Ep. 330: When pastors should or should not defend themselves
About this episode
The episode discusses when pastors should or should not defend themselves against various accusations and criticisms.
Contact us. We’d love to serve you Request a stay at a Shepherd’s House Location Give financially to support the work of helping pastors thrive Write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Find out more about the Advancing the Church Equip Conference taking place September 10-11, 2026 in New Albany, IN. (01:45) Biblical Framework: when should/shouldn’t pastors defend themselves? (03:40) Biblical tension: Jesus’ silence vs. Paul’s self-defense; key NT texts (06:55) Proposed “template”: personal slights vs. ministerial slander; online smear story (09:35) Important caveat: abuse, real guilt, and not helping guilty pastors “defend” themselves (10:28) Clear cases to defend: disqualifying accusations (false romantic relationship story) (13:09) Private vs. public accusations; defending against allegations of illegal activity (15:05) Accusations of heresy and doctrinal error; how and why to respond (19:18) How to defend without being defensive: tone, frequency, and using elders/outside counsel (23:26) When not to defend: social media critique (“cesspool of wokeness”) and letting it go (25:39) Critiques of preaching style/length and why not to publicly “answer from the pulpit” (28:23)…
More episodes of Trench Talk
- Ep. 331: Is seminary necessary for pastors?
- Ep. 329: Preaching to the tender conscience
- Ep. 328: Pastoral Attire with Kyle McClellan
- Ep. 327: Ministering to Widows
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