Are You Smart Enough to Criticize Ministry Leaders?

Yesterday, we looked at the reality that Christians can act unchristian when we believe that we are smarter than God. A second way that Christians can act unchristian by believing that they are smarter than they are is when we believe that we are smart enough to criticize ministry leaders. We see this way revealed for us in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5:

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

In this passage we see the Apostle Paul reveal three criteria by which ministry leaders should be evaluated on. Paul begins by stating that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right job description. Paul here is commanding the church at Corinth to evaluate and judge him based on his position as an assistant to Jesus and manager of the mysteries of God, which are the timeless truths about God contained in the message of the gospel. These truths were previously hidden, but have now been made known through Christ and the messengers of the message of the gospel. Pastors and ministry leaders are assistants to Jesus, who is the Senior Pastor, and are responsible to manage the message of the gospel and the ministry that they have been given by Jesus.

A second criterion for evaluating ministry leaders is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right standard. Paul continues in verse two by stating that it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. Paul is explaining that the position of an assistant to Jesus and manager of the message of the gospel requires and demands that one be worthy of trust. Upon examination those who serve Jesus by managing and proclaiming the message of the gospel must demonstrate faithfulness with the message and the ministry. Ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the message of the gospel. Pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate an ability to proclaim accurately and faithfully the whole counsel of God, even the parts you and I do not like to hear. In addition, pastors and other ministry leaders must demonstrate that they are trustworthy with the ministry that they have been given.

The third criterion that Paul reveals for us is that ministry leaders should be evaluated by the right supervisor. In the first part of verse 3, Paul tells the members of the church at Corinth that it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court. What Paul is explaining here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to others. Now that does not mean that pastors and ministry leaders are not to be under the godly authority of the Elders and other church leadership. What it does mean is that ministry leaders are not to become focused on the evaluations of others either in the church or others who are outside the church. Because the sad reality is when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what the members of the church think about a sermon or a ministry; or when pastors and ministry leaders become focused on what others who are not Christians think about a sermon or a ministry, they run the risk of becoming pleasers of men who solely seek the approval of men.

Paul then continues by stating that he does not even examine his own ministry. What Paul is communicating here is that ministry leaders are not ultimately accountable to themselves. Paul’s’ point is that pastors and ministry leaders are not to focus on self evaluation, because the reality is that pastors and ministry leaders are not vindicated from criticism as a result of their personal feelings. All of us have blind spots in our judgment that cause self evaluation to be a risky and inaccurate endeavor. We all need accountability, lovingly honest feedback and encouragement.

Paul then reveals that the one that examines or questions his ministry and whom he ultimately will be held accountable to is Jesus Himself. Every pastor and ministry leader is ultimately accountable to the Lord Himself for how faithful and trustworthy they are with the message of the gospel and the ministry they have been given. And because of this reality, Paul commands the church at Corinth to stop their present unfavorable judgment of his ministry and message through their criticism and fault finding. Paul the explains that they should wait until Jesus return because Jesus, upon His return, will reveal and make known the things that are hidden and will make known the intentions and purposes that was behind a person’s desires and decisions.

Paul concludes by revealing that it will be God who will express admiration and approval for the management of the ministry and the message of gospel that we are given. Christians who act unchristian, however, believe that they are smart enough to criticize, to judge, and to evaluate and uncover the hidden intentions and motives that lie behind critical ministry decisions that are made by pastors and ministry leaders.

So, are you a Christian who acts unchristian by believing that you are smarter than you really are? You would never say you were as smart as God, but you are sure that you are smarter than everyone else. You are smart enough to really understand what really is going on. Is that you? Paul's point to the church at Corinth, and us today, is we must be very careful before passing critical and judgmental opinions towards pastors and other ministry leaders. So let's take these words to heart and work together in partnership to accomplish the mission God has for us.