What If Your Pastor is Thrown in Jail?
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On February 16th of this year, James Coates, who pastors a church in Alberta, Canada, was thrown into jail for failure to comply with the government’s ongoing restrictions for churches concerning the Big C virus. After a month’s confinement, he was released to await his trial on May 3rd. The Lord knows the outcome of these things and will strengthen and prepare Pastor Coates, his family, and his church to rest in the promise that God will bring good from it all (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Though believers in other countries have seen their pastors carted off to jail for various infractions, we here in North America have not seen much, if anything, of this kind of thing. It shocked us, scared us, and made us ask, “What if my pastor is thrown in jail too?”
In the past, Jack and I have rather lightheartedly joked around about his being jailed for some reason in the cause of Christ. What seemed somewhat implausible is now not such a farfetched notion, which is why we need to think about what we sheepies should do if our earthly shepherd is suddenly taken from our midst and locked up. Notice that my emphasis is on what we should do, not what we would do. Too many of us would probably give into all sorts of “natural” responses like fear, anger, criticism, and would leave off attending church altogether. But what should we do?
Hopefully, our pastors have been doing what they’ve been called to do. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:11–13 that God has uniquely gifted and then given “pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” If our pastors are doing what they are called to do they will spend more time teaching us from God’s Word, not less. They will prepare us from the Scriptures in how to respond with biblical grace and humility to whatever persecution, oppression, or restrictions are placed upon us. We need our pastors to protect us by teaching us sound doctrine and good hermeneutics (how to study the Bible), so we won’t fall prey to false teachers.
Losing a pastor to confinement for a short time or even longer has profound consequences for a congregation. Yet a faithful pastor’s biblical preparation can help his flock respond with sound wisdom and grace-filled faith in unexpected and fearful circumstances. Some churches have multiple layers of staff and even a large group of lay leaders, who can fill in until their pastor is released. The church would be able to proceed somewhat “normally,” or as normally as it can with their pastor in jail. Yet, there are many churches who only have one pastor, no other staff, and possibly only 1 or 2 lay elders who help oversee the church. Smaller churches may be left without any man able to preach. In this situation, the sheep can flounder without the constant of a God-given leader and his faithful and sound biblical teaching to guide them.
Thankfully, whether our churches are large or small, whether we’ve had much teaching or only a little, God has given us everything we need in His Word to “keep calm and carry on” in a God-honoring way in difficult and trying circumstances.
If your pastor is thrown in jail, what should you do?
Gather Together Rather Than Scattering in Fear
When our Lord Jesus was taken into custody, His disciples fled in fear. They scattered, even though Jesus had told them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31). Rather than running away in fear, let us “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:1) and be “willing to suffer hardship” with our pastor (1 Timothy 2:3), if God wills it. God has always intended that Christians come together for teaching, preaching, and prayer in every season of human history. Often Christians had to gather in secret, in the nighttime, in fields or forests, but gather they did. When tempted to scatter out of fear of what may happen to you, look for ways to draw near to your brothers and sisters to encourage and strengthen one another.
Don’t Grieve the Men who are Leading the Church in Your Pastor’s Absence
If your pastor is taken from you, then heed the command given in Hebrews 13:17 to “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” We don’t get to decide which leaders we will follow. God has appointed each church with leaders to teach and equip us so we grow in spiritual maturity. If our main pastor is removed, then let us bring joy to those who step into his place. With the “B” team now filling in for the “A” team, these men must take on new duties, responsibilities, and burdens, all while battling their own fears and inadequacies. Yet they are God’s men for this time and this season, so let’s consider how we can bless them to serve well by coming under their leadership without murmuring and complaining.
Bless the Leaders Who Step in to Fill Your Pastor’s Pulpit
Philippians 2:28–29 ups the ante a bit on how we receive and perceive those who step in to fill our pastor’s shoes. Paul writes to the Philippians about how he wants them to respond to Epaphroditus, who also found himself in the rather difficult position of filling in for Paul until Paul was able to visit the church again. Paul writes, “Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you. Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard.” Not only should we rejoice in God’s provision of men to lead the church in our pastor’s absence, we are also to hold these faithful men in high regard. If you want to bless the faithful “B” team, try honoring them as if they were the “A” team. You will strengthen these men’s hearts as they seek to serve in difficult times.
Don’t be Ashamed of Your Pastor
Without a doubt, many critics will arise to second-guess your pastor’s leadership. Amid the many trials your imprisoned pastor is enduring, learning that his precious sheep are ashamed of his courageous stand for the gospel adds another wound. Paul was no stranger to the sting of this kind of hurtful defection. Listen to what he admonishes Timothy, his fellow pastor and minister of the gospel, in 2 Timothy 1:7–8, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.” Gaining an understanding of the issues and theological implications of your pastor’s stand will help you bless God for giving you such a stalwart and courageous defender of the faith. Your pastor isn’t perfect, but he is the man God has given for your spiritual health and growth in Christ. Rather than wasting time trying to answer naysayers, refuse to be ashamed of your pastor, and if necessary, be willing to suffer alongside him.
