Letters to the Church

by Francis Chan

  THE TRAPS OF MINISTRY

  Some of the expectations we place on leaders make their success nearly impossible. They are no longer prioritizing the things God wants them to prioritize or the things they hoped to do when they first began ministering to others, and that’s not entirely their fault. Many entered ministry because of a deep love for God and people. They had a fearless and radical mind-set, ready to risk everything for the Kingdom. But there are so many traps laid out for ministers today. Eventually they fall into one of them and become distracted, deceived, or depressed.

  The Trap of Avoiding Criticism. People say harsh things to pastors. No matter what is preached, there are people on both sides anxious to criticize. The harshness or sheer amount of criticism often causes a politicizing of the pulpit. They sound less like prophets and more like they are running for office. The leader becomes overly aware of how people respond and starts teaching in a way that avoids criticism rather than fearlessly preaching truth.

  The Trap of Fund-Raising. I don’t know of any pastors who went into ministry because of their love of raising funds. And I don’t know of many pastors who are not regularly worried about the church budget or building projects.

  The Trap of Comparison. Church members regularly listen to podcasts of gifted speakers, read articles by brilliant theologians, and watch videos of talented church leaders moving thousands of people. It’s hard for both leaders and followers not to become discouraged by the comparisons.

  The Trap of Meeting Expectations. People come on Sunday mornings expecting coffee, good parking, music they enjoy at a preferred volume, a thirty-minute sermon, a good nursery, children’s ministry, something for preteens, middle school ministry, high school ministry, college/singles’ ministry, etc. They are too busy creating what people expect to actually pursue what God commands.

  The Trap of Popularity. Empty seats are a downer, and watching people flood to the church down the street can be depressing. Then try going to a Christian conference and seeing celebrity pastors treated like royalty. It’s hard not to become envious and hard for those who have “made it” not to become proud. This system has no winners.

  The Trap of Safety. We place our pastors in a church office surrounded by Christians for forty hours a week and then ask them to teach us about living by faith.

  The Trap of Greed. People in our country feel more entitled than ever, and pastors are no exception. The larger the church, the larger the paycheck. The higher the book sales, the higher the royalties. For those who like to live comfortably, church growth can have mixed motives.

  The Trap of Demonic Attack. On top of it all, there is a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Pet. 5:8), and pastors are on the top of the list. There is an Enemy doing everything he can to tempt you into sinning in a way that harms the reputation of the Church.

  You can argue that pastors should be strong enough to avoid these traps, or you can argue that people should stop setting so many traps. Regardless of whose fault it is, it is clear that leaders are distracted and discouraged. Can we really expect Spirit-filled disciples to be produced from that kind of leadership? Are we unknowingly setting up godly men and women for failure?

  THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED

  When I started Cornerstone Church back in 1994, things were much different than they are now. People were more respectful toward pastors and authority in general. There was no such thing as social media. Few people even had cell phones! (Yes, I’m ancient.) If someone wanted to encourage or criticize me, they would have to find me. Times have changed.

  I remember when social media started to flood the world. Suddenly it became easier and easier for anyone to flatter or criticize me publicly. There were days when my head could barely fit through the door because of all the compliments. There were other times when I battled hurt and anger over harsh statements that were made. I have learned over time to pay less attention to these things, but it was overwhelming at the outset.

  For those who have never had to deal with floods of people strongly stating their opinions about you, be grateful. I have met very few people who have navigated that world and remained humble and loving yet courageous. Large crowds do something strange to all of us. We can subconsciously begin preaching to avoid criticism rather than teaching truth regardless of the response. We live in a time when people are so volatile. If we say one wrong word in public, it can wreak havoc.

  It is only going to get more difficult for pastors to speak in front of large crowds with boldness and humility. Maybe that’s why we are finding fewer pastors known for being humble and courageous. I was deeply affected by a pastor in China who said to me, “In America, pastors think they have to become famous to have a big impact. In China, the most influential Christian leaders had to be the most hidden.” My soul leaped when I heard that, imagining a chance to fight for impact and obscurity all at once. It feels as if our current way of doing things in America sets us up for failure. Those who pursue massive Kingdom impact seem to always be fighting a losing battle with pride. It is how the Enemy lures us away from the very character that makes us effective.

