Ken Blue Ministries

By Ken Blue

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17.

Pastor, if you are the leader of your church, you can expect attacks from every direction, for every cause. Jesus said, “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. Please don’t try to help me out by reminding me of the context, and who smites the shepherd. I got it.

The application is universal…smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. Remember also, when you are under attack, the destruction of the church is Satan’s goal.

One pastor friend said the source of most problems is “frustrated ambition.” That is, someone wants something, and you are in their way. Another said, the two things a pastor-leader will be accused of most often is “a lack of love for his people, and being a dictator.” It only makes sense, if someone resents you, those would be their attacks.

We hear much today about the “abusive pastor,” or how good churches become cults. An author with the same name as mine has written a book, “Healing Spiritual Abuse: How to Break Free from Bad Church Experience” I confess, I have not read the book, but I have no doubt about its subject content. There are those who have dedicated their entire lives, and ministry, searching land and sea for a pastor who has fallen so they will have something to write about.

The pastor is called to lead the flock. We will confine our remarks to the Pastoral Epistles so we may be true to our subject. In 1 Tim.1:4, Paul tells young Timothy to not allow himself to be drawn into arguments and debates. In verse 18, he is to wage a good war against the Devil. In chapter 3:5, he is to “rule, and care” for the church. In verse 12, he must exercise judgment about the choice of deacons. Sound doctrine must be the heart of his sermons, 4:6. In 4:11, there are things to “command and teach.” In 5:7, he is given a charge by Paul. In verse 11, there are certain people who must be denied the financial care by the church.  In 5:18, he is to set the salary of other pastors who work for him. Chapter 5:20, would be considered abuse in any church today. That’s because the pastors are “wimps.” Chapter 6:4, 5 will be at the heart of most troublemakers. Verse 17 calls for another charge to preach.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]With great responsibility, comes greater accountability.[/pullquote]

The preacher can discover for himself his leadership duties also in 2 Timothy and Titus. Pastors should seek advice in some matters. He must love his people and protect them, and himself. You must be open, and transparent. But, you should not allow anyone to take the leadership away from you. You are accountable to God to “take the oversight” as God leads you. With great responsibility, comes greater accountability.

I will list some things that are not spiritual abuse. Those who think they are, should join a church that doesn’t have any men in it.

1. It is not abuse for the pastor to take the leadership and oversight of the church. To do otherwise, is a neglected of duty.
2. It is not abuse to preach the Word of God as you understand it, regardless of who does not like it.
3. It is not abuse to remove those who cause strife or division.
4. It is not abuse to set people in place,  that you trust, over ministries.
5. It is not abuse to have any guest speakers of your choice.
6. It is not abuse to lead the planning for the church future.
7. It is not abuse to refuse to abdicate your leadership.
8. It is not abuse to refuse to allow someone to do something you don’t approve
9. It is not abuse to choose the music for the church.
10. It is not abuse to take the leadership of the church. Either you will lead, or some sissy’s wife will.

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