Another ministerial casualty fell this week. Seems like every day is a new story of someone being dismissed without thought not due to something illegal, immoral or fattening but just because it seemed the thing to do. Why do we do this? When did we decide that ministers were hired like anyone else? When did we lose the idea that ministry is to be a mutual work? At some point we opened the "Pandora’s box" of treating ministers as pieces of a machine that can be replaced on a whim. Is it any wonder that the unchurched world wonders at our ability to truly be authentic Christians?

Once upon a time there was a minister who dealt with so much of the pain my brethren and some sisters face. His call to ministry came late in his life. That life was not without controversy before his call. That controversy continued even as he began his journey. His first attempts of ministry were a huge failure. He was subject to abuse, scorn and mockery yet he soldiered on. His initial success finally led to even more difficulty. He would be questioned on every decision that he made. He would not always exhibit the godliest attitude yet he would repent and regroup to push forward. Those he led would take up all his time with trivial matters yet he patiently listened to give advice when needed. After awhile, he simply could not do enough to keep them happy. They tried replacing him in a near unanimous vote while he was away. He returned to face a hostile crowd who needed revival in a desperate way. Even his own assistants would try his patience and spiritual life by their decisions and even their betrayal. It is a wonder that he didn’t give up in all the years of his ministry. Perhaps it is that God chose him for that most unique of situations. God wired him to lead and care for those in need. He spent time alone with God to bring messages that came right from heaven itself. When you look at the whole picture the crises originated from his human failings as well as those of his flock. Ministry is a two way street often beset with the unexpected curves of being human. I suppose Moses learned that as well as anyone over his 40 plus years of ministry.

Jesus prayed for and desired His people to live in unity. He knew that it would not come either easy or cheap. He lived with his twelve disciples long enough to know people can do some very odd things. Sometimes we do those things because we simply make mistakes. But, we can also do those things from a selfish and sinful heart. We decide as ministers that we know more than God so we let our ego get over inflated. We decide as ministers that we are the only ones who can know God and His will. But, many if not most ministers are good men or women who simply want God’s best for those around them. Not every one of them delivers the best sermons. Not all of them are the best organizers. Not all of them can sing like angels. Many are simply trying to do the best as God made them. Trust me, we are very aware of our shortcomings and weaknesses. Trust me that we would do almost anything to correct those weaknesses. I do not know personally very many ministers who wake up in the mornings with a plan to fail or lose friendships. We are human beings too. We hurt, we cry, we laugh, we do all the things other human beings do. We even make mistakes along the way in ministry.

We are reaching a time where it seems we have little regard for the families of those who lead us. How many of the rebellious people in the world look back to their hurt as children of ministers? There are far too many people doing jobs other than ministry because they could not physically take the abuse any longer. This is no apologetic for the choices that people make but it is reality. Do we truly want wives and children to no longer want to be part of God’s church in the world? Almost every Baptist State convention now has an office specifically oriented to assist minister’s families in times of crisis. It is true that scripture says that God’s people can expect persecution and suffering. However, I do wonder if Paul envisioned that coming from God’s people rather than the ungodly that resist His work. At some point we must remember that God’s work is not about us. It is ultimately and eternally about Him.

Someday all of this has to stop. We cannot keep doing business as usual with the casualty count going higher on a regular basis. We have to take control of our tongues so they speak good and not evil. We have to yield our hearts to God to share His concern for all. We have to remember to seek God’s kingdom and not ours. We need to talk to God about others more than we talk to others about stuff. We need to remember that at our best, we are all still very human. We need to pray for God’s best for those already damaged in the process of doing church. We must repent of our sin and ask for forgiveness from God who is the One who loves us eternally.

Bro. Trey