Recently Christianity Today ran an article asking, "Should Pastors Rebuke Parishioners from the Pulpit"? The article featured a clip from a sermon by a pastor from Oklahoma who basically berates and belittles people in the congregation from the pulpit. While some might view this as bold and spiritual, I can't help but see it as cowardly and inauthentic. The courageous thing to do, in my estimation, is sit down with the parishioner and disciple him or her over a cup of coffee, face to face, heart to heart. What do you think? View the clip below and let us know if you think this preacher is cowardly or courageous.
8 comments:
Yeah, they don't teach you that one in preacher school!...and probably for a good reason. There are far too many examples of the 'public shaming' approach out on YouTube. Curious if he's preached on Matthew 18 lately?
Next time someone complains "What basis is there for a pastor to submit to a Local Board?" or "What is the use of the hierarchical authority structure of a denomination?", we'll pull out this video and start there.
Did you see the picture: http://pinterest.com/pin/537265430517462937/
Thanks for your comments gang. Now, as Eric suggests, we preachers have to fight harder to overcome the stigma that guys like this create. This incident does present a case for denominational oversight and accountability. Ken, love the pinterest link. Church growth 101...Whitesel would love it:-)
To be fair, this is only part of the sermon but I do wonder what text he was preaching on. Makes a case for exegesis, doesn't it?
As a preacher it is much easier to say something from a pulpit than it is to look one on one into their eyes and say it.
I would never call out an individual during the sermon. It is not the appropriate time and who would respond positively to it.
Definitely cowardly.
Cowardly! I think I can understand what he is attempting to communicate, but the method or delivery is inappropriate. Probably okay to challenge people in their walk, but not in a public setting, and for as much as he tried to convince folks he loved them, I'm not sure they felt loved - at least don't know that I would have. I've heard it said before, and it seems to apply here, that trying to make yourself look better by tearing someone else down is not a good approach or attitude. Where's the humility? Where's the love and compassion for others?
Very inspiring articles.
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