Dr. Earle G. Griffith was our professor of Pastoral Theology.  He strongly advised us to use great care in the matter of Pastors who follow or precede us in the ministry.  He taught, "never speak badly of the man who came before or follows after you, there are always plenty of people who love them".

        It may not be easy, but there is always something kind one can say about those men.  There is at least one honest positive thing you could say about them.  It would be better that our conversation be limited to that.  One must seriously question the "motive" for speaking evil of a brother, but particularly the peers we are discussing.  The truth is, that many men insecure in their ministry, actually think that downing the other will enhance his person or ministry in the eyes of others.  The fact is, that such conversation does exactly the opposite.

        This is particularly true in the method and manner of ministry.  There is plenty of room for honest disagreement on "how" we go about the work.  Practical things vary from place to place and people to people.  It is pride that causes us to feel that someone else could not accomplish something in another way with an alternate plan.  None of us minister to
people in exactly the same way.  We have different gifts and God in His marvelous plan made us all different.  That is the great wonder of the ministry.

        Confession may be dangerous, but  I have been both the recipient and  participant in the practice of this error.  I do not plead for, nor defend either.  Every thinking pastor reading this would have to admit the same.  For my part, I have covenanted with the Lord to use great care in this area.  For the others, I have offered forgiveness for their sin.

        This is not a light matter, but falls in the darkest shade of wickedness.  Nothing that follows should even hint of a justification for such dark transgression as gossip, slander and the bearing of false witness.  There are, however, some extenuating matters that need to be dealt with.

        Nothing about pastoral ethics expects silence in matters of aberrant doctrine or immorality.  No one at anytime should expect anyone to be silent about public offense to the holiness of God.  Unrepented acts of immorality or teaching of unbiblical doctrine do not deserve the approval of silence.  This is not a matter of judging.  It is only about the
character of God.

        A fellow Pastor needs to be extremely careful particularly in handling his relationship to a church he once pastored.  Under no circumstance would he ever return to minister to anyone in a public way without the knowledge and agreement of the presiding shepherd.  That is particular true of anyone who is a member of that church, but also true of those who
may have been a member.  It would be insolent to assume that he knew or understood the relationship of that person to the church in his absence.

        None of us pretends to know all of the ramifications of this subject.  Our conclusions in practical matters will vary depending upon our experience.  For example, a man with a short tenure at a church or churches would hardly understand the personal relationships built over an extremely long ministry.  But even if those friendships are continued, they need to be cultivated with a great deal of care.  Men who have a history of failed pastorates will look differently at this than those who
find great satisfaction in their many years of warm relationship to a church.  What is needed here is the wisdom of God.

        Liberals have a habit of rewriting history to suit their own goals.  Good or bad we need to be careful about what we do with the history of a church.  Even failures of the past can be used to learn from.  Surely, however, we would want to retain the victories of the past.  It matters little that we were the leader at the time.  God rid of us of the 'bigshotitess" that allows us to think, that if we did not do it, the matter was not done well.  Give credit where credit is due.  Where
possible, which is true in most matters, let us be quiet.  When it has to do with the character and the clear Word of God, be brave.  In all things be gracious and judge your own motives first.
 

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