These four observations from Jamus Edwards at Sojourn Network ring true. They refer specifically to a recent controversial situation he’s been involved in, but have applications to anyone’s response to adversity.
1.) Stay Focused on the Ultimate Mission
The first thing a pastor must do to weather the storm in the midst of a controversy is to stay focused on the ultimate mission and recognize that every controversy is at least in part a diversionary tactic in our battle with the Enemy
We have to pick our battles.
When we find ourselves wrapped up in arguments and debates that are pulling us away from preaching the Gospel and loving sinners, then Satan has been effective in his scheme. So, yes we recognize all forms of suffering and controversy as part of God’s sovereign plan; but at the same time, we are only wise to recognize them as spiritual warfare.2.) Be Encouraged
Similarly and secondly, pastors should be encouraged to find themselves in the midst of controversy (assuming it’s not due to some kind of moral failure on their part), because in studying the New Testament we see that Jesus continually found himself in the middle of such.
In other words, we are in good company. Part of what it means to be like Jesus is to endure suffering and criticism.3.) Humility and Repentance
Pastors have to beg God for the grace to model humility and repentance in the middle of controversy. Confession of sin and repentance is liberating and it gives us the ability to endure the storm.
I personally sinned on more than one occasion in the middle of our episode. What may have began as righteous anger, at times, led to pride-saturated anger that caused me to speak in a manner and tone that was less than Godly. In those times when I was able to publically and personally repent before God and the offended party, I found great encouragement and joy.4.) Community
Finally, to endure the storm, a pastor must have community. He needs other men that will speak not only words of encouragement into his life, but also men that love him enough to rebuke him when necessary. If a pastor seeks to endure any form of trial or suffering on an island by himself, he will not survive (at least not with any degree of Godliness and sanity).
Additionally, a pastor must allow his wife to be his best friend. If he distances his self from his wife and doesn’t allow her into his heart and his emotions, not only will he not do well, but his marriage will suffer. She will feel distant; she won’t feel like he is allowing her to be the help-mate God called her to be. Our wives want to share the burden with us. They want to know what is going on inside of our head. It draws them to us and allows them to fulfill their God-given role for our good and their joy. My wife was incredibly encouraging to me during the controversy. I was able to open up to her and allow her to see emotions in me that she had never seen before (even if those emotions were at times sinful).Storms and conflict in the ministry are inevitable. They are little fun at the time, but I believe they are one of God’s greatest tools by which He chooses to make us more like His Son.
Brothers, let’s suffer well.
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