In recent years there have been several news features on the phenomenon of pastors who do not believe. The report has essentially been that, in anonymous surveys, some pastors admit to being atheists/agnostics. Why would an atheist/agnostic want to be a pastor? While some reported that they enjoy the control and authority the pastoral role gives them, the majority stated that, while they themselves do not believe, they understand that the Christian message can be a help to weak-minded people; therefore, they are willing to teach it. What does the Bible say about “pastors who do not believe”?
In a word, “Woe!” “Woe to you, you hypocrites…woe to you, blind guides…” (Matthew 23:14-16). “Woe to the shepherds who only take care of themselves…” (Ezekiel 34:2). “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever” (Jude 12-13).
It is the height of hypocrisy to teach a message you do not believe. It is dishonoring to God for anyone—especially pastors—to consider the Christian message a psychological crutch for unintelligent and needy people. Proverbs 6:16-19 declares, “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” If the Christian faith is a lie, it is not a “useful psychological crutch.” Rather, it is useless, vain, empty, futile, and pitiful (1 Corinthians 15:14-19).
An unbeliever is absolutely disqualified from serving in any form of church leadership. A man who is willing to preach a message he does not believe is hypocritical and arrogant. Many people are excellent at faking the Christian life. But, ultimately, “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). A pastor who does not believe will eventually reveal himself in his words, actions, and teaching. Be vigilant! Keep watch! A church led by a pastor who does not believe is on the path towards ineffectiveness, apathy, lethargy, and, for some, eternity without God due to being taught an incomplete message of salvation. “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14, emphasis added).
Now, there are also pastors who truly know and love the Lord and yet are struggling through a time of doubt. This is fairly common and understandable, as pastors deal with a tremendous amount of stress and are subject to heightened spiritual attack. This article is not directed towards believing pastors who struggle with doubt. For pastors in such a trial, the prayer should be “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24)! If the doubts become persistent, the pastor should probably step down until spiritual renewal occurs. A pastor in such a situation deserves our prayer, comfort, encouragement, and empathy.
But, again, for the pastor who is declaring a message he does not believe, who is pretending to be a servant of a God he does not even know, the only proper response is immediate expulsion. Without repentance leading to genuine faith, God’s judgment on such an individual will be eternally severe.
altruistico 
Read 1 Peter
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Hello, 4thoseilove;
1 Peter gives all of the reasons why one is to hang onto the word of God and does not explain why some Pastors have, or want to, relinquish the word of God from their personal lives. In fact, 1 Peter gives us all the reasons why we should hold onto God and His word.
Unless, of course, you are in reference to 1 Peter 17-25: 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
24 For, “All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]
And this is the word that was preached to you.
1 Peter 24, 25 does express and describe people and their nature. In those two passages I can see where you are coming from (in part). Thank you for your comment, it is greatly appreciated.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours. Now and forever.
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You’re welcome. I was thinking of St Peter’s statements regarding wolves in sheep’s clothing. Maybe its in 2 Peter. (Or I’m getting old and have forgotten who said it). God allows for old age and a failing memory. God bless you and yours with all the graces to live eternally with Him in heaven.
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Matthew 7:15
[ True and False Prophets ] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” It was Matthew’s comment and yes, it is appropriate to the subject at hand.
May I say something to you concerning the topic of “old age?”
A number of years ago, while perhaps I was still in my late 50’s, a woman of 92 (at the time) chastised me over saying “I was feeling old.” She pointed her finger at me and said “Listen to me, never say you’re getting old, for once you start thinking you’re old then you’ll start feeling old. And, you will become old.”
This advice came from a woman who, at 92, still cleaned her own home, fixed full meals, did her own shopping, walked an average of 1 mile per day, was always up on current events and held a social life (with family and friends) that would put a President to shame. She maintained a young mind and rejoiced in God’s word daily……
So, I pass this along to you and others……. You have time ahead of you to “grow old and to do it gracefully.”
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours; now and throughout eternity.
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Thanks. But, to guard my identity online, I will not say, why I say, what I say. God understands me and the totality of my life, up until now. He knows each person’s gifts and limitations. So with Job the best anyone can say is, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”
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