Submission or Subjection?

Some have the understanding that if a pastor is not in subjection to every whim of the people that he is "unsubmissive." Someone gathered from my last blog that pastors are beyond approach and shouldn't ever be kept in check for their doctrine, conduct, or attitude. Only a reader with an agenda would ignore the the premise of the former and conclude that the pastor answers to NOBODY but God. For Faith, Conduct,and ethics...yes, he is answers to God but he is also held accountable to the people. I stand by what I said in the blog "Censoring, controlling and consuming the pastor". The pastor is not an errand boy to the whims and opinions of the people. He is a servant. A minister. However, he is NOT a "red-headed stepchild". Please take time to think about what was typed yesterday and examine your own heart. If you assume that because I posted what I did in that blog, that i esteem myself above correction. If you want to correct me. I accept Correction. But don't correct me with your personal vendetta and opinions. Bring fact or don't come at all. Same as with your pastor. They (we) at least deserve that little respect.

Censoring , Controlling, and Consuming The Pastor

Before I get into this touchy subject, let me say right from the start, I am fully aware of people who abuse the office of the Pastor to browbeat, belittle and force people into the bondage of personal opinion and ideology. This blog is NOT supporting such tactics and I OPENLY shame and shun those legalistic and ludicrous lamers who claim to be Leaders.


Recently, I have addressed subjects that were desperately needing to be adjusted and put in order. The response was that of rebellion. The problem should not have gone on as long as it did. I was hesitant to speak up on the subject for fear that people would perceive me as one of those as stated in my opening paragraph. However, the Bible is very clear that the pastor is responsible for maintaining order. Paul wrote a whole epistle to a preacher who had an entire list of "blemishes" to buff out. Paul encouraged the preacher to "man up" and handle the problem. I found it comforting to be in the company as this Biblical example was in. What a joy it is to realize that the "storm" I am in is not uncommon. Others have experienced it too. Praise the Lord!

Instead of realizing the difficult and delicate responsibility it is to correct a subject involving the Body of believers, and what prayer, fasting, thoughts, studying, and agony took place before it became publicly known; the immediate result was to censor the Pastor and starting a small quorum to offset the decision being made. Never have I seen this action result in anything short of a split. Korah comes to mind. There must be a time to stand for what is right if the pastor/leader is steering into apostasy or legalism. The problem is, many people's ideals of legalism and apostasy is based on personal opinion (abstract) and not on tangible fact. Because the Pastor moves the order of service to better maximize the schedule, that is not reason to create a schism. By the way, schedules and time frames are only in existence so that we can get home before kickoff and to not overcook the roast.

Censoring the Pastor - This is usually done on a telephone. It is "altering" what the pastor has "dictated"/decided/ declared. Again, when dealing with the order of services, conduct of ministry, etc the Pastor has the obligation and authority to do as he is led to do. It should not come to a church vote. It shouldn't have to face a committee. The Pastor is the under-shepherd. It is not legalism. It is not lasciviousness. It is "editing the content" to fit the allotted time. Some things in the church need tweaking. It is the Pastor's responsibility to do so.

Instead of "backing him DOWN" (openly or privately), why not "back him up?". It all comes down to trust. DO you trust the pastor to make the decisions necessary to efficiently operate the services? Do you trust him to operate the everyday business of the church? If not, then by all means...vote him out. Get rid of him. that, or get your self in check. The pastor shouldn't be censored when he is within the boundaries of his office.

Controlling the Pastor
This really gets my goat. You see it all the time. People give something...usually money...."to the Lord" via the church. They make sure you, as the pastor know about it, and assure you (the pastor) that it is a "love gift" to the church and cause of Christ. Boy have I learned that it is the FARTHEST THING from the truth. What they
really mean is, I am telling you what I gave "anonymously" so that YOU know that I have money/goods/services and that you will give me MY way in the future. Yes, I know not all people are like this. I have to say, with the exception of one particular elderly couple, this has been the standard M.O. They are not giving "as unto the Lord" out of a PURE heart. They are giving so that they can control. They "generously" give money in your hand so that you remember that THEY gave it to you. They make sure others see them giving it to you to "flaunt" their pseudo-generosity. They assume that padding your pockets means you will be paid off to let them off the hook in accountability and to "give them what they want in the vote." A Pastor/Teacher/Leader worth their salt won't give in. The Bible is clear about having respect of persons. I heard a "preacher" preach a sermon "blowing the whistle on the wolves" and he said that the only thing goats are good for is to milk em for all that they are worth." Sadly, even if you do that, you are just misleading them and abusing them. The best way to handle "goats" is to put them out to pasture and keep a close eye on your flock so they don't "mate" with your ewes or attack the weak and vulnerable.

