3 Ways Pastors Can Learn From the Work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated more than 50 years ago, but his life’s work is still having an impact. He was, by calling, a pastor, and there are some important lessons that pastors today can learn from his life.
1. Actions still speak louder than words.
Dr. King ministered in a time when many southern white Christians said the right things about God and faith, but treated black people, even black