By Ken Blue
1 John 4:1 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
There is a fear that is commendable, and without it, we are in step with today’s society. We read, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Prov. 9:10. So, the fear of the LORD produces right living.
However, there is a fear that is rooted in pride. This is the fear of losing the approval of men. Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man bringeth a snare…” This fear was evident in the days of our Lord. Men feared to confess Him lest they be put out of the Synagogue. They secretly feared those who held the perceived power. Little has changed today. I know pastors who are petrified at the thought of disapproval by those whose persons they hold in admiration. I am confident that there are many who fear man more than they fear God. It is pride that feeds this fear.
Then there is the fear of facing the unknown. All of us have our comfort zone, and the longer we are in it, the more secure we feel. However, there can be no growth in your church without change, and change always causes fear. If your church grows it will force change, or stagnation. It is this fear of the unknown that has most pastors paralyzed. You must overcome this fear.
The fear mentioned above fetters us to the present. Sunday after Sunday, and year after year it is the same rut. Someone accurately said, “A rut is just a grave with both ends kicked out.” We are fettered to the past because of our security with things just as they are. We fear change because the powers that be may not approve. Break the fear of man, and cast of the fetters of the past and let your church reach souls and grow.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.