Controlling the pastor with threats is just as foolish as the Pastor trying to control with legalism. Both breed resentment and idolatry.

If you are going to give something to the Lord through the church, GIVE YOUR GIFT IN SECRET. Ananias and Sapphira purposefully planned to lie to Peter (who was the leader at the time) about the gift given. They didn't have to give anything much less the whole price for the land. They did however try to "boost" their gift so they could receive the praise of men.

If you are going to give something to the Lord....you better make sure it is out of a PURE heart and not a strategic move. NO STRINGS ATTACHED. I made it a point a long time ago...even before I accepted the pastorate here to NEVER be sold out to anyone or anything but GOD. I am in clear conscience to this day except ONE thing. I learned the hard way that not every gift given comes from a pure heart. Some people give to "ensure" that they get what they want. Never again will I be blinded by some people's "generosity". If they want to announce it to me, then it is going to be rejected.

They are always quick to blow up and try to censor the pastor openly but then later that week or soon following, they "give a generous gift" to make up for their immaturity and Unchristian conduct. They grin and smile at you like nothing ever happened. They throw "forgive as Christ forgave you" in your face without remembering the part of "repent" and "confess your faults one to another". They attempt to control the Pastor through gain, goods, and pseudo-gratitude. PREACHERS BEWARE! Does "Et tu, Brute" mean anything to you? "Lord, is it I?"


CONSUMING the Pastor
I remember the old joke about the Pastor who joined a family of the congregation for a Sunday dinner. When the ham was brought to the table, the little girl leaned over and told the Pastor's wife 'mom must have changed her mind...she said we were having the turkey for Sunday lunch.'While we chuckle at this cute little joke, we also realize the truth behind the statement. Sure, it doesn't happen all the time. However, when it does (not even going to entertain the idea that it does not) happen, we fail to realize the lasting damage it leaves on the moldable minds of our children. "It is ok to bash the preacher." It is not disrespectful to run him down or even to criticize him as long as we can present it as a prayer request, right?! We teach our children to run down the teacher/pastor/members of the church, and then get all up at arms and on edge when they turn and "render us" as well. "WHERE DID YOU LEARN THAT FROM?". Hello, McFly!! They learned it from YOU! They learned it from US. No wonder our kids today walk around wearing their rebellion on their clothing "NO FEAR". The Bible says to beware of those who speak evil of dignitaries. Yeah, I know, it is hard to not speak evil of our current President (Mr. Obama). It is hard not to defame him. No, he shouldn't be worshiped. However, he should be respected....the office of the president. The office of the Pastor should not be any less diminished. No, it shouldn't be elevated to deity either. Whether we like it or not, the Bible teaches us to respect the man who is in the office of Pastor. We are to follow them as they follow Christ. They are to be prayed for and "revered." Again, please distinguish the SCRIPTURAL STANDARD against the "Man-worship Manifesto."

They Consume the pastor out of rebellion. They hate his preaching, his purity and his purpose. (Again, realize that not all pastors are perverse...and that not all pastors are pure.) They despise the Servant to the people of God and kill him in their hearts. They stiffen their neck against the rebuke given THROUGH the Pastor by the Holy Spirit. They ignore his conduct. They only know to speak evil and to tear him down and to mock and jeer his attempts and failures. The Bible gives us examples of those who withstood Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and even Paul. Remember Paul, he said that there those who sought to take his life! "Beware when men speak good of you". Again, "keep an eye on the goats."

Here is a truth. When Censoring doesn't work, and the Pastor remains steadfast, when control is overturned because he will not be sold out, there is only one thing that is left to do to the pastor...and that is to consume him.

