Written by Matt Hudson, a pastor at Basswood Church in Knoxville, Tennessee
When I talk to friends in ministry, it’s clear that the demands on pastors have increased. It seems the pressure is higher than it has been at any point over the last 20 years.
In particular, many pastors face pressure to project strength—to be hardened, forceful, and dogmatic. The not-so-subtle implication is that gentleness in ministry is the same as weakness. But what if gentleness is actually courageous?
In a recent article for TGC, I explore this tension at the heart of pastoral identity. Our cultural moment rewards heat more than light. Pastors are being wooed toward a minimalist vision of leadership. We’re tempted to make reactive posts about every item in our news feed. Our own church members may crave doctrinaire declarations instead of thoughtful considerations.
Yet Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, did “not quarrel or cry aloud” (Matt. 12:19). He refused to break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick (v. 20). Jesus never soft-peddled the truth. He confronted sin. He spoke hard words, flipping tables in the temple, pronouncing woes on the Pharisees, and promising actual judgment. Yet he did all this as the One who is “gentle and lowly in heart” (11:29).
Pastor, you’ll be tempted to adopt the world’s understanding of strength and to abandon one of the Spirit’s defining fruits. We should follow Christ’s example of clarity, but in doing so, we shouldn’t compromise on gentleness. We shouldn’t confuse Christ’s example with weakness.
Ask yourself this: How can I best follow Christ’s pastoral example? A gentle posture will make you more approachable for the brokenhearted, the hopeless, the sin-weary, and even the prodigal. Perhaps then, embracing Christ’s gentleness is the most countercultural, courageous thing you can do.
—Matt
