In a lot of Christian homes Sunday dinner consists of “roast pastor.” But now the nation’s leading evangelists says that’s a sin.
Responding to a question sent the Billy Graham association website, evangelist Billy Graham acknowledges that while no pastor is perfect, it’s “wrong, and a sin in the eyes of God” for Christians to criticize their pastors.
Here was the question sent to the 96-year-old evangelist, “Why do some people seem to enjoy criticizing their pastor?” “I’m in a civic organization with a couple of friends from another church, and it seems like all they talk about is their pastor’s shortcomings. Should I say something to them about this?”
Billy Graham responded, “No pastor is perfect, of course — but if God has called someone to be a pastor and has sent them to serve a particular church, then they should be helped and encouraged in every way possible.” He then adds, quoting 1 Samuel 26:9: “Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?”
Graham does say that his comments don’t mean “pastors should always be above criticism — even if they neglect their responsibilities or otherwise are at fault, But most churches have ways of dealing with such matters through their ruling board or denominational structure. Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth that ‘everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
Graham concludes by suggesting the writer pray for an opportunity to speak with her or his friends about their attitude, “urging them not only to avoid criticizing their pastor but to do all they can to support and help this individual.”