I was 12 years old when I became aware of just how difficult pastoral ministry can be. I was a member of a Baptist church in Kailua whose pastor was in his early 60s. Even today I have very fond memories of the man. He was a gentle, soft-spoken mainlander who genuinely loved his congregation. Though his messages weren't always interesting, they were always faithful to the Scriptures.
One day he suffered a stroke. It wasn't a major stroke but it did prevent him from clearly articulating his words. Within weeks he was out of a job. My 12-year old brain was uncomprehending. After all, with a little bit of effort, I had no problem understanding his sermons. No matter. He was gone. "We can't understand him" was the reason I was given when I asked why he'd been fired.
J. Oswald Sanders, in his outstanding book Spiritual Leadership, writes: "No one need aspire to leadership in the work of God who is not prepared to pay a price greater than his contemporaries and colleagues are willing to pay. True leadership always exacts a heavy toll, and the more effective the leadership, the higher the price to be paid."
Some of you pastors are paying a high price right now. I want to say that I respect you for that. Thank you for being men of courage and conviction. I regret that you have to deal with people that Paul described in Rom. 16:17 as "causing division and putting obstacles in your way." These things aren't just happening inadvertently. They are being caused deliberately and knowingly. These actions do not come from the Holy Spirit. Nor are they always overt. Usually they are subtle. William Barkley describes a divisive man as someone "who speaks well and acts ill." He leads people astray not by direct attack but by subtlety and subterfuge. Nothing in the church will demoralize you like that. Church becomes hell on earth.
If you're in this situation, ask for help! Don't pretend that you wear a cape and tights. You can't carry the weight of the whole world on your shoulders. Turn to those you trust for prayer and support. You need their companionship and involvement at this time in your life. Admit your weakness and inadequacy. I deeply respect that attitude among the pastors I know. One of the greatest privileges of ministry is having a friend you can unburden on. The enemy of our souls tries to get us to face our trials alone. Don't go there. You'll pay too heavy of a price for going it alone. Accept this time of testing as from the hand of God. The Holy Spirit does not flourish through methods. He flourishes through men -- men of contrition and vulnerability.
My former pastor in Hawaii made a lasting impact on my life. I had never before seen such a clear example of Paul's "strength-in-weakness" theology -- a crucial doctrine I went on to write a book about years later (Paul, Apostle of Weakness). This dependence on God never changes. Opposition is the means by which God grants power to those who rely on him. May that be your blessed privilege today, my pastor friend.