Not only are the modern-day elders or shepherds confused when their roles are blurred, but preachers can also be out of place, too. These men are dispensable outsiders who fit the pattern of modern “pastors” with all the trimmings. The demands and expectations are high and, often, impossible to meet. He is expected to be almost superhuman as his example and moral excellence must be impeccable. For this reason, he is elevated above all standards. He, his wife, and children are in a glass bowl for all to see and they are all held to a higher standard than others. If he sins and needs to apply biblical confession, he can’t do so in his position without fear of losing his reputation, job, or both. If he shows signs of weakness or admits he doesn’t know something, he risks the loss of confidence in him and doubt of his ability.
Regarding his working relationship with the congregation, he is to be available for offering council, yet when someone is brave enough to confide in him, he is at risk because the confessing member has exposed their private life and fears the information may not remain confidential. Such fears persuade the member to find some dirt or anything that might be construed as a negative report. In some cases, he is constantly playing a political yoyo because there is no way he can please everyone. Even though he can’t, he must try to keep down any potential rumor or negative feedback coming from any direction. His job depends on it. Often, before he has the time to know the congregation, he has made an enemy because he did not shake someone’s hand or did not visit another’s relative in the hospital, preached on a sore subject. or spoke too long. He may learn that someone dislikes his preaching style or scorns his children for crying in the assembly. He is accused of being too deep by the simple or a first principle preacher by others. He is told not to be an alarmist, not to preach on anything that requires a change in work or attitude, or not to bring up anything that may be a sore spot with someone. He is expected to be cautious when preaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, the woman’s role, and her teaching, modest apparel, marrying a non-Christian, materialism, stewardship, giving, etc. In short, just preach on the fundamentals of the gospel in which we can all agree or on those issues that define us and emphasizes our uniqueness. Consequently, some church members have a continuous diet of lessons that do not challenge them to become more like Christ or call upon them to change their lives.
Besides, many problems may be due to the inexperience of men in people-skills and communication. And why must we expect him to be able to deal with such matters? If churches are so bent on “hiring” a young man to be “our preacher”, why are they surprised and disappointed in him due to the lack of such skills? Yet, many insist that he be the leader, teacher, counselor, “church visitor”, or examplar of perfection. He is required to have flawless children with a maturity level beyond their age. His wife must be able to teach all the ladies classes, shake every hand, and organize all social events. He is viewed as a public relations specialist displaying an uncanny ability to interact with all kinds of people and situations. In short, he must be superhuman. He soon realizes that he can never meet everyone’s expectations. Countless preachers are affected by such undue pressures. In time, many will be able to walk the balancing act when they become successful and accomplished by the church media.
Of course, these preacher expectations may cause him to develop a strong front and an air of supremacy. He may expect that no one questions his authority or openly challenge his views. He may also present a front that he has all the answers. Should anyone challenge him, he may attempt to intimidate others by pulling out Greek words or grammar. When allowed to gloat about his accomplishments, he will be the first to tell others of how many he baptized or how much churches grew where he had preached. He’ll tell stories of how silly he made a debater look and have the audiences laughing at how smart he is and how much talent he has in the use of the Scriptures.
Where does he fit in the body? The answer is – His work, expectations, and overall role doesn’t fit at all in the body of Christ. You will never find this description of a man or woman in the Bible. He will never be a Paul or Timothy. And, if he could, he should never expect to be hired by a local church, or have such unreasonable demands and expectations attached to his job. Once again, this kind of preacher fits only in an institution, not the body of Christ.