Jeff Wiesner@JeffreyPWiesner
Pastoral ministry is hard enough without faithful brothers passively criticizing other faithful brothers with generalized criticism:
“The problem with most pastors today…”
I’ve done it. I’m still tempted to do it. Without presuming on anybody else’s motives, I know that my own heart was often motivated by a good desire for principled faithfulness mixed with a self-righteous desire to peacock my principles.
Most pastors don’t need constant and exacting criticism, even generally.
Pastors are some of the most conscientious people around. They are more aware of their many weaknesses and failures than anybody (but often have the smallest circles with whom to be honest), and don’t simply need more law in their feeds.
They need more reminders of the gospel. More reminders of God’s covenant love for them in Christ, even on their worst days following their worst sermons and most regrettable decisions.
They need to be reminded that God really, truly, immutably loves them. And of how the strong hands of Christ will strengthen their faithfulness.
They need to remember that neither their ministry faithfulness nor ministry failures can move the needle one degree with respect to their safe standing before God in Christ—justified, adopted, and forgiven.
I still have a long way to go. I am still more self-righteous and critical and proud that I care to admit. But I would love nothing more than to see my feed filled with a steady stream of edification and encouragement.
