When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
We are being told that church attendance the Sunday after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk was high. In fact, since 911 I do not think we have seen anything like this. What does that tell us?
It should tell us the same thing it did after 911. People are confused, angry, scared and looking for something that is real and will give them hope. Make no mistake, what we are witnessing right now could be even bigger. Now for the sad news—six months after 911 where we experienced the biggest surge in church attendance in decades, the numbers went back to even lower than pre-911.
What that should tell us is that we failed as Jesus’ church in America. People came searching but did not find what they needed—we did not give them the Word. My concern is that we are already seeing signs that this time it could be worse. In a casual pole of what came from our pulpits that first Sunday we are finding an enormous number of churches who did not even mention this catastrophic event.
It begs the question, how is it possible that so many pastors could completely ignore the deep hurt and confusion in their flock? Where are God’s shepherds? Let me say this as clearly as I can, unless there is a revival in our churches there will not be a revival in our nation.
The word Pastor comes from the Latin word pastorem which means Shepherd. Unlike a CEO, administrator, manager or other leadership roles where the main job is the oversight growth of the institution they serve, the Pastor’s focus is to shepherd his flock. A pastor needs to love his people passionately. A Pastor does not have all the answers but can point his people to the One who does.
I want to pause here and say to all the Pastor’s reading this that it is not my intention to judge or insult you in any way. Rather I want, in as loving a way as possible, to challenge you. I would ask you to review your message to your flock on that historic Sunday and consider whether it truly reflects the spiritual definition of the role of a Pastor.
Dear friend, I am 80 years old, been in the business world at a senior executive level, in full-time ministry to men, married couples and Pastors and leaders for over 35 years. I have been an Executive Pastor for two of our largest mega-churches and was on numerous elder boards. I have also had the great honor of being mentored by my dear friend, the late Pastor Jack Hayford. I share this not to brag but to suggest I have seen it all and what I am witnessing right now regarding our pastoral response to this incredible tragedy breaks my heart.
For many years I conducted a seminar designed for Senior pastors titled, The Six Structural Elements Of Effective Churches. During our sessions we often talked about the proper ways to address difficult situations and the Pastor’s role. I say this a lot—Pastor, you must get this—your people are sitting under your leadership and teaching for one reason, they see you as their SPIRITUAL PAPA.
Please let that sink in—right now your flock needs their daddy. I also want you to consider that what just happened, as bad as that was, may be just a precursor to what is coming. We know this is a spiritual battle and the Bible has given clear warning about the darkness that is yet before us.
I want to leave you with a few ideas to consider and suggest it is not too late to apply some of them. I also want to say, I love you deeply—God has given me a special appreciation for you. Because of that, I want you to know my door is open. If any of you, (Senior Pastors please) want to call or facetime with me I will make myself available. You can email me at vince@otm.co or find out more about my ministry at www.otm.co.
Possible strategy for responding to this major event:
- Start by praying the Lord give you courage and great wisdom and discernment.
- Ask the question, what might the effect of this event be upon the people God has called me to serve?
- List the range of feeling and emotions that need to be addressed to begin the healing process.
- Gather your inner circle, staff and elders and make sure they are ok and minister to them first, as they go so goes your flock.
- Gain input from your team regarding how to address the church and what resources may be needed.
- Plan messages to directly and biblically meet your people where they are.
- Young men are displaying a deep desire to do something but do not know how or what it looks like.They are asking, what do I do now? Give them some ways to find out.
- Consider there will likely be a lot of people visiting who may be just broken and confused and are looking for hope—a huge opportunity to bring them to our Lord.
We must remember that our job is all about comforting the flock, pointing them to Jesus and preparing them to take that message out into their world.
Finally, Charlie Kirk inspired millions of young people, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 35. He told them that his faith was the most important thing in his life, to be courageous, get married and have kids and a large number of them have taken that to heart—some will no doubt show up at your church—what will you do?
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.
Acts 20:28
Evangelism without discipleship is cruel
Pat Morely