As a pastor, there are two situations I find myself in at times. I’d like to explain why I handle them the way I do.
First situation: “Pastor, YOU should talk to Brian!”
James sees Brian do something he thinks is wrong, so James makes this request of me. I tell James to go directly to Brian based on:
- Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
- Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Neither verse encourages people to first go to their pastor. Instead, the verses instruct Christians to go to each other. Matthew 18:15 gives one reason with the words “between you and him alone.” In case the person repents, God desires to keep knowledge of the sin to the fewest number of people. Including even the pastor.
I might also add the verses don’t mention age or maturity. The words “you who are spiritual” is a way to refer to believers, not ultra-mature believers. Sometimes when I’ve told people they should go to the person, they say something along the lines of, “But I haven’t been a Christian long enough.”
There are only two situations where age matters:
- If Brian is still under his parents’ authority it would be appropriate for James to speak to Brian’s parents.
- If Brian is much older than James, it might be appropriate for James to encourage someone older to speak to Brian. I base this on: 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father [and] older women as mothers.
Second situation: “Pastor, what do you think about Brian doing _____.”
Sometimes people come to me for counsel, genuinely wanting to know how/whether to confront someone. Even when I share my thoughts, I try not to condemn what Brian did. I don’t want James going to Brian saying, “Pastor Scott said it was wrong for you to _____.” You see the potential problems with this:
- Brian will feel like I gossiped about him. This happened some time back when someone talked to me about someone else’s actions. No names were mentioned; it was presented like a hypothetical situation. So I thought it would be okay to say, “No, I don’t think it would be a good idea for someone to do that.” Next thing I know the other person contacted me accusing me of gossip.
- James shouldn’t pass along my thoughts to Brian. He might misquote me.
- James should share his own thoughts. If the Holy Spirit burdens James to confront Brian, then He’ll give him the right words to say.
- James should not go to Brian on my behalf. If I think Brian did something wrong, I should go to him myself. Like we’ve been discussing.
One of my biggest mistakes as a pastor has been involving myself in situations that shouldn’t have involved me. Most pastors want to help or they probably wouldn’t be in ministry. But oftentimes the best way to help is by saying, “No, you should go talk to that person.”
Discuss: Have you felt pulled into a situation that really shouldn’t have involved you? Can you think of any other reasons it’s best to send James back to Brian?
8 Responses
Good word, Scott. I’ve had people do the same thing to me. What would your response be if you know the person, who is carrying the offense or who is aware of a brother’s fault, is not following through by going to the other person?
Hi David,
I’ve been in that situation before. I followed up a couple times, but it was clear the person wasn’t going to follow through and go back to the person. I’m not sure what I could really do beyond that. If that person comes to me again, before I hear the person’s next complaint, I’m going to say, “How did it go talking to the person last time?” I’m not going to move on to the person’s next issue until the previous is resolved.
Also, I’m currently facing a situation like this now and my associate pastor told the individual that the two of us were available to help the person figure out what to say. I thought that was wise. I wish I would’ve done that last time, and from now on that’s what I’ll do.
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
I was told i have a calling to be a minister and believe me im ecstatic i love the idea to serev God in such a way but im so weak and being defeated by anxiety. To the point of being afraid to go to sleep just wishing i could access to the spirit of peace,love and sound mind not fear this anxiety and fear is not from God seven years ago my son died i gave my life to God and was on fire for him studied every day i wish i could hit a reset button like in a video game and start over and be on fire for him again like nothing ever happened just wish i never would have turned my back on God and walked away. really needing a strong brother and guidance ive been hearing this for years about my calling and i want it to be true
Timothy,
Maybe you are called to be a minister, but it seems like God has revealed to you some areas of weakness. That is a wonderful thing.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. That must be terrible. Should you become a minister, I am sure that God would use such a tragedy in a powerful way in your ministry. I will pray for your comfort and that God makes the path clear for you.
Exactly Steve :).
Yes, the pastor is not a policeman, but a shepherd. I always suspect I am being baited when I get questions like, “What would you say if you heard someone was doing this?” The person is probably getting ammo’d up for something and will say, “Mr. B said __” to another person. I have had students do this also. One was, “If you were gone for two days, would you come back and give a test?” My response is “Hmm, I don’t know. What is going on?” May we have the courage to speak with grace and humility to our sisters and brothers in the spirit of Eph. 4:32 when we need to.
Well said Joe, I can imagine the situations you’d have as a principal.
To summarize if both adults about the same age: one on one in private with gentleness. Would change the world for the better overnight!