  “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

  Hebrews 13:7

  Leaders, I want to challenge you to examine your lives and see whether you can truly tell people in good conscience to follow you as you follow Christ. For those not yet in positions of leadership, as we go through the qualities that are essential for good, biblical leadership, I urge you to examine your leaders in a spirit of grace and humility to discern whether their faith and way of life is something you want to imitate. For some of you, God may be calling you to step into leadership, and I implore you to devote yourself to growing in the following areas.

  THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR

  That heading may sound ridiculous, but is it really safe to assume all pastors are Christians? Just because we claim to believe in Him or went to school to study for ministry, it doesn’t ensure that our hearts are His. Having spent two years in a Bible college and three years in seminary, I can tell you that a degree can be proof of intelligence or discipline but not spirituality. Those were easily the five worst years of my life. Remember that in Jesus’ day, some of the religious leaders were the most evil. Scripture is always warning us to be on guard against false teachers.

  “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.”

  2 Peter 2:1–3

  There will always be false teachers on this earth. Jesus taught that wolves will come in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15). What better camouflage than as a minister? Some will teach false doctrine because of their desire to be accepted. Others will preach truth while living a lie. Whether it’s their message or lifestyle that is false, both are condemned. If you read the rest of 2 Peter 2, you will see that terrifying judgment is reserved for them. If you are reading this and are living an immoral life, it’s time to step down. The worst thing you can be is a false teacher. There is nothing more evil you can do during your few years on earth than to lead people away from their Creator.

  I have prayed that everyone who reads this section will actually take time to evaluate his or her own life. As Paul said, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Cor. 13:5). Is it clear that you have counted the cost and decided to follow Jesus? Do your pastors show clear evidence that they have forsaken all to follow Him?

  THE PRAYING PASTOR

  I once told my staff to let me know if they were not praying at least an hour a day. This way I could replace them with someone who would. I would much rather hire someone who prayed and did nothing else than someone who worked tirelessly without praying.
That may sound harsh, but prayer is that critical. Prayer is not merely a task of ministry; it is a gauge that exposes our hearts’ condition. It unveils our pride, showing us whether or not we believe we are powerless apart from God. When we pray, it is an expression of surrender to God and reliance on His infinite wisdom and sovereignty. Even Jesus Himself would not take matters into His own hands when His disciple Peter was being attacked by Satan.

  “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

  Luke 22:31–32

  If anyone should have been able to help Peter with good counseling or teaching, it would have been almighty Jesus. Yet His solution was to pray. Meditate on that for a moment.

  Prayer is the mark of a lover. Those who deeply love Jesus can’t help but pray often. To love God with our entire being is the greatest command in Scripture. Pastors who are not drawn to prayer should not be pastors. It is in prayer that we seek the Lord and the welfare of our people.

  I have been joining with my elders to pray Ephesians 3:14–19 over our people, begging God that they would long for Jesus as we do.

  A pastor from India once told me he was researching movements and noticed a common thread: movements of God always start with a leader who knows God deeply, and they always end when the followers know only the leader deeply. Pastors, we must know Him deeply and make disciples whose primary attachment is to Christ Himself.

  THE HUMBLE PASTOR

  Another pastor from India gave me some simple and powerful advice I hope never leaves me. His ministry has led over three million people to Jesus. All these people are being discipled. When I asked how he organized this massive army, he replied, “Americans always want to know about strategy. This is what I will tell you: my leaders are the most humble men I know, and they know Jesus deeply.” He proceeded to tell me that his biggest mistakes were the times when he allowed people into leadership who were not humble. He got so excited about releasing their gifts, but it always led to their destruction. To this day, he says those are his biggest regrets. Now his main criterion for identifying leaders is humility, and his leadership problems have significantly decreased.

  We would never admit it, but we often search for leaders the way the world does. We look at outward appearances. We want a great speaker and gifted leader. God has always championed the humble person who passionately seeks Him. It seems that many pastors may have started as humble prayer warriors but let the expectations of people sway their priorities. Others have made little pretense of humility but have only been encouraged to advance in ministry due to their charisma.

