Gossip is defined as idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. The Bible has a lot to say about gossip and warns against engaging in it. When it comes to gossiping about church leaders like pastors, there are several dangers that must be avoided.
It Sows Discord and Divides the Church
Gossiping about the pastor breeds disunity, conflict and distrust within the church body. The Bible calls such division a work of the flesh that displeases God (Galatians 5:19-21). Paul exhorted the Corinthians against such dissension: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Gossip often leads to factions in the church, which Christ strongly warned against (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
Gossiping about the pastor can stir up dissent against his leadership and vision for the church. This prevents the body from serving in unity to build God’s kingdom. As Proverbs 6:19 says, “a man who soweth discord among brethren” is among the things God hates.
It Erodes Trust in Pastoral Authority
Scripture exhorts church members to honor, submit to and obey church leaders like the pastor (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Gossiping about a pastor or his family breed suspicion, eroding the trust and confidence that church members are supposed to have. This can hinder the pastor’s ability to effectively lead the congregation.
If people gossip and spread unverified allegations, it can damage how the pastor is perceived. Even if proven untrue later, it can still leave people wondering. This gradually undermines pastoral authority, making it hard for the pastor to lead.
It Discourages Church Leaders
Like any other person, pastors and their families are not immune to feeling hurt, discouraged or disheartened. Spreading gossip or slander against them can deeply discourage church leaders. This is contrary to what Scripture teaches.
The Bible says we should build up and encourage those in ministry (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Gossip often has the opposite effect. Church leaders may become resentful towards gossiping individuals. They may also lose motivation in serving that particular church which gossiped about them.
It Breeds Arrogance and Disrespect of Authority
Gossip exalts one’s own opinions above the pastor’s. It can manifest an arrogant, critical or disrespectful attitude towards those in authority. However, as Hebrews 13:17 says, church members are supposed to submit to spiritual leaders, not speak arrogantly against them. Gossip also often breeds negativity and complaint, which Christians are urged to avoid (Philippians 2:14-15).
When we gossip about a pastor, we not only disrespect that individual, but the position of authority he occupies. We must be careful not to let our personal opinions about an individual override the honor that their office deserves (Romans 13:1-2).
It Breeds Critical and Judgmental Attitudes
Gossiping involves speaking unfavorably about someone who is not present to defend themselves. It often exaggerates or sensationalizes aspects about the person. This trains our hearts to become overly critical, judgmental and fault-finding – traits the Bible condemns (Matthew 7:1-5).
We also tend to apply double standards when gossiping, holding the pastor to expectations we would not hold ourselves to. This hypocrisy is also sinful according to Scripture (Matthew 7:1-5).
It Can Escalate to Slander or Libel
While gossip is bad enough, left unchecked it can often escalate to slander or libel. Slander is making false spoken statements that damage someone’s reputation. Libel is publishing false statements that damage someone’s reputation.
There are many biblical warnings against such defamation and false witness. Proverbs 10:18 says, “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” Spreading damaging falsehoods undermines trust and goodwill.
If gossip about a pastor escalates to actual slander or libel, there could be legal consequences as well. Christians must guard their tongues against crossing these sinful lines (Psalm 34:13, James 3:6-8).
It Can Lead to Deception and False Witness
When gossiping, people often exaggerate or misconstrue things they have seen or heard to place the pastor in a bad light. But Scripture denounces adding falsehoods, exaggerations or distortions to any account (Proverbs 19:5).
Exodus 23:1 warns, “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” While gossip starts small, left unchecked, it can often snowball into outright deception, false accusations and false witness.
It Can Poison How the Pastor’s Ministry is Perceived
Pastors often counsel church members during very private and painful situations like divorce, addiction, financial ruin and so forth. However, gossipers can construe this pastoral counseling in a very negative light.
By over-emphasizing, sensationalizing or exaggerating aspects of the pastor’s private interactions and counsel, gossips can poison how entire ministries are perceived. This can greatly hinder the pastor’s efforts to minister to certain groups or individuals in the church.
It Robs the Pastor and His Family of Privacy
Like all families, the pastor’s family deserves a level of privacy even though the pastor is a public figure. Spreading unsolicited gossip about a pastor’s family life robs them of this privacy. It can subject them to unfair scrutiny and microscope analysis that most families would never face.
Of course with any impropriety, the pastor must be held accountable. But this must be done through proper channels, not through unverified gossip. The pastor’s family members should especially be off limits when it comes to idle talk and gossip.
It Can Open the Gossipers to Spiritual Attack
When engaging in gossip, slander or false witness, the gossiper opens themselves up to spiritual attack and demonic oppression. Satan is called “the accuser of our brothers” (Revelation 12:10). When we engage in similar accusing, we align with the devil’s work.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Those who habitually gossip about church leaders put a target on their back for the enemy to infiltrate their lives and wreak havoc.
It Can Bring a Greater Degree of Judgement on the Gossiper
Jesus said, “Judge not lest you be judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get” (Matthew 7:1-2). Gossipers are often guilty of falsely judging a pastor’s motives and actions. Scripture warns that God will apply the same strict standards to judge the gossipers.
Proverbs 20:19 gives a stern warning: “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” One who gossips about others will in turn be gossiped about. By engaging in slander, people open themselves to the same treatment.
Conclusion
Gossiping and speaking ill about a pastor or his family is clearly frowned upon in Scripture. It breeds discord, erodes trust, discourages leaders, and fosters arrogance and criticism. At worst, it escalates to slander, bearing false witness or spiritual attack against the gossiper. Therefore, Christians must guard their tongues and speak with grace when discussing church leaders (Ephesians 4:29).