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PASTOR BASHING??

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Recently I posted a blog “Is your music in step with your sermon?” It was posted by Independent Baptist on their website. The following responses to my blog were also posted. My last response was not posted, so I will post all of them here.

Todd Herbert

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Nice pastor-bashing article that should have been worded differently. There’s nothing wrong with planning, but the Holy Spirit should direct the preacher. This will often mean a change in the pastor’s planned message. If the music is right, and the message is right, these two will always fit perfectly together. The Holy Spirit–yield to Him!

Ken Blue

SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

The only people who feel “bashed,” are those who are too lazy to work at coordinating their music with the sermon. When the pastor plans his music and sermons, he should pray and seek the Holy Spirits guidance. The idea that yielding to the Holy Spirit means that one should not pray, and, plan, and choose songs that reinforce his sermon, is, as I said, a sign of laziness or ignorance. Many pastors wait until Saturday night, and then search through a sermon book for something to preach. Personally, I do not believe the Holy Spirit is in that process. I contend that it is being lazy. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom-seek it from Him!

Mark Foster

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

I rarely comment when I disagree with an article, but on this one I am going to.

The concept of picking songs which coincide with the message is a good one. However, this article seems to elevate it to such a place of importance that all of the sudden, Pastor who are to “lazy” to plan their sermons “weeks in advance are the problem.

Is this edification? Where in the Bible is their one verse of Scripture to indicate that the opinion of the author must be followed?

Where is it said how far in advance a Pastor should plan his messages? The author says that sermons should be planned “weeks” in advance. Why weeks? Why not months or years? How many weeks is weeks?

I am not trying to be argumentative, but really, I don’t understand the purpose of this article. If the author believes songs should be matched to sermos, then why not say it is his opinion, or that it has been a blessing to him? Why go to attacking pastors who do not do it his way?

The illustration of wedding songs and birthday songs is flawed. People choose wedding songs for weddings. People song Happy Birthday at a birthday. What should they sing in church? How about songs hymns and spiritual songs? Why must they match the sermon topic so long as they agree with the sermon subject…that is to say, the Word of God! Yes, it may be helpful, but is it lazy not to?

When we go so far as to now be telling good men how far ahead they should plan their sermons, or be “lazy”, and how they should choose their music, perhaps we are forgetting what independance is?

I know, the author had a right to write the article. Independentbaptist.com had the right to print it. I have the right to disagree.

I do not necessarily disagree with the author’s opinion. It sound like it might be fine. I firmly disagree with the logic of attacking others for not doing it his way, especially when it is merely his opinion and preference.

Ken Blue

SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

Mike, thank you for your comment.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, and since you do not understand the purpose of the article, I will attempt to explain it. The following quote from the article might be understood by you. “Everything that happens in the service should reinforce and support the purpose of the sermon. This includes all the services. That means that the Pastor must plan all sermons or subjects weeks before they are preached. He must then meet with the music director and see that the songs support the sermon.”
I do not believe all pastors are lazy who do nor coordinate their music with the sermon. Some are simply ignorant of its importance.
Your question, “Where in the Bible is their one verse of Scripture to indicate that the opinion of the author must be followed?” I a “straw man.” Where in the Bible does it say one should not plan his sermon topics, and books he preaches? It sounds like you are opposed to planning before you step into the pulpit. If you do plan, why? Are your sermons “Saturday night specials?”
It sounds like I hit a nerve with you. If you don’t plan your preaching and music, and attempt to coordinate them, it may not be because you are lazy, just uninformed. Consider yourself informed.
You said, “I do not necessarily disagree with the author’s opinion. It sound like it might be fine. I firmly disagree with the logic of attacking others for not doing it his way, especially when it is merely his opinion and preference.” Of course it’s my opinion. After pastoring for over 40 years, I have lots of opinions that might help some pastors. I have also been around long enough to know that many pastors are lazy when it comes to studying and planning.
Finally, if a pastor chooses to plan ahead, or just “wing it” each Sunday, is his own decision. We are independent Baptist. However, that is not an excuse to not do everything possible to be the best we can in our ministry.

TJ Johnson

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

The author’s response to a very well thought out comment concerning his tone was met by an even worse display of “my way or you’re wrong!”. There is no love in this article, thus it cannot be of God! Do you really believe that you are the only pastor or preacher that God has gifted to shepherd His people? Do you truly feel that worship leaders are simply puppets to have their strings pulled by you? Some would say that the “pastor/dictator” model doesn’t work these days, but I’ll say that model NEVER worked because it is not biblical! I have pastored, youth pastored, and preached for over 20 years and I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been that virtually every time I’ve preached, the Holy Spirit has done an amazing job of leading myself and the song leader in the same, God honoring direction!
For you to dictate the songs that are chosen seems to me to be far more of an issue of control with you than a sound, Biblically based leadership principle. Do you really think the Holy Spirit needs you to fulfill another man’s ministry as well as you own? You absolutely hit a nerve with me because I’ve made a vow to God to never again be silent while the pastor/bully role is being advocated or celebrated!
Lastly, your “where in the Bible does it say not to do it this way” is simply lame. You have zero scriptural authority for “your way” of doing things and you know it.

