"Solve the pastor problem and America’s basic problem is solved."

This column is especially difficult for me to write. Being a pastor for thirty years, I have come to know, love, and appreciate hundreds of fellow ministers. In fact, some of the dearest friends I have on earth are pastors.
Beyond that, since I am a veteran pastor, I know firsthand the trials and afflictions that beset every pastor. I doubt that there is a tougher, more demanding profession than that of local church pastor.

A pastor is never “off duty.” He is literally on the job “twenty-four seven.” For example, I cannot remember the last time my wife and I took a real vacation. It is even hard for me to remember the last time that I had a single day away from work, much less an entire week.

..Furthermore, pastors are some of the most criticized and denigrated people on the planet! They constantly find themselves at the butt end of jokes and sarcasm from unbelievers and are even castigated and harangued by people within the church.

Therefore, it is no wonder that pastors are leaving the ranks at record numbers and are wandering from church to church like gypsies. No wonder so many pastors’ children turn out bad, and no wonder so many pastors are having stress-induced heart attacks.
With all of that said, however, it still behooves me to very frankly say that America’s basic problem today is a pastor problem! Our nation is collapsing from within because pastors are sitting idly on the sidelines, refusing to be trumpets for truth!

With all of the duties and responsibilities associated with the pastor’s job description, no duty or responsibility is any greater than that of being God’s watchman! Unlike any other, the pastor stands as a voice for truth in the midst of a cacophony of lies and distortions.

God told Jeremiah, “See, I have this day set thee over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build and to plant.” (Jer. 1:10)

Remember, too, that John the Baptist went to prison and eventually lost his head, not for preaching the Gospel, but for boldly denouncing Herod’s adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. Furthermore, the boldness of men such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist has been the pattern of genuine preachers throughout history.

Men of God throughout the ages have possessed the same sort of grit and character as was found in Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Simon Peter, and the Apostle Paul. They were courageous, uncompromising men! They feared no man, be he politician or potentate! They attempted to please no man or group of men! They were untouchable, incorruptible, indefatigable proclaimers of truth!

When Germany and Switzerland needed reformation, there was Luther and Zwingli. When Scotland needed liberation, there was William Wallace, supported by numerous Scot preachers. When England needed someone to help rid it of slavery, there was Wilberforce and his band of committed clergymen.

Instead of championing truth, today’s pastors champion political parties. They cater to wealthy contributors. They wiggle around controversy and grovel before government bureaucrats.

With an all-consuming passion to “succeed,” they avoid preaching “negative” sermons. They take great pains to never be confrontational. Their current pastorate is merely a “stepping stone” to the next big opportunity. They read all the latest and greatest “how to” books. Their messages are more noted for what they do not say, and they don’t mind talking about sin as long as they don’t have to name it.

Of course, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that today’s avant garde preachers are being cheered on by a host of friends and supporters. After all, look at the “big” churches in America today. What do you see? Do you see “big” pastors marching in pro-life rallies? Do you see them carrying placards outside of abortion clinics? Do you see them rushing to the side of Terri Schaivo? (In this regard, the Rev. Jesse Jackson was willing to do what not one “big-name” evangelical leader was willing to do. Amazing!) Do you hear them challenging President Bush when he refuses to assist Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore or when he increases federal spending for abortion providers or when he appoints numerous open homosexuals to high public office?

Make no mistake about it, the actions and inactions of “big-name” pastors are meticulously calculated. They have been well-schooled in the art of what is socially and politically acceptable and what is not. And they are rewarded, are they not, with bigger and bigger congregations and greater and greater notoriety? So, where is the incentive for the “little” preacher to speak out?

In addition, has it ever been popular to be God’s man? Did not the prophets and preachers in Bible days sometimes pay a horrific price to be faithful? In fact, try to name a Bible preacher that wasn’t thrown in jail at least once! I submit that it has never been easy or popular to be a man of God, but what I want to know is, when did men of God decide that it should be?

I truly believe that if enough preachers would decide to be the courageous proponents of truth, as were our ancestors, and would determine to preach the truth without fear or favor regarding any person or political party, they could turn our ship of state around post-haste! I further believe that if they don’t do it soon, it will be (if it’s not already) too late.

The Complete Essay is here.