The Sobering Stakes of a Pastor's Life

There is little that does more destruction to a church than a pastor who falls into grave sin. For all the attacks and slanderous statements that are thrown at a church from the non-believing world, while the attacks hurt, a church is generally able to weather the storm. We expect non-believers to act and speak in fallen ways. It’s a great surprise, though, when a pastor acts according to the patterns of this world. When a pastor, the lead under-shepherd called to the holy task of leading God’s people down the narrow road, falls into grave sin, the wake of destruction is quite serious. A congregation rightfully asks, if this is God’s man for our moment, what does this say about God?

This is the kind of destruction that the evil one loves. He loves to see churches suffer and is therefore always on the prowl with pastors as his central target (1 Peter 5:8).

Pastor, we must be sober-minded about what is at stake. We must be always on guard, always seeking help and accountability.

Here are 4 forms of accountability a pastor needs to maintain his integrity.

Ecclesiastical Accountability

Healthy pastors embrace healthy ecclesiology because healthy ecclesiology produces healthy churches. For all the criticism denominations receive, one blessing of denominations is they provide the necessary order needed in a church (1 Corinthians 14:40). Part of this order includes the examination, ordination, and expectations of a pastor. Whether you are Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, etc., ecclesiology provides accountability for a pastor.

As Presbyterians, we have a Book of Church Order. I’m thankful that other pastors and churches in my presbytery have a right to check on me. If I slip, I go to trial. There is a healthy check that keeps pastors in line. There is no room for theological or moral compromise. Strong ecclesiology serves pastors. Pastor, this is a good thing. Embrace ecclesiology.

Pastoral Accountability

Pastors need the accountability of other pastors. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” There is something powerful about walking in step with other men of God who have been called into gospel ministry. I recall the T4G conference. An entire arena full of pastors singing has left an indelible mark on me. The fellowship of pastors is a great blessing.

Fellow pastors understand the pressures and temptations of ministry and are therefore able to ask the probing questions that are often necessary. Don’t run from brothers who are willing to ask the hard questions of you; rather, welcome their feedback and listen carefully. On Calvin’s deathbed, one of his wishes was that his company of pastors would continue to meet as normal. Calvin recognized the importance of fellow pastors being deeply connected.

Our elders will often go through Bethlehem Baptist’s Elder Accountability Form. It has been a great help. Our pastors also have a weekly time of prayer and discussion. Perhaps most importantly, though, are the unscripted times when our pastors meet together for lunch—where we can honestly expect that brothers will ask questions concerning our pastoral health. Lean into the company of pastors that God has placed you in. And if you don’t currently have that kind of company, find it immediately.

Marital Accountability

The person who knows you best is your wife. She has the vantage point of seeing your whole life and is, therefore, able to see any potential blind spots. No matter how smooth you might seem on Sunday morning, your wife sees you on Friday night. She sees your habits, weaknesses, and pattern of life. This is a tremendous help to a pastor.

Listen to your wife. Invite her in. Even ask for correction. She is your “helpmate.” Trust her help.

I recently learned of a pastor’s wife who was concerned about her husband. She asked probing questions only to be shot down. “You don’t need to know the ins and outs of what I’m doing as a pastor.” Sadly, her concerns were right, as he was hiding dark, sinful secrets. His ministry is now in shambles.

Men, don’t push away your wife. Especially when she is raising concerns, listen.

Communion with God

The truth is that while denominations, fellow pastors, and wives are good forms of accountability, they are not fool-proof. With all three in place, pastors have still made compromises. Ultimately, there is only one form of final accountability.

The ultimate discipline is when a pastor has tasted the sweet fellowship of consistent communion with the Lord. The kind of communion that is so sweet that he can’t dare to imagine life without it. This is the communion that David experienced when he wrote Psalm 63:3:

“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”

Pastors, like all sinners, can be forgiven, even for the most grievous of sins. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, not a work. That work can’t be undone. But it is also true that sin wrecks one’s communion with the Lord. And if you know the sweetness of God, then sin will be the bitter taste of death to you.

Pastors can’t just avoid sin; they need to love God. All the things a pastor preaches on Sunday morning—time in the scriptures, meaningful time in prayer, heartfelt worship—are all the more necessary for those leading the church.

The call to the pastorate is not a call to perfection. If that was the case, there would be no men to lead. While not perfect, pastors are called to live upright, holy lives for the sake of the church. The stakes are too high to do otherwise. The flesh is weak, and Satan is on the prowl; therefore, pastors must lean into the various forms of accountability that the Lord has graciously given.

©2023 Jon Saunders. Used with permission.