TJ Johnson

SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Mr. Blue,
My response was written with the same spirit of humility which I and others perceived in your original article. My only regret is that I did not include the following (this also my answer to your demand to inspect the fruit of God’s ministry through me): Romans 14:4 NKJV

Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Ken Blue

Mr. Johnson, you need to take a valium and get your thought straightened out. In fact, the last line in your response shows incoherence in your logic and thinking. For instance, your last sentence says, “You have zero scriptural authority for “your way” of doing things and you know it.” I ask, do you have scriptural authority for the “way” you don’t do it? I don’t expect a straight answer to the question.

I too, searched in vain for love in your article. Perhaps you could demonstrate where it is since you are an authority on love, leadership, and how the Holy Spirit works. You should know, with your vast experience, that leaders are always accused to two things, one is being a dictator, and secondly, the absence of love. Are you a decision maker or a dictator? Does the verse you quoted in Romans apply to you also? “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

Now, the intent of my article was to help those pastors who felt the need for some advice. It was not intended for hyper-sensitive, insecure pastors such as yourself. Oh, by the way, stop flattering yourself. It is unbecoming.

mitchell muller

SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Dear pastor Blue,

I appreciated the advice. I also try to see the benefits of planning ahead. I try to plan ahead with the leadership for at least 6 months in advance, on themes. We all try to be teaching and preaching the same thematic ideas over the entire month. It also includes, to the best of our ability to use music that amplifies or enhances the spirit of the message. Every Wed morning the music director and I have a meeting as we contemplate what hymns might best enhance the message, or what special music by be edifying to the church as a whole.

The leadership of our church works off an Annual Theme of short Mission Statement for the year. For example, last year we had Fortaleciendo la Fe (Strengthening the Faith) as our theme for the year. We had a Theme verse from Colossians, Rooted and Grounded….That in turn allowed us to pick strategic themes for each month.

Our music may not lend 100% to the theme of any given Sunday, but a few of the hymns are picked to enhance and reenforce the message.

I do not believe that the Holy Spirit has ever guided any one to fly by the seat of their pants, although there have been a few times I was asked to preach without being advised before hand, and yes the Holy Spirit was kind and gracious to me in giving me clarity of thought.

God bless you and please continue to share with us your thoughts based upon 40 years of experience in pastoring.

Mitchell MUller

A servant only 

PASTORS WHO ARE PUPPETS

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ARE YOU A PUPPET PASTOR OF A CHURCH

puppetBy Ken Blue

When I was a child, I always enjoyed the time of the Apple Blossom Festival. Not only did it bring several hundred people from other states, a carnival also came to town. There was everything you can imagine for the children, and the adults.

In addition to the hundreds of rides, games, concession stands, and clowns, there were always several puppet shows going on at the same time. As kids, we were mesmerized by the music, the characters, and the life-like stories. In fact, we would get so caught up in the story, and the action that we failed to notice that there were adults behind the curtains pulling, and manipulating the strings to create the action. The puppets had no life of their own, they were unknowingly controlled by the pull of others.

I must admit, there was a time in my early ministry when, I too, was a puppet on an invisible string.  I could not see it, but those with discernment could. The sad part was, I wasn’t sure of my own identity, or who was pulling the strings. I wasn’t sure, but I believed if I did not move according their influence, the strings would be cut.

Pastors, including myself, fall into a “herd mentality.” Little by little, we believe if we should offend or break from the herd, the wolves will devour us. The only safety, is loyalty to, and cooperation with the brethren. If you doubt this, just invite a guest speaker, or attend a conference not on their approval list. Oh, how the gossip will fly. “Blue is no longer a Bible believer. He now has PowerPoint, and I hear they serve coffee. What a shame. His church has become a theater.” Those are the more generous criticism.

I have discovered, and painfully so, that many I counted as true friends forsook me “faster than a speeding bullet” when I determined to pastor counter to their brain washed MIND SET. There are many pastors who would like to rearrange their ministries, but they fear, and they know the second they did they would indeed become “independent Baptist.” Pastors need to understand that “the brethren” do not build their church. Are you a puppet, pastor?

LEADERS ARE DECISION MAKERS

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Leaders
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By Ken Blue

Leaders of  great organizations were ask, “how did you become a great leader?’ They responded, “By making right decisions.” To which the novice responded, “How did you learn to make right decisions?” “By making wrong ones;” they all agreed.

