How About a Little Respect?

I had a conversation with a colleague this week who had just completed his annual review with the lay committee in his church charged with reviewing the pastor's "performance." A couple of folks on the committee criticized the pastor's preaching, his pulpit style, and even called into question a few of his pastoral decisions.

My colleague has served this particular congregation for a number of years, is sound theologically, is a caring and committed pastor, and has impeccable credentials. In my judgment the congregation he serves is very fortunate to have him as their shepherd.

I think my friend's experience once again highlights the "junk" that most clergy-persons endure, which adds stress to an already stressful profession. I am not advocating that a pastor should have no accountability. I am not saying that pastors never make mistakes and are immune to slothfulness. What I am saying is that there seems to be an imbalance, and for many lay-persons nothing is "out-of-bounds" when it comes to critiquing clergy. Perhaps it is a loss of respect for clergy-persons in general brought on by failures within our own ranks (televangelists' scandals). Or, perhaps it is an attitude and spirit which prevails in a number of churches that "we own the pastor; we have the right to control him like a puppet on a string."

Let me pose some questions. What lay-person is qualified to call into question a pastor's sermon if it is theologically sound and biblically based? What lay-person can speak with authority about pulpit style, which is highly subjective and tends to differ from preacher to preacher?

I am not on a campaign to silence the voice of the laity or to diminish their role in the life of the church. Certainly the concerns of the laity need to be heard and addressed. But how about a little appreciation and respect for the person who shepherds the congregation? How about a little appreciation and respect for the person who is on call 24/7? How about a little appreciation and respect for the person who is there in the crisis, usually at the neglect of his/her own family, and faithfully delivers the Word of Truth weekly?

Blessings,
Jimmy