DRIVE HIM OUT!! STARVE HIM! THREATEN HIS LIFE! VICIOUSLY ATTACK HIS FAMILY! SPLIT THE CHURCH! Attack his integrity and Character. Slander his reputation among those without. Curse him. Try to kill him. DO whatever it takes, but make sure you get your way. One way or another, "we will not have this man to rule over us". No, I am not comparing him to Christ, and NO I am not saying every preacher/pastor/leader/teacher is a sterling example of Christian Conduct. There is a scriptural way to deal with wayward leaders. There are principles to purge problematic and perverse/perverted Pastors/Preachers...but Censoring, Controlling, and Consuming the pastor is NOT how it is done.

The Lack of Teaching and Being Taught

First thing I have noticed among my IFB associates, is their refusal to be taught. Growing up, I remember foolishly making the statement, "I DON'T NEED A BIBLE STUDY...I NEED PREACHING! PREACHING SAVES THE LOST." Yes, preaching does work with the Holy Spirit's convicting and wooing to redeem the lost. The preaching of the cross is effective. However, in the same token, what we lack in the "GREAT COMMISSION" is what was stressed more by Paul and Peter and exemplified by Christ himself...TEACHING. Christ took every opportunity He could to TEACH the men who left all to follow Him. He taught them simple things. He taught them hard things. He taught them things they did not understand. He taught them things they would NEVER understand. He taught the multitudes. He expounded the Word of God to the Rulers in theTemple at a young age. He taught Nicodemus. Christ was known not so much as a PREACHER, although he was, Christ was a RABBI; that is to say, a teacher.

Preaching has its place. I agree. I am horrified that we "break in" our men who have surrendered to Pastor, by teaching them how to PREACH. I can recall the first opporotunity I got to PREACH. I went through my Bible, and put together the best sermon I could muster. I was gonna preeeeeeeeeeeeach amen! I "mounted" the pulpit, pulled out my notes, and began to teach. I didn't mean to. I wanted to preach! I began to teach about making Godly decisions and trusting the omnipotence of God, never going where God didn't lead, and taking a stand against opposition even when it comes from your own family and friends. When I got done, I stepped off the platform, ran to the bathroom, and wept because I didn't hear an ounce of AMENs. My BIG CHANCE..and I flopped. When I finally gained composure, I walked out of the bathroom and there stood my father with tears in his eyes. He told me that was one of the best LESSONS he has ever heard. He told me that it was clear that my gift is not PREACHING as much as it is TEACHING. I went back to the auditorium to hear the pastor preaching. He was making a point that "THIS PULPIT IS FOR PREACHING! THE WORLD NEEDS PREACHING! CHRISTIANS WON'T GET RIGHT WITH GOD BY TEACHING, it MUST BE PREACHING!!".

I constantly questioned my desire to be a Pastor because I couldn't preach like they could. I couldn't hoop and holler without messing up my words and mumbling everything out. I couldn't FLOW. Teaching though, I could get my point accross. It drove me to tears every week when I would attempt to "PREACH" to the Jr.Church kids. They would laugh as I sounded like Porky Pig instead of like "JACK HYLES". I had to learn several lessons, one of which was that there are various kinds of preaching styles. The second lesson I learned is that if a Pastor only PREACHES and never Teaches, he is not a good pastor at all. I believe it was Jack Hyles who said, "if you teach when you preach you are effective. If you PREACH when you Teach, you are shallow in your walk with God". My friend and former pastor, Mike Franklin said, "teaching is a good indication you are being led of the Holy Spirit". One of the Holy Spirit's priorities and ministry is to TEACH us all things.

There is something to be said today of people who "do not endure sound doctrine" and would rather turn to "spectacles" and entertainers than to hear the TEACHING from the Word of God. I am not referring to the lost as much as I am to the believers. We would rather go to hear someone hooping and hollering and think that God is all over it because we can scream and sweat rather than effectively and systematically expound on the Word of God. It takes MORE effort to teach God's Word than to PREACH God's Word. It takes MORE dedication to TEACH God's Word than it does to "BLOW IN, BLOW UP, BLOW OUT".

Yes, PREACHING has it's place. However, we must not limit ourselves to PREACHING. We must not LIMIT ourselves to TEACHING.