  “Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

  James 4:5–10

  Nothing can be worse than the opposition of God. James made it clear: “God opposes the proud” person (v. 6). How effective can a church be if God is opposed to its leader? On the contrary, God promised to draw near and show grace to the humble person who draws near to Him.

  One of the questions I often ask myself before I preach is, Will this sermon draw attention to Christ or to me? For many of us, our default is self-preservation and self-exaltation. In our insecurity, we worry about what people will think of us rather than hoping they will not. I have struggled with this my whole life. It’s ugly.

  In speaking of humankind, Jesus said there was “no one greater” than John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11). He was great in God’s eyes because he didn’t seek to be great in people’s eyes. John said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

  THE LOVING PASTOR

  Once again, this doesn’t seem like it’s worth mentioning. Why else would a person become a pastor? Is there such a thing as a pastor who doesn’t genuinely love people?

  It has been my experience that it is very easy to “do ministry” without loving people. Love is not necessary to be a “successful” pastor in our country. I can think of many seasons in my life when I was busy ministering to people with no real feelings of love toward them. It is very easy to see people as projects that you want to fix rather than children you deeply love.

  I love Paul’s example! Read this carefully:

  “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

  1 Thessalonians 2:5–12

  When Paul spoke about his time with this church, he said he was “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (v. 7). Imagine how amazing it would be to have a pastor care for you in this way! Paul went on to say that he also exhorted them “like a father with his children” (v. 11). He showed not only the tender care of a nursing mother but also the exhortation of a strong father. Too many pastors are aspiring to be great writers, speakers, and leaders. There are not enough who are known as great moms and dads. And those who serve well as moms and dads never become known because this isn’t highly valued. You won’t be celebrated on a large scale for humbly caring for a group of people.

  If one of our primary goals in the Church is the perfect unity Jesus prayed for in John 17, then it has to start with leaders who love their people. We are to be parents, not babysitters. There is a huge difference. Most know that having children is a huge commitment. It takes away your freedom, privacy, and time. But it is so worth it.

  THE EQUIPPING PASTOR

  Part of my responsibility as a good dad is to make sure I raise my kids in such a way that they are capable of leaving my home to start their own. I have a few short years to prepare them for the world out there. My job is to train them to stand on their own rather than be dependent on me. This should be the goal of every pastor as well. If we are not careful, we end up with people who have been sitting in churches for years and complaining they aren’t being fed to their liking. This is the same kind of dysfunction as a thirty-year-old complaining about his mom’s cooking. The goal of a good pastor is to raise up good pastors.

  “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”

  Ephesians 4:11–14

  One of the most debilitating issues facing the Church is the lack of maturing her members. Churches are filled with children who never grow up to become parents. And they’re not expected to. Many pastors expect their members to sit under their teachings till they die rather th
an training them to leave and shepherd others. Paul was clear that church leaders are to equip the saints for work. Hugh Halter sees this as a trap we build for ourselves: “Many vocational ministers are stuck doing the work of ministry because they take a paycheck from consumer Christians who fail to see the full scope of their calling.”1

  What would happen to our society if parents didn’t expect their children to start their own families? This is exactly what has happened in the Church. We have such low expectations for people who are supposedly filled with the Holy Spirit. It is time for spiritual parents (i.e., pastors) to believe in their children again. To stop doing all their chores for them but instead to train them for a lifetime of work. There will always be those who rebel against this, and that’s why Paul told Timothy to focus on the “faithful” ones who will go teach others (2 Tim. 2:2).

  My goal in shepherding has changed so much. Long gone are the days when I am content with a bunch of people who sing loud, don’t divorce, and give to missions. I now want to know I can drop off any member of my church in a city and that person could grow in Jesus, make disciples, and start a church. My faith in the Holy Spirit’s power convinces me this is possible. It is in our very DNA. We all have been given a spirit of courage and the power to do beyond what we can imagine. We must train our people to be independently dependent on the Holy Spirit.