Leadership is all about making decisions, and if you are to last in that position, you had better learn to make the right ones. People will not respect or follower a leader for long that cannot make right decisions.

Right decisions require, first of all, some skull work. You must think it through before you put your mouth in gear. A major problem of the amateur leader is that he speaks before he thinks. This character flaw must be corrected. You cannot make comments, and then tell people they did not understand you. You are blaming them for your double-mindedness. Think it through first.

One of the best examples of leadership is seen in the book of Nehemiah. He knew the problem, and the need. Necessity is the mother of invention. He prayed, and was ready if called upon. He surveyed the situation, but told no one what God had put in his heart until he had all the facts. Read his strategy, and learn from him.

Remember, you are not a leader because you make decision. You become a better leader because you make right decisions, and have followers. If you have the aptitude, you can learn to become a better leader. There’s many helps available; take advantage of them.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN; GET ME TO VISIT YOUR CHURCH

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CHURCH BUILDING GUIDELINES

CHURCH

By Ken Blue

The average church in America and Canada has about 75 in attendance. In some parts of the country, that may be the best anyone could do. However, many are averaging less in greatly populated areas.

I do not believe some pastors are reaching their full potential. They have hit a glass ceiling. Some are stuck in a rut of faulty training about church growth. A few pastors think their church will grow if they preach great sermons. It will not. Others believe if they get many professions of faith the church will grow, again, it will not. Although the above are important, they are only part of the reasons people attend church. You may be able to do better than you are.

One of the problems for pastors is they continue to attend meetings and conferences hosted by those who believe and practice the same things they themselves are doing. You will learn very little about church growth if that is your little world. You should branch out and learn from others who are making things happen. It may surprise you, but lost people do not visit because you are a K.J.V, independent, premillennial, dispensational, Baptist. All those things are good, but they mean nothing to the unsaved.

Here are some reasons the unsaved visit churches:

  1. They are invited by a family member or friend. This is the number one reason.
  2. Your advertisement is interesting and attention getting, and might meet their perceived needs.
  3. They have seen your attractive and interesting web page, face book, or you tube add.
  4. They drive by each day and see your building.
  5. They feel a need in their life.
  6. A recent death in the family.
  7. A recent divorce.
  8. The birth of a child.
  9. They want to know about the future.
  10. They want to know how to be saved.
  11. It is Christmas or Easter time.

Now, the above are some reasons why people visit your church. However, they are not reasons why they will return or stay; that is a different matter altogether. It important for the pastor to know the differences why people visit, why they return, and then set about to improve in each area.

Here are some reasons why people return or stay:

  1. A friend or family member attends the church.
  2. They found it easy to make friends. If a person does not have a friend or a family member in the church, they will not stay.
  3. The members were friendly toward them.
  4. The gospel was presented in such a manner it was easy for them to trust Christ.
  5. It was easy to find a parking place.
  6. Signs clearly directed them where they wanted to go.
  7. Bathrooms and nurseries were easy to find, and were spotless.
  8. They were challenged to attend a membership class.
  9. A follow up letter, visit, or phone call was made.
  10. Programs were available for the whole family, and were top quality.
  11. The personality, character, and aptitude of the pastor was evident.

These are a few reasons people return or stay in your church. Reverse each one, and discover why they never return. If you are going to catch young families for Christ, you must do the right things.

 

 

THE CHURCHES SECOND GREATEST NEED

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The Greatest Need is not Always Preaching

By Ken Blue

Recently I wrote an article about a pastor who responded to a question about the church’s greatest need, other than prayer and the Word of God. He informed me that the need of his church was more finances. We dealt with that need and suggested some things that might ease that burden. That blog is on this website.

The second greatest need, in most churches, is people to do the work of the ministry. After 40 years of preaching and pastoring, I am convinced that we have been misinformed that preaching is the most important part of the ministry. I am sure, if you love preaching, you will disagree with me and insist that preaching is the most important. I too, believed that for many years. But, as I step back and observe churches, I have changed my mind.

Preaching is a vital part of the ministry, but by itself, it will not produce or develop workers. The right kind of preaching will create a conviction to work in a ministry, but someone must recruit, train, inspire, and assist men and women in their task.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]People want to be an important part of an important organization.[/perfectpullquote]

Before you start preaching about service, decide on as many areas as possible to serve in the church. Have a job description for each ministry so people will know what is expected of them. Two things I learned years ago. People want to be an important part of an important organization. Secondly, “use me or loose me.” Provide training for workers. Make much of how important it is to serve the Lord and others in the church.

Yes, you must have money, but if you aren’t training and using your people, you are failing them. Stop being a one man show and let people serve where they are most fitted and comfortable. Don’t ever citizen them to anyone, rather, help them do a better job. Remember, Jesus preached to the multitudes, but He trained the Twelve.