Pastors who never TEACH are doing a grave injustice to their congregants. They should realize the Great Commission COMMANDS us to Teach. Our Independent Fundamental Baptist Churches are dying on the vine because they only get preaching. WHERE is the nurturing? Where is the EXPOUNDING. Where is the Teaching? Sunday School attendance is down because people don't get the importance of it. They are PREACHED to in Sunday School, AM service, PM service, and depending on whether or not the church has prayer meeting at the mid-week service, they are PREACHED to/at and not TAUGHT. Does not the Bible say that one of the "qualifications" mentioned for the office of the Pastor is that he must be APT to teach?

I have witnessed sunday school teachers "prepare" for thier class by opening the packet of material, choose the flannel graph people, and never once look at the GUIDELINE lesson to "GEAR IT" for the children they have been ENTRUSTED to teach. The lack of ability to teach is astounding.

Recently, a man in the church approached me and said, "pastor, I just want to thank you for being attentive to us as a congregation. Sometimes when you are preaching, I can see it in your eyes. You look at us and realize that we are not getting it...and you STOP. Change gears, and TEACH us. I LOVE it, because when you do, God ALWAYS has something for me. It is like God tells you, hey...you....So and so needs this...say it...". I am not trying to brag here. I am not trying to compare myself to others. But, hello?! I felt guilty for every time I preach and don't stop to "chase that rabbit" when I "hear the coon dogs howling".

The inability to TEACH is mostly because people have never been taught. We mimmic what we have seen done. We know to "get down on a knee" when we "pop the question" to our girlfriend. We know to "tap" the side of the appliance when it is on the fritz. We know to let out a "ahhhhh" when we take a sip of a cold glass of water or tea on a hot day. We do things out of "tradition" rather than what we desire. An unchurched, and as far as I know, unconverted lady stopped by to talk to me about the building that is nearly completed, and she just let out an "AMEN". I took notice to that. She got all red in the face, and said "where did that come from?". I told her it came from "expectancy". It is like this guy at church, Evan, he says this ALL the time...."Coke coke coke coke coke pepsi". 9 out of 10 times, we will say COKE because it is what we have heard more of. We MIMIC.

So, if all we do is get around PREACHING and NEVER teaching...we will do what? TEACH. It will be our primary response to things. PREEEEEAAACH!! When was the last time we heard someone say TEACHHHH!!? I am certain it has been a while. We imitate. We shouldn't imitate. We should demonstrate that what we really are. People who have no leading to teach, should not use that opporotunity to preach. Sit down. Hush up.

The Bible says there are those who SHOULD be able to TEACH, but can't because they never learned. They must be TAUGHT again. (Hebrews 5). I am finding it very troubling that we have such inadequate teachers in our "Independent Fundamental Baptist" Circles. YES. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. Indeed. However, seeing that Christ spent MUCH of his time teaching, I also must do the same if I expect those whom I influence for Christ to grow.

Stay In Your Lane

“Stay in Your Lane”

II Timothy 4:1-8

(preached in 2005 at Victory Bible Baptist Church – Porter Corners NY)

Paul was writing to his young understudy and son in the faith, Timothy, for the second time. Paul was writing under house arrest in Rome and fully aware of his near death. Soberly, he penned these important words to Timothy.

I. Paul’s Admonition – II Tim 3:14 – 4:2

A. Stay Faithful in the things you have taught

B. Remain Steadfast in the Word of God and PREACH with all authority and doctrine to perfect the saints – Eph 4:12

II. Paul’s Alertness

A. For the time WILL come – II Tim 4:3-4

B. End Time Attitude – II Tim 3:1-13

C. BUT WATCH THOU in all things II Tim 4:5, I Peter 5:7 – BE ALERT…BE SOBER

III. Paul’s Achievements

A. I have faught – II Tim 4:7

B. I have Kept – II Tim 4:7

C. I have Finished – II Tim 4:7

1. A few years ago a man was running in the special Olympics. He was just about to pass the finish line, he stepped out of his lane and was disqualified. He ran well, but did not finish.

