I’m currently reading a book by Kent Crockett called Pastor Abusers: When Sheep Attack Their Shepherd. Crockett is currently on the staff of a church in Alabama.
In his first chapter, titled “The Secret Church Scandal,” the author writes:
“The secret church scandal we’re talking about is the persecution of the pastor by mean-spirited people within the church, who are the ‘pastor abusers.’ They’re planted in nearly every congregation. Many are even running the church. They may be deacons, disloyal staff members, or members of the congregation who are determined to destroy the pastor through personal attacks, slander, and criticism. Outwardly they may look respectable, but inwardly their hearts are wicked, and their mission is to bring down their spiritual leader.”
I must confess, I cannot understand why professing Christians would ever do such a thing.
Based on my own experience, I can understand why believers might:
*disagree with their pastor’s teaching.
*find him to be arrogant or obnoxious.
*become bored with his preaching or stories.
*choose to leave their church for another.
But how can a believer who has the Holy Spirit living inside of him or her ever try and destroy or bring down a pastor called by God?
Crockett continues:
“Pastor abuse is the scandal that no one is talking about. The mistreatment of clergy is as horrifying as it is secretive, and the casualties are reaching epidemic proportions. Over 19,000 pastors get out of the ministry every year. When the sermon ends on Sunday, over 350 pastors will be gone before the next Sunday service begins.”
These statements are similar to ones that I made in my recent book Church Coup … and no, I did not consult Crockett’s book before I wrote mine. But it’s amazing how many nearly-identical statements we both made.
What happens after a pastor under fire leaves? Crockett continues:
“Meanwhile, the revolving door at the church makes another turn. As the fired pastor makes his exit, the old guard looks to find another pastor who will meet all of their expectations, and history repeats itself with a new victim. Just like the abusive husband beats his next wife, the abusive church will mistreat its next pastor.”
How can a church prevent this revolving door syndrome? Both Crockett and I agree that the perpetrators must be given a choice: repent of your sinful actions or leave the fellowship. Yet Crockett writes:
“Because few churches exercise church discipline, pastor abusers are rarely held accountable for their actions. This emboldens them to keep attacking God’s shepherds, knowing that no one will challenge their despicable behavior. Eventually someone must take a stand against the abusers and hold them accountable, or their attacks will never end. Church discipline is essential is we’re ever going to solve the pastor abuser problem.”
There are times when I feel like I’m talking to myself about this issue, but as soon as I get together with other believers – whether they’re family members or old friends – they’ll immediately start telling me about a conflict that devastated their church years ago, or one they’re going through right now, or one they sense is coming.
Then they’ll tell me about a pastor or staff member who left church ministry … and about family members who have quit going to church altogether … and sometimes they’ll admit that they’ve quit going to church as well.
How can Christians remain silent about this issue?
If we want Christ’s kingdom to expand … if we want our churches to grow … if we believe that Christians should attend and stay in local congregations … then shouldn’t we do all we can to prevent pastors and Christians from leaving the church altogether?
I’m willing to speak up … how about you?
I’ll write more about Kent Crockett’s book Pastor Abusers next time.
Check out our website at www.restoringkingdombuilders.org You’ll find Jim’s story, recommended resources on conflict, and a forum where you can ask questions about conflict situations in your church.
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