You are supposed to be a fisher of men, not a bait trap. Too many leaders (including more than just pastors) within the Christ-following movement have started shifting how they present issues to their congregations. Spiritual leaders are supposed to be able to teach the Word of God through the lens of the context of when it was written and how it still applies today. This should be done with a need to manipulate the Word or manipulate societal circumstances to help it say what they want it to say. So, what happens when someone chooses to teach in a way that creates conspiracy theories or pushes an agenda? What happens when someone who is supposed to be a trusted leader, a keeper of the Word, finds ways to stir the pot and cause chaos?
The Church of the Brethren operates under the motto of "Continuing the work of Je us. Simply. Peacefully. Together." I could argue that this motto applies to the entire faith system of Christ- followers. We are called to continue Christ’s work. We are called to live a life of s publicity. We are called to be peace-makers, not pot stirrers. We are called to come together as a body. What happens when the teacher becomes a sous chef and stirs the pot with untruth?
When asked how I form a sermon, I told many folks, "If I am not getting something out of it as I prepare, how can I expect others to get something out of it also? My heart, my current state, should be questioned and open for growth." It is written by James, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Some come into ministry and quickly shift from wanting to do God's work to realizing the power and authority that can plague one in the field. One who may come with an open heart becomes a modern-day Pharisee or even a false prophet, as they begin to operate under ego instead of through the Holy Spirit. How can one teach the Word of God without the recognition that what one is choosing to teach will be something one will be held accountable for later on?
I have sat in rooms with others who are pastors or leaders and listened as incorrect materials were spewed. I have heard a professor tell me that a Greek word, when used in a specific way, could demonstrate the use of transgender in the bible because it would only be used by a male speaking to a female (culturally). If God used this word toward Paul, Paul could be considered transgender and vice versa. I had listened to a pastor talk about a conference where he accused a denomination of not stopping a statue outside a hotel from having 666 engraved. The statue didn't have 666; it had curls engraved. I have listened to pastors talk about how horrible seminaries have become when that pastor didn't go to seminary. There are leaders in the universal church that continue incorrect beliefs that the political left will shut down all churches and dismantle them in the United States. Some teach that tragedies in our country, like mass shootings, etc., are just media tactics and didn’t actually happen. These situations can plague the church buildings and the people in them. It also gives the rest of the faith tradition a bad name because of a few bad apples.
Jesus wasn't concerned with his popularity. Jesus wasn't concerned about what table he sat at, which was clearly demonstrated when he was spotted dining with the sinners. Jesus didn't care about what clothes he wore or what title he had. He practiced humility at every turn. He never acted superior because of his knowledge of God's Word (especially since he WAS the Word). I read an article saying, " We live in a time when many pastors would prefer to be treated as celebrities rather than servants of the Lord. When a pastor would rather hear applause than receive God's approval, something is off — way off." If the pastor leads by the example of popularity, one should ask what the church members will become by following that standard. Make disciples of Jesus Christ...not disciples of yourself. Don't hide behind the old fallback of "we all make mistakes." Indeed, humanity is prone to mistakes. What this means is you are to set an example and be humble enough to admit your mistake and not excuse them. By excusing everything you do, you are telling the flock you are supposed to care for so they can do the same.
If you like the sound of your voice so much that the idea of letting someone else behind "your pulpit" really bothers you, it might be cause concern. Some leaders do not want to let go of their pulpit because they feel they are the only one qualified to fill it. Here is the problem with this logic: You are not the master. God is the master of all things. God is the one who ordains you for his plans. God is the one that provides you with what you need to do his will. If pastors or leaders are unwilling to listen to others, whether older or younger, and only care about themselves, they have transitioned from being lifelong students of God to be Pharisees.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.” A large majority of pastors work hard to be an example of the life Christ led. Yes, people, pastors included, make mistakes. Hopefully, they are willing to own them and use the lesson learned to help others grow. Jesus was a good shepherd, leading those that followed him in the way that would lead to eternal life through their relationship with God, the Father. He didn’t bait them with untruth. He didn’t bait them so he could gain monetary means. He didn’t bait them to add to his social media numbers. He didn’t bait them to manipulate and form robot followers. He offered them a line without a hook. He offered them a lifeline, one that would allow them to grow, to be able to ask questions and to look to God instead of mankind for their way. The net Jesus cast out to fish for men was not about trapping people; it was about giving them a chance to look another way when the way they were on wasn’t working.
I would encourage any believer in Jesus Christ to remember that those they hold high as a leader should strive to grow in relationships with God and others. If you find leaders more focused on themselves than those they are leading, be willing to call them out and hold them accountable. Lao Tzu said, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Pastors are supposed to lead by example. If I am trying to catch a specific fish, knowing I need a specific bait, why would I try to do it with anything other than what I need? If God is not at the center of the lives of those leading, one may need to step back.
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