2. Paul was reminding himself that the finish line is before him and to stay in his lane 6-7

a. By telling Timothy, Paul was able to re-affirm, remind and regroup himself as he ends his ministry

IV. Paul’s Assurance (V8,17,18)

A. Because I have FINISHED and am FAITHFUL “I will receive the crown” (Phil 3:9-14)

B. Paul left no room for error. He left no room for compromise. He could resolve himself to stay faithful. To endure HARDNESS II Tim 2:1-5

V. Paul was ABANDONED by friends but was not alone

A. v10 Demas took off

B. v10 Crescens flew the coup

C. v10 Titus got called away

D. v12 Tychus was needed elsewhere

E. v14 Alexander stabbed me in the back

F. No Man stood by me – everyone took off

G. BUT – II Tim 4:17

1. NOT WITHSTANDING The Lord stood by me

2. AND strengthened me

3. I was delivered – Acts 27 “be of good cheer”

VI. Paul’s Appetite (V.13)

A. Bring the parchments – Bring me my Bible. I want to read the Word of God.

B. Oh that we would, at the end of our life, find freedom, comfort, companionship, and satisfaction within our Bible.

Something's bad wrong with this picture

As a young zealous preacher I have to constantly guard against rash judgmental and ungraceful words that only attack others and promote pride and arrogance in my life, making me unaware, even ignorant of the possibility of sin and or failing in my own life.

The balance between "passive" and passion is often muddied by respect for men, and modernistic principles which have been disguised by both the entertainment world and man-centered Fundamentalism.

Here is something that just should not be too hard to distinguish.

A fellow believer, not too far from me, has resigned from the pastorate due to immorality. Instantly, I hear the rumors and dismiss them as RUMOR MILL and dirty rotten gossip. The man who is accused of the affair has boldly and assertively stood to preach against the sin of immorality, and has urged repentance for those who have fallen into sin. Rightfully so. Preach THUS SAITH THE LORD...AMEN.

However, when immediately offered the audience to publicly apologize for his sin, he leaves it out of his "resignation" address. Pardon me, but, the church had a right to know right then and there why he is resigning from being their pastor. In my honest opinion, it is not a definite indication of a genuinely repentant heart.

Asking those around him if he seems genuinely repentant is surely another indication that he wants to seem repentant, without the evidence of genuine repentance.

The obstinate disrespect of anyone who was trying to defend his honor and reputation to those who believed the gossip and rumor mill by those who rejoice in his "failing" is another sure indication that his believer has not experienced genuine repentance in his heart. Instead, frothing at the mouth, charging others to confront the "loyal" party to hush their defense lacks the gracefulness that would come from being humbled by Holy Spirit Conviction and guilt and or shame of his immoral deed.

Yet another raging egotistical self-pleasing "minister" has fallen prey to the inability to withstand the thwarts of Satan and to resist steadfastly his flesh with personal Integrity and Ethical checks and balances.

To put it mildly, sorry for getting caught is not equivalent to being sorry for the act. RESTORATION cannot happen until those restoring are ABSOLUTELY sure the offending party has repented and is seeking restitution...not ducking away from the responsibility to right the wrong, and bear whatever consequence comes from his/her trespass.

Now I realize that having opened my "mouth" I realize that I too must guard against the same demise.
I am not throwing anyone under the bus. I am praying for those involved, but I can also tell you, that I am hurt that someone whom I know, who boasts themselves on spirituality, would fail to live that what they preach, and yet dismiss any amount of responsibility in the reconciliation, repentance, retrobution matter.

Musing About Candidating

Ever have something you wanted to explain but could not find a way to express yourself? Have you ever HAD to get something off your chest, but did not know how to start? Have you ever started to explain yourself to others by asking redundant questions? I don't know where to start, but at the same time, I also know that people aren't interested in reading brainstorming, so, here it goeth.

I have been at this church as a Pastor for 4 years. I am in my 5th summer. There had been much disorder while they were looking for a pastor. As I candidated, I was so set on making sure they were following a "list" of questions from a doctrinal statement, that I ignorantly missed some other key things that I discovered down the road. BIG things to me now. Things like Brotherly love. Not the "hugging type" but the kind that binds people together and not in competition. Not trying to outdo one another. Preferring one another in brotherly love. Looking every man on the things of others to help meet their needs. In love, praying for one another with fervent prayer. Admonishing one another in the faith. Forgiving one another and not holding grudges. I failed to see the importance of this when I candidated.

