Pastors – Accusations and Accountability
Paul writes to Timothy: "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning." (1 Timothy 5:19-20)
Paul's first concern is that false or malicious or frivolous charges against elders don't get any traction. If you've ever read the Psalms, you'll know how often David comes to God to complain about the false charges against him. The prophets were often accused of things that were not true. Daniel was falsely accused and thrown into the lions' den. Paul and the apostles were hauled before councils and accused of all sorts of false things.
It even happened to Jesus, remember? The Pharisees and teachers of the law were often looking for an opportunity to accuse Him, says Mark 3:2. When they hauled Him before the courts, they made up all sorts of stuff about Him. It ended up being so contradictory that it was obviously false.
Why Church Leaders Are Falsely Accused
When a person avails themselves to work for the kingdom of God in such a direct way - like the kings and prophets of the Old Testament, the apostles of the New, or a person called to the role of elder today - the enemy doesn't like it very much, and he usually comes hard after the person in that position. One of his main tactics is to falsely accuse God's people.
Paul knows this, because it happened to him too. So he says: if an elder is accused, don't take it at face value.
Think about this in the context of the church. Rumours fly around like crazy! You'll probably hear all sorts of things about your minister and his or her family. Be careful. Don't just accept what you hear, and don't even entertain an accusation that has no witnesses.
Why Ministers Need Accountability
But none of this means that elders shouldn't be kept to a high standard. If it is true that an elder is sinning in a way that damages the church or the ministry, Paul says to reprove that person publicly. To reprove is to rebuke and correct, so if an accusation turns out to be true, and it could well be, take the necessary steps to make sure things change. Our Church of the Nazarene manual has procedures for exactly this, all there to protect us and keep things on track.
Elders really do have a calling to live a holy life. Paul also says to Timothy: "Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22) It's a high calling indeed, and we should never let pastors get away with ungodly behaviour just because they are seen to be anointed by God.
But remember that elders are people too! It always amuses me how a schoolkid who sees Shereen at the shop is blown away, as if they can't conceive of their teacher being a person outside of the school environment. Pastors have the same struggles and temptations as you do. Still, if it comes out that a minister is doing something harmful or damaging, you have every right, and an instruction even, to call them out.
If you find yourself at a church where the minister cannot be questioned... run for your life! Because your pastor – of all people – needs your honest accountability.
Perhaps today you might take a few moments to pray for the person who pastors your church. May the Lord keep them from sin that needs rebuking, and may He provide them the kind of accountability that will keep them on the right track.
Paul tells the church to dismiss unsupported accusations against ministers, and to correct them when the charge is true. Refuse to pass on a rumour today, and pray for your pastor instead.