On Good Pastoral Intentions

Over the past year my views on the church have changed dramatically (not exactly a newsflash). During that time, I've begun to question many of the church practices that I used to simply assume were correct. I don't pretend to have everything figured out related to the church, but I do plan to keep asking questions - even if they lead to uncomfortable answers. When this all began, I certainly didn't think I would end up resigning from my salaried pastoral position and entering the job-search frenzy.

As I have asked these questions, especially in regards to the role of elders/overseers/pastors, some people have disagreed with me. In particular, I have friends who serve as salaried pastors who do not hold the same beliefs I now do. This is no surprise to me. In fact, I thought it would happen. Please let me emphasize something: these men remain my friends. I don't believe for a second that our differing views on pastoral ministry, even if they are strongly held views, are any sort of reason for separation of fellowship.

Please let me say something else. I strongly believe that most salaried pastors have good intentions toward both the churches they serve and their surrounding communities. Sometimes pastors take a bashing in the blog world, and while a small minority may deserve it, the majority work hard to build up the church of Christ. In fact, I know a good number who have suffered quite a bit because of stands they have taken for the gospel.

By my questioning some of the practices of salaried pastors, I am not at the same time calling into question their intentions, motivations, or character.

That said, I still believe it is both fair and right to question any practice, especially as it relates to the church, that does not seem to follow the biblical model. Just because someone has good intentions, this does not mean that he is automatically correct. For example, many pastors continue to teach that the tithe is something we should give to the church. I believe most who do this have good intentions. The reality is, however, that the tithe is not a New Testament concept whatsoever. As followers of Christ, we are to give freely and not under compulsion.

So as I blabber on in written form, let me sum up with three things:

1. Most salaried pastors that I know are godly individuals who have good intentions in working for the betterment of their church families.

2. Despite our differences, I will not break fellowship with these friends of mine (and I hope they won't either).

3. Our good intentions (as they relate to life in general and the church in particular) do not automatically lead to biblical practices. We must question and continue to question so that we may become increasingly more biblical in all areas of life.