I failed to examine the desire for outreach. I am not talking about once a month going to a soup kitchen, or once a month going to preach at a homeless shelter. I am not talking about once a month going to a nursing home. I am talking about reaching out to others on a daily basis. I am not talking about "soul winning". I am talking about individuals sharing the love of Christ on a daily basis.

I failed to recognize the lack of soul winning among the members. I am not talking about "vacuum salesmanship" I am talking about "when was the last time you purposely shared the gospel".

I failed to realize the lack of "FAMILIES" in the church. Husbands and Wives in Church. Children with their parents, behaving in school, at home, in church.

I failed to detect how important the Word of God was to people's life. Did they know it? When I asked them to turn to a particular passage, did they know where it was? Did they have a knowledge of the Bible beyond John 3:16, Psalms 23 and The Lord's prayer? Did the Word of God have priority in their life, or are they restricted by commandments and doctrines of men?

Do they understand the responsibility to the Pastor. Not treating him as a god, but respecting the pastor and caring for the pastor. Properly compensating the pastor. Financially and Spiritually aiding the pastor to further the work as stewards of God's Church. Is he taken care of, so that he does not get distracted by the cares of the world and having to work a secular job to ensure that his personal responsibilities are cared for? Do they criticize him for petty differences? Do they disrupt the preaching by snoring? talking about bugs on the floor or a light flickering? Do they pray for the pastor? Is the pastor appreciated? "reverenced"?

What is the church's reputation among the other churches of like faith? What is the church's reputation in the community? Is the church recognized as a voice in the community for God?

What about the upkeep of the structure and grounds? Is the Church in good repair? The Grounds? Is the parsonage in good condition? Is there a sense of pride for the appearance of the building? Is it taken care of?

Church Finances? Are they delinquent on bills? Are they self-supporting? Do they faithfully support missionaries? Are they shuffling bills to stay afloat? Savings account? Are they constantly dabbling in the RED? Are the NECESSITIES provided on a monthly basis?

Ministries? Are they Christ Honoring? Are they organized? Are those who are involved in the ministries knowledgeable in them? Is there substance to the ministries or are they pieced together like an old blanket...sentimentalism but not worth daily use?

Missions: Are they supporting missionaries financially? Do they keep contact with the missionaries? Do they promote the need for missions? Missions Oriented?

These are just SOME of the things I did not stop to think about. These are things I was too impetuous to inquire of.

I am finding that the very things I am frustrated with are the very things I overlooked.

If you are candidating....or looking for a church to attend.....take THIS checklist. Consider it. Think about it. Pray about it. Do not jump at the chance to be part of a church without discerning.



By no means am I saying that my particular church has any or all of these factors. I am simply writing what I have been thinking about. In my own life, I see many of these "infractions" and the Holy Spirit has convicted me of them. As the Pastor does, ere goes the church.

Saw This From A Link On Another Site

And Preach As You Go!

Floyd Doud Shafer

Christianity Today, March 27, 1961

There was a time, about three generations ago, when the minister was known as the parson. Parson, in those days, was not a nickname, but an honorific title, and it meant The Person. More often than not the parson was the best educated man in the community and he ranked with the physician and the pedagogue, and the lawyer in eminence. But our time has seen a complete switch in this situation. The minister is no longer a parson. The advent of a highly educated public has put the minister close to the bottom of the listings in educated persons. Our reaction to this turn of events should have been a determined and disciplined effort to regain and maintain superior excellence in the things which pertain to God. Instead, the clergy retreated in mad scramble behind the breastworks of administrative detail, ecclesiastical trivia, and community vagrancy. Whenever our conscience bothered us, we simply ran off to another meeting to make arrangements for succeeding meetings to flee to. We are no longer parsons, now we are "good Joes" and in place of providing the Church with her needed "Scholar teachers" who are equipped to bring God and man together in reasoned relation, we no find ourselves among those who need to be reached by the "Scholar Teacher" and wise men of God. What is the resolution of this ridiculous farce?

