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An article from SBCI,
well worth the reading.
Biblical
Pastors on the Verge of Extinction
By Jim Fisher, Harrison Hills Baptist
Church, Lanesville, Indiana
Sadly we all
know words like “endangered species” and “extinction.”
This fast pace, upwardly mobile world thinks little about
God’s creatures. Intent on pursuing personal desires, animals
are often trusted as expendables in man’s reckless abandon to
climb the “success mountain.”
Let’s
define a term. “Endangered species” are living things
threatened with extinction. That is, the dyeing off of all their
kind. Among the many reasons for endangerment are loss of
habitat, wildlife trade and competition with domestic and
non-domestic animals.
Before an animal can receive
protection under the “Endangered Species Act” it must first
be placed on the government’s list of endangered and
threatened wildlife. Rather than changing our habits, a law was
mandated to govern our unwilling and uncooperative mindsets.
Allow me to draw a parallel. There
is another “species” on the verge of extinction. Though not
readily recognized, this group is indeed an endangered
population. And undoubtedly, there will never be a “law”
created to protect these vital contributors to society. The
group? Biblical pastors.
Let’s look at the first reason
for endangerment, loss of habitat. Herein animals are misplaced
by the destruction of their normal surroundings. Their
environment is irreparably altered, severely crippling the
reality of survival.
Biblical pastors are no different.
Note the designation. Not “church pastors” or
“preacher.” Not “ministers” or “clergy.” No, not
even “Baptist,” “Methodist,” “Presbyterian,” ect.
Just plain “Biblical.”
With the onslaught of the church
growth movement, Biblical pastors are losing their habitat. Many
churches have opted for the secular over the spiritual. They
have adopted a business mindset, complete with a Chief Executive
Officer (CEO).
The Biblical pastor has been
replaced with a CEO. Church members have become shareholders.
Deacons and/or elders have become board of directors. And, the
bottom line is the bottom line. Ministry has become a business
and it is spelled “p-r-o-f-i-t.” More of everything. More
nickels and noses. More buildings and baptisms. And of course,
bigger budgets.
Yes, a church should desire growth,
but the primary focus should be the HEALTH of the body, not the
BREADTH of the body. Yet many churches are more concerned with
numerical expanse, not spiritual depth. Lest we forget Jesus’
teaching on the “wheat and tares,” an increase in numbers
cannot always be equated with an increase in health (Matthew
13; 24,30, 36,43). Not all growth is healthy. It can be
downright cancerous.
Pastors who do not comply are
ridiculed, reprimanded and often rejected. Rather than
passionately encouraging the Biblical fruit of faithfulness
within his life, many congregations demand that he meet their
“sales quota.” Simply stated, the pastor must produce
numbers to appease those who supply and sign his paycheck.
Then, there are the incredible
non-Biblical methods a “Pastor Search Committee” will use to
find a pastor. Often they will look for “producers” with a
proven track record of “success.” Polling the congregation
to gauge their preferences, a man is chosen for what he has done
and can do for the church, not for who he is in Christ. The
church should not be surprised when she gets exactly what is
deserved.
And, we wonder why pastors come and
go so rapidly? A Biblical pastor is a rare find and a treasure
form God. He is a spiritual gift sent from heaven (Ephesians
4: 7-16). Are you rejecting God’s present? Keep the light
on. We will look again at the causes of endangerment. Christian,
let me encourage you to Biblically love your pastor and allow
him to fulfill his Biblical calling. This road to extinction can
be re-routed!
Clyde
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