This is a difficult post for me to write. I’ve consulted some trusted friends on this before writing as I want to ensure that this is not a knee jerk response to the countless blogs out there that are going after pastors and ministry leaders** through social media and blasting them on blogs and other platforms.

I recognize that these type of posts are attractive to people. How do I know? Just take a look at the social shares these posts are getting and the publicity that the authors receive. At the end, these type of posts drive clicks and ensure page visits and views. However, I have seriously begun to consider the cost? How does this affect the church “universal”? Is it positive, negative, or neutral? Do these posts even matter in the long run?

A few months back I wrote a post asking people to pray for Mark Driscoll. Today, I see posts that continue to put him on blast. I wonder…have we really taken time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to intervene and do a change that our best blog post could never obtain?

So what’s the dilemma? Why do I fear writing this post?

The Dilemma:

I think that pastors, teachers, and leaders need to be held accountable to their actions. This is a very biblical concept and this is done through a local church context. I realize that the larger the platform the larger the reach these individuals have with their message. It’s nerve racking to think that the message communicated to people about the Gospel and scriptures are inaccurate. So, should there be accountability? Yes! But who is responsible to provide the accountability and how should it be done?

Before you write your next post blasting someone, ask yourself: Is this is a conviction that I feel the Holy Spirit leading me to and is it supported by scripture?

Internal Motivation:

I think if we were honest with ourselves most of us would come to the realization that our motivation to write and put people on blast is more about ourselves and what we receive than about the good of the other person and the church at large. I can relate to Jeremiah (Jer 17:9-11) as he describes the condition of the human heart.

⁹  The heart is deceitful above all things,

and desperately sick;

who can understand it?

¹⁰  “I the Lord search the heart

and test the mind,

to give every man according to his ways,

according to the fruit of his deeds.”

After prayer and consideration, if we find that our motivation is rooted in a desire to build our own platform or influence, it’s better to stop writing than allow our platform and influence to grow. There is more challenge and danger that is waiting for us if our internal motivation is not considered. Further, the biblical model of correction seems to occur within a local context. The local church elders and those that are apart of accountability for a pastor, teacher, and leader. The weight of responsibility falls on these individuals for the process of correction and addressing issues and concerns.

Possible Damage:

I can’t help but consider what the world thinks of us as they look behind the curtains and see Christians at each other’s throat’s. What kind of witness does this accomplish, if any? I believe it’s worth noting the tension that we find in Titus 2 and 3. We see a call and clear direction to teach sound doctrine. Similarly, we are also called to be in good standing within our community. In fact, Titus 2 ends with a specific command. Paul states, “Let no one disregard you”. Again, I can’t help but consider that there are people out there that disregard christians because it seems like we look no different from anyone else. In fact, in some ways things look worse because there are continuous civil wars occurring. As we turn to the opening versus of Titus 3 Paul turns his attention to how believers should conduct themselves. In the age of social media I believe these words are more timely now than ever before. Take a moment to consider the words of the Apostle Paul.

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

While the context of this passage is in relation to “rulers and authorities” the command to show perfect courtesy toward “all people” does in fact mean, “ALL PEOPLE”. Even if we are not under the authority or submission to these “celebrity” pastors we should still show them a certain level of respect and honor (1 Th 5:12-13, 1 Ti 5:17) while balancing the biblical mandate to stand up for and speak truth.

Again, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t stand up for truth. Simply that we should do it in a manner that is honoring and fits our context. Engage in meaningful discussion with friends, in your small group, at your church, and if you post anything public be considerate about your tone and content in the post. Do what’s helpful for the church and follow your convictions as they are guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Final Consideration:

Consider your platform and influence. In all honesty, if these things should be addressed I have a feeling that there are individuals in equal platform and influence that can and do address these issues. Simply sharing those articles can be helpful. Also, many of these pastors have Q/A sessions for their blogs or through twitter. Take time to ask these questions through those mediums and see how they respond.

I am convinced that building my platform will result in failure, so I’d rather make Jesus famous.

Conversation:

Please check out my clarification point below, first.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you agree with, what confuses you, where do your completely disagree? Feel free to post a comment on this post, on my Facebook page, or tweet to me @muddamalle. Looking forward to engaging in healthy and helpful conversation.

** Clarification * – The “preachers” who I am referring to that are being singled out are making headlines of blogs  are within the body the Christ. They are brothers and sisters in Christ and while what they say may be controversial they would not fall into the category of “False Teachers”. Therefore, my request for caution in our response is in light of this important fact.