The headline from an online preacher magazines says a pastor fired because of his alcoholism is bitter at his mistreatment by that congregation’s leaders. Not good.
I’ll not be reading that article, thank you. But a lot of people will. Looks to me like he deserved what he got. But then, I’m neither his judge nor their advisor. But when a fired preacher walks away bitter, that does concern me.
No one deserves to pastor the Lord’s church. No degrees on the wall, no glowing resume, no recommendations from the denomination entitle you to a church to pastor.
It’s a privilege. A call from Heaven.
The bitterness feels like this guy no longer trusts the Lord. I suggest he read Acts 16 again, and remind himself how God can use setbacks and what appears to be defeats for His purposes. But to do that, he will be needing trusting servants who are willing to take their lumps without complaining, to quieten their spirits, and to sing at midnight (Acts 16:25).
That God would allow any of us to preach to His people year after year, declaring Heaven’s message to the redeemed, without giving us what we truly deserve–the fires of hell come to mind, frankly–shows Him to be a God of grace. Why don’t we see that?
Whenever I hear a Christian talking about not getting what he deserved, I run in the opposite direction, lest the Father suddenly decide to give the fellow what he’s asking for!
So, you were fired. Okay. Can we talk?