It's okay for congregations to hire & fire Pastors, but it is the hurtful things they say about the Pastors that are hurtful to the Clergymen/women like;
• "He is not a perfect fit for our church"
Believers ought to know that Pastors aren't screws or carpentry joints. It's pastoral ministry not carpentry & joinery .
• "He has lost the fire. Send him for a sabbatical leave to find himself"
Sound Biblically preaching is not always 'on fire' even the bread straight from the Oven cools down before consumers eat.
To be 'on fire' doesn't mean a preacher has to be dramatic like a clown. The Pastor brings with him/her their own unique personality to their pastorate.
• "He is backslidden we need a Pastor who will bring a revival"
Believers, revival is the work of God through the Holy Spirit. Pastors don't bring revivals, God does!
• "He has lost touch of reality. We need a younger man who can attract & connect with the youths"
Church now is about being relevant. Doing things that can attract especially the younger people. It's about dressing, tattoos, lights, music etc.
We can't cut off the older simply because we must 'attract' the young. We are part of the Kingdom of God that is inclusive of young, old and the in-between.
Our mandate is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to attract people to our buildings.
• "His sermons are dry and boring"
Usually before the Pastor is fired the gossip, secret meetings of elders, actions & reactions of church leaders and members get a toil on the pastor's mental state.
What is so hurtful is the person who always speak well about you in person, is the one speaking ill about you privately. Some of us we are able to sense the energy of a person when we are hugged.
Just like Jesus knew the hug & kiss of Judas Iscariot was betrayal, most pastors can feel that things aren't alright in here, they want me out.
The fact that your life & ministry is to be decided by men (Adam's children) is in itself scary, & brings anxieties, fears & depression.
"If God has called him, then God will provide"
Is the most dangerous tool of persecution Christians often use when they throw a pastor and his family out in the cold.
Christians support the pastors they like. Unfortunately if some Christians who don't like you are part of the leadership, they will make your life & ministry a misery.
But if they like you, they will make sure their pastor is looked after well. Again pastors serve at the mercy of the children of Adam, a sinful people who operate with favoritism.
Church people love the pastors they love, and dislike the pastors they don't love, it is human nature good-looking pastors get more favor & second chances in pastoral ministry are good-looking are opposite it.
God provides through human vessels. If human vessels don't like you, God's instruments of the provision will put the lid on!
Kicking your Pastor outside in the cold, homeless, and with no means to provide for his/her family is cruel.
Firing your Pastors based on a performance applause system can be carnal & dangerous because assessment of spiritual work is different from corporate work.
A small church is not a 'failed' project. A mega-church is not a 'successful' project. God can leave the 99 sheep to search for the one sheep.
In our quest to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Nations, we should not forget those very individuals who constitute the multitude.
A single brick is as important as the whole building. A small church is not a reflection of a failed pastor.
And if you are to replace him with the best preacher, it is within your jurisdiction as the church board, but do it graciously.
Fire your pastor pastorally considering his feelings, family & dignity.
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