This chapter also brings to mind Paul’s instructions in I Cor 5 to expel the immoral brother and of Peter’s prophetic judgment of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.
There is such a fine line here to be drawn on this topic because this degree of authority in the hands of an unhealthy pastor yields massive casualties, like when someone who was physically abused starts spanking his own children. Spanking may be fine for other parents, but this particular man just can’t handle it. All that to say, a person should look deep inside before accepting a position vested with so much power/authority. Because what happens when the pastor himself is the abusive member who needs to be removed from the community? (Again, sadly, I’ve seen it happen more than once.)
I think of all the aspects of pastoral work, none is more counter-cultural than this one. I mean, who in our society thinks authority is a good thing anymore? What are rules, order, and discipline but effective tools of “the man� to arbitrarily impose his will on yours? Our culture has become so politically correct, so tolerant, so therapeutic, so Dr. Phil- and Oprah-ized that we can no longer accept any words of correction, rebuke or discipline. Those who dare to speak such words (and take subsequent actions to back them up!) are put down as “mean-spirited,� “hard-hearted,� or “judgmental.� Not that we should cater to our culture, but I think this “given� does raise the honest question of how today’s pastor can wisely, tactfully, and yet boldly administer discipline.
It might be helpful here to remind readers that the Shepherd disciplines his sheep, also: Prov 3.11-12/Heb. 12.5-6: “…because the Lord disciplines those he loves…� Spare the rod and spoil the sheep.
ShepherdLeader.com
A safe place for shepherds to reflect together.