faulty humans, but, unlike their congregations, pastors and their families live in glass houses. They are on full display, targets of an abundance of opinions and criticisms.
So, today, would you put down any stones you're tempted to throw and replace it with a prayer for your pastor? They would be most grateful.
Jesus, forgive me when I expect perfection in my pastor.
My own sins I keep well hidden but often I’m quick to notice the sins of others.
Today I pray that my pastor will be encouraged
by Your presence and confident in Your call.
Amen.
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