You will often hear me talk about the state of the American pulpit on my blog from time to time. I believe the pulpit is in a horrid state with men in it that do not belong, or they fail to recognize the responsibility that they have been given. Case in point: here is a video of a Lutheran pastor giving a 1-minute sermon so he could leave the church and get home in time for the NFC football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers.
According to the Washington Times, the 1-minute sermon was said to have packed a lot of punch.
The Christian Post reported Pastor Tim Christensen of Gold Hill Lutheran Church asked his congregation: “Would you all like to be forgiven for your sins?” They said yes, and his reply: “OK, you are.”
He then brought up Communion, as seen in a widely watched YouTubevideo: “There is some bread and some wine up here on the table. You feel free to help yourself if you’d like to.”
I know some might think this is a good idea, but given the fact that most of the people in the pews couldn’t give a credible definition of the gospel, this man is truly neglecting his office and the call that has been placed on his life. If a man doesn’t take his role seriously, and this pastor does not, then he really needs to find another profession. In fact, I will go on to say that about 95 percent of those in ministry need to find another line of work, given the state of the American church. What a pastor is called to has eternal ramifications for all those in his congregation. It is not something to treat glibly or with disrespect. It is serious work and not for the faint of heart.
This man needs to repent of his idolatry and his laziness. I know the congregation was laughing at his so-called sermon. But even then, he was in error. Does he really think he has the right to forgive the people of their sins? Only Christ can do so. Does he think he has a right to just open up communion as he did? He does not. He is showing disdain for the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. All this for a football game? What idolatry.
Seeing gross neglect on this man’s part make me want to strive to stay in the ministry, if it is at all possible.
Filed under: Pastoral, Preaching
