Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Written by: April J. Buchanan

Have you ever heard a pastor say something that caught you off guard and left you quietly wrestling with what he said because it sounded wrong? Many have, and many will. While some speak with sinful motives, others are faithfully introducing doctrines unfamiliar to the hearer, not because they are new doctrines, but because they are new to those hearing them.

Some pastors use language intentionally to shock and disarm. The aim is not clarity but control, to say something deliberately offensive or unbiblical and see how far they can push before a listener’s conscience is silenced, the mind disengaged, and discernment surrendered. The test is not truth, but loyalty. How much can I get away with before you stop thinking and simply submit?

Yet there are other pastors who say things that initially sound unbiblical and immediately arrest our attention, not because they are careless, but because they are faithful. They do not minimize concerns or shame the hearer for having them. Instead, they acknowledge the tension and patiently teach from Scripture how they arrived at their conclusions, often drawing out a depth and beauty in the text the hearer had never seen before.

Language matters.

Some pastors deliberately test loyalty by mocking conviction, minimizing concern, and ridiculing those who find their statements troubling. These men often cultivate fiercely loyal and deeply deceived followers. Others, however, speak faithfully from Scripture, knowing that certain doctrines, especially those unfamiliar to the hearer, may sound offensive at first, not because they are unbiblical, but because the listener is encountering them for the first time.

Faithful pastors anticipate those concerns. They care for souls. They take great care never to belittle sincere questions, but instead encourage them. They open the text, exegete it plainly, and allow Scripture to speak for itself. They do not demand allegiance to themselves, nor do they test loyalty. They rejoice when their hearers examine what is taught, because love for truth is evidence of spiritual life.

At the same time, they do not shrink back from teaching doctrines that may initially unsettle or offend the ignorant believer. Truth is not withheld simply because it is unfamiliar. Yet it is taught with wisdom, clarity, and love, always mindful of the weakest among the flock and aware that careless speech can cause unnecessary stumbling.

A faithful pastor will not use shocking language merely to disarm his hearers, normalize irreverence, or mishandle Scripture. He will never mock concern or exploit offense. He shepherds with care, knowing that God has entrusted real souls to him.

A faithful pastor does not fear hard truths, and he does not wound those still learning. He teaches with conviction and with care.

Nor can a pastor be intimidated by those he shepherds. He must not dilute theology or discourage growth by keeping his people perpetually immature. He introduces doctrines that may be new to the hearer, but never new revelation. These doctrines can be tested, must be tested, and when shown to be true in Scripture, they must be believed and loved.

Thank God for pastors who truly care for the flock.

Grace and peace, y’all.
Soli Deo Gloria