Disagree with him? Let’s run him off! (Not)

As most know, I am a staff writer for the website GotQuestions.org, and I received a question that I wanted to share as well as the answer that I provided. The question had to do with (obvious) disagreement in the church between how a pastor acts and how others think he should behave.  I think this is something that all churches struggle with, primarily because they expect the pastor to be a psychic and know what is happening.  Having been run off from a church because others decided to rally around a lie, I know all too well how this feels and have always wished someone would’ve tried to (or even asked to) listen to the “whole story”.   

Question:

What does the Bible say about when a pastor let`s other run the church. Show`s favor over others.

Answer:

Thank you for writing to us.  The qualifications of the office of pastor are listed clearly in 1 Timothy 3:1-8 as well as Titus 1:5-9.  If a man is not living up to these qualifications he should not be serving as a pastor of a church.  For more information, please check out this article:  http://www.gotquestions.org/pastor-office.html

With that said, let me encourage you with this VERY important information:  Rather than gathering evidence (either unintentionally or intentionally behind a man’s back) to evict him from the church … first ensure that you’ve done what the bible requires in Matthew 5:23-24 and actually TALK to the man to ensure there isn’t a mis-communication or a perception that things aren’t what they seem.  99 times out of 100, applying Proverbs 15:1 (which says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”) to a situation will garner a clear understanding of what’s going on and the ability to come together as believers to solve an issue … instead of forming a lynch mob to run a man out of the church.

It is a fact, and having been a pastor for 10+ years I can say this:  If more Christians actually talked to the person they have a problem with, most problems could be resolved quickly.  Let’s remember it is God’s church and not yours (or someone else’s) … therefore we should seek to edify one another and honor the Father with our lives.  God bless you.  ~ Rev TJ