Blindly Follow Leaders? Really?

Psalm 105:15 is often quoted in defense of preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them.  Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious.  What is this verse REALLY saying?"

Thank you for asking a very legitimate question.  Being one of the preachers and leaders you mention, I too have wondered about this verse.  I think it's time to put it into a proper context, and then to confront any misapplications.  The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).

While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I, too, need accountability.  Nobody is right all the time.  Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.

Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message!  To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."  The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).

With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes.  It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life.  However, these verses need to be put into balance.

I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God.  It should be a safe haven.  Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.  The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed.  Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted  to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).  It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!

Let's go back to the original question.  I do think that some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency.  This is tragic.  Yes, there are "Alexander the coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point.  I know, because I've pastored some of them!  You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm."  He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry.  However, such people are very rare.  Thank God!  Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly.  Souls are at stake!

I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings.  God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11).  When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened.  His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land.  God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant.  In this case, He raised up Joseph (verses 17-19).

The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people.  The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways for each successive generation.  Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led.  By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22.  In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."

As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminds them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector.  None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God.  The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others.  None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.

You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes.  Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be alright at the circus, but pulling verses out of context and at random always gets us into trouble.

Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach.  And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1).  Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing:  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

The Bible was not given to be used as a club when we need support and justification.  It is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.

When Were You Called to Preach?

I love talking about my "call to preach!"  Thanks for asking.

In retrospect, I see my call into the ministry as progressive.  Before I discuss my personal journey, let me remind you that all of us are called to salvation.  You are not a second class Christian if you have not been called into what people refer to as "the ministry."  Everyone, for that matter, has a ministry.

I can't ever remember not wanting to be a preacher.  In elementary school, my third grade teacher asked our class one day what we wanted to be when we grew up.  Of course, the answers were pretty standard: a fireman, a ball player, a police officer, a teacher, etc.  When it came to my turn, I proudly said, "I want to be a preacher!"  My teacher was shocked!

Guess what?  I didn't really know what preachers did, but I still had my heart set on becoming one!  Now I know it was the Holy Spirit nudging my heart.  At any rate, my focus remained on the church.  I fell in love with that little Assemblies of God church in Jefferson, Ohio.  One evening the pastor and his wife visited our home.  I was feeling quite dejected that evening, and when it came time for introductions, I hid in the corner.  Sister Strahsburg noticed that shy little boy in the corner, made her way to me, knelt down in front of me--face to face--and said, "My, what a handsome little boy you are!"  What she didn't know at the time was that kids at school that very day had called me "fat head" and really hurt my feelings.  She gently placed her hands on both sides of my head and just loved me.  Her smile and love melted my heart.  I ran to my bedroom, threw myself on my bed and cried and cried.  That night I determined to become a preacher!

Four or five years later, my pastor's wife took me to camp, where I was gloriously saved and called to preach!  The progressive calling on my life was birthed into reality on Tuesday, August 4, 1970!  I knew exactly what I was going to do with my life when I got up from that altar.  No doubts!  I was called to preach the gospel.

The call continued to intensify over the next few years, when in 1974 the Lord directed me to enroll at Evangel College (now University) in Springfield, Missouri.  I earned a double major in Mass Communications and Biblical Studies.  I guess my melancholy personality needed a back-up plan!  When I met Lori Owens and things got serious, she informed me that she would not marry me unless I was going into "the ministry."  Hallelujah!  I was able to quickly announce, "Of course, I've always wanted to be a preacher!"  The rest is history.

Now, five churches, four kids, six grandchildren, and 35 years later, I cannot thank God enough for calling me to preach earth's greatest message.  Sometimes I feel like Paul, "Woe is me if I preach not the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

I marvel at the grace and goodness of God when I think about Him calling that middle Loomis boy--the shy, backwards one, the most unlikely--to preach the gospel.  Not a day passes when I don't thank Him for His love and mercy.