Don’t be Alarmed by Your Opponents
Philippians 1:27–30 says, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” In this admonition from Paul to the beleaguered Philippian church, we learn how important it is to stick together, especially when there are opponents attacking the church from the outside, and even worse, from the inside. Yet rather than give into the sheep-scattering fear that persecution and oppression can produce, we’re urged to be godly, stand firm, and keep striving for the kingdom.
Too Much is at Stake to Give into Grumbling and Arguing
People complain and quarrel when they are afraid, which is why Paul reminds the Philippians not to give into that fleshly response. When pressures increase, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16). If your pastor is taken to jail, your patience during change, uncertainty, and difficulty can be a beacon of light in the swirling darkness. Without a doubt, your willingness to trust God and not give way to grumbling and arguing will bring honor to the Lord.
Bring Joy to your Imprisoned Pastor
If your pastor is incarcerated, you can know one thing for certain—he is thinking of you, praying for you, and deeply concerned about your steadfastness while he is separated from you. You can bring much comfort to your pastor through your testimony of faith, hope, and stalwart determination to trust the Lord. Paul wrote about this very scenario in 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8. He said, “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.” Your pastor will hunger for news of your faith and love, your compassion towards him, your longing for his return, and your steadfastness of spirit. You can help your pastor weather his trial by standing firm in your own.
Continue Doing What is Right
When controversy and conflicts swirl, it’s natural to want to know the latest details and to talk about them with one another. Yet, this can grow to a place of sinfully engaging in gossip and being a busybody if it takes over our thoughts and time. Paul admonished the Thessalonian church about this very thing while undergoing much difficulty, oppression, and persecution. Paul said, “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13). The temptation will be to focus all our attention on the events around us, but God desires that we church members go about our business, doing what is right, and not being governed by anxiety and fear.
Trust in God’s Care for You
Peter is writing against a backdrop of persecution and oppression when he seeks to strengthen the scattered believers in his letters. He urges them in 1 Peter 5:6–7, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Remember God has not made a mistake in singling out your church and your pastor for time of trial and suffering. So, dear ones, if your pastor is in jail, please humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Instead of pridefully seeking to fix the situation yourselves, submit to what the Lord has ordained for you and your church with trust, humility, and hope in God’s good plan. Trials of this magnitude are terribly unnerving, which is why Peter continues to encourage you to cast all your anxiety on the Lord.
Don’t Compromise to Escape Suffering
It can be tempting when oppression and persecution increases to want to placate the oppressors so they will turn their sights on someone else rather than you, yet Paul urged Timothy to “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Adhering to God’s Word rather than yielding to the world’s pressure to water down the gospel or adjust the Scriptures will bring eternal blessing and much glory to the Lord. The author of Hebrews gave practical encouragement to his readers by telling them, similar words, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Stand firm and “do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings” (Isaiah 51:7).
What If Your Jailed Pastor is also Your Husband?
If your jailed pastor is also your husband, then you have added layers of sorrows that the rest of the flock won’t experience. Remembering and applying the Scriptures will strengthen and help us to give God glory during this distressing season of trial.
You are not alone for the Lord is with you.
Though you are for a time bereft of your husband’s protection, wisdom, and nearness, the Lord wants you to know He will not forsake you or fail you in your time of need. In Deuteronomy 3:22 we learn that our eternal and unchanging God has words of comfort for you. He says, “Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.” You may feel unprotected, but the Lord is your mighty defender, provider, protector, and refuge. “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:16-19). Take courage for the Lord will is your refuge and defender.
God has placed you in this time and this place for His glory.
You may be thrust into a spotlight you never sought. The Lord will give you the heart-bolstering grace you need to stand firm without fear and clearly testify about the God you follow and the need for all men to repent and believe in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Paul told Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Take courage for the Lord has called you to serve Him in a new and special way.
Your courage can strengthen your husband.
Show courage and impart courage to your pastor/husband. Don’t add to his sorrows by falling apart. Paul exemplified this for us in Acts 27:23-25 when he encouraged his fellow shipmates while undergoing many trials for days on a stormy sea. He said, “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ “Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” Seek the Lord in His Word for courage for your own heart so you can “smile at the future” (Proverbs 31:25). Take courage for when you live by faith rather than your feelings, you will help your husband stand firm.
The trials will reveal the faith of those around you.
Don’t be surprised at the defections to come for they will come. There will always be those reject and defect at the first sign of trouble, yet God Himself remains with us to rescue and preserve us. Jesus experienced it and so did Paul. Listen to how Paul described it in 2 Timothy 4:16-18, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Take courage for the Lord will never forsake you.
“You will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives” (Luke 21:17-19).
“From Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen” (Revelation 1:5-7).
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
