As a young man, I dreamed of being called to lead a revival for God. I was inspired by my pastor, who had led a church that had multiplied from a medium-sized congregation to a congregation of over 6,000. I read stories of heroes of the faith who had led revivals: Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, DL Moody, and Billy Graham.
I prayed God would use me to lead. I dreamed of preaching to crowds and seeing many come to faith. I had the opportunity to lead Bible studies on my high school campus and was excited to try to figure out how to lead others in studying the Bible.
In college, I learned a hard lesson. I agreed to lead our theological discussion group on a controversial subject: birth control. I prepped to lead the group, and word began to circulate. Our group of twenty-something swelled to over a hundred, with people spilling out the doors. I had strong opinions on the matter and defended my position biblically and scientifically. I left feeling the high of having an impact on others’ hearts and minds: I felt prophetic.
After the group, someone followed up with me respectfully and challenged some of the research I had presented. It was a long process, but ultimately, as I dug back into the arguments, I changed my mind.
Guilt settled in. How do I undo my teaching that I now think was harmful?
There are many excellent pastors who faithfully care for their flocks and handle the Word of God well, but it’s not unusual for me to come upon a clip of a pastor distorting Scripture. In fact, it feels at times that there is an inverse correlation to the distortion of the Word and clicks. Many aspire to preach, but not all consider the weight of responsibility. Ours is an age of platform. Most want a microphone and an audience to listen. But we ought to be warned.
Jesus did not mince words about those who twisted God’s Word, “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:19). Later, Jesus doubles down, “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt 18:6).
James broadens Jesus’ warning, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness“ (Jms 3:1).
Having served as a pastor for eighteen years, I’m sure that there have been many things I’ve said that were off-target. I’m sure I have unfairly bound someone else’s conscience, or blurred God’s law inappropriately, or not communicated the gospel clearly. My heart breaks for those who have been harmed by any untruth or unclear truth I have spoken.
God, please forgive me for any way I have harmed your reputation. God, please forgive me for any obstacle I’ve placed in the way of someone knowing you. God, please forgive me for any way I have brought glory to myself and not to you.
I deserve the millstone. Jesus, thank you for taking my millstone on yourself.
Paul says that anyone who aspires to be an overseer desires “a noble task” (1 Tim. 3:1). We have an impending pastoral shortage.[i] I pray many are willing to risk the millstone for the sake of the sheep. But for those who aspire to the office, do not ignore the millstone.
[i] Darryl Dash, “The Coming Pastoral Shortage,” The Gospel Coalition, Feb 15, 2023 https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/straight-paths/the-coming-pastoral-shortage/.
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