Minister of the Word

The answer ought to be obvious. Actually, it is in the nature of a cabala. Here it is in taunting simplicity: Make him a minister of the Word! But what does that mean? What could be more esoteric? Very well, we will say it with more passionate bluntness. Fling him into his office, tear the office sign from the door and nail on the sign: STUDY. Take him off the mailing list, lock him up with his books (get him all kinds of books) and his typewriter and his Bible. Slam him down on his knees before texts, broken hearts, and the flippant lives of a superficial flock, and the Holy God. Throw him into the ring to box with God till he learns how short his arms are: engage him to wrestle with God all the night through. Let him come out only when he is bruised and beaten into being a blessing. Set a time clock on him that will imprison him with thought and writing about God for 40 hours a week. Shut his garrulous mouth forever spouting "remarks" and stop his tongue always tripping lightly over everything non-essential. Require him to have something to say before he dare break silence. Bend his knees in the lonesome valley, fire him from the PTA and cancel his country club membership: burn his eyes with weary study, wreck his emotional poise with worry for God, and make him exchange his pious stance for a humble walk with God and man. Make him spend and be spent for the glory of God.

A Life Aflame

Rip out his telephone, burn up his ecclesiastical success sheets, refuse his glad hand, and put water in the gas tank of his community buggy. Give him a Bible and tie him to his pulpit and make him preach the Word of the Living God. Test him, quiz him and examine him: humiliate him for his ignorance of things divine, and shame him for his glib comprehension of finances, batting averages, and political infighting. Laugh at his frustrated effort to play psychiatrist, scorn his insipid morality, refuse his supine intelligence, ignore his broadmindedness which is only flat headedness, and compel him to be a minister of the Word. If he wants to be gracious, challenge him rather to be a product of the rough grace of God. If he dotes on being pleasing, demand that he please God and not man. If he wants to be unctuous, ask him to make sounds with a tongue on which a Holy Flame has rested. If he wants to be a manager, insist rather that he be a manikin for God, a being who is illustrative of the purpose and will of God.

One Thing Needful

Form a choir and raise a chant and haunt him with it night and day: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." When, at long last, he dares assay the pulpit, ask him if he has a word from God: if he does not, then dismiss him and tell him you can read the morning paper, digest the television commentaries, think through the day's superficial problems, manage the community's myriad drives, and bless assorted baked potatoes and green beans ad infinitum better than he can. Command him not to come back until he has read and re-read, written and re-written, until he can stand up, worn and forlorn, and say, "Thus saith the Lord!" Break him across the board of his ill-gotten popularity, smack him hard with his own prestige, corner him with questions about God, and cover him with demands for celestial wisdom, and give him no escape until he is backed against the wall of the Word: then sit down before him and listen to the only word he has left: God's Word. Let him be totally ignorant of the down-street gossip, but give him a chapter and order him to walk around it, camp on it, suffer with it, and come at last to speak it backwards and forwards until all he says about it rings with the truth of eternity. Ask him to produce living credentials that he has been and is true father in his own home before you allow him license to play father to all and sundry. Demand to be shown that his love is deep, strong, and secure among those nearest and dearest to him before he is given contract to share the superfluity of his affability with all sorts and conditions of persons. Examine his manse whether it be a seminary of faith, hope, learning, and love or a closet of fretting, doubt, dogmatism, and temper; if it be the latter, the quarantine him in it for praying, crying, and conversion, and then let him go forth converted, to convert.

Sign and Symbol

Mold him relentlessly into a man forever bowed but never cowed before the unconcealed truth which he has labored to reveal, and let him hang flung against the destiny of almighty God; let his soul be stripped bare before the onrushing purposes of God, and let him be lost, doomed, and done that his God alone be all in all. Let him, in himself, be sign and symbol that everything human is lost, that Grace comes through loss; and make him the illustration that Grace alone is amazing, sufficient, and redemptive. Let him be transparent to God's grace, God himself. And when he is burned out by the flaming Word that coursed through him, when he is consumed at last by the fiery Grace blazing through him, and when he who was privileged to translate the truth of God to man is finally translated from earth to heaven, then bear him away gently, blow a muted trumpet and lay him down softly, place a two-edged sword on his coffin and raise a tune triumphant, for he was a brave soldier of the Word and e'er he died he had become spokesman of his God.

And who shall return us to this ministry? "Therein the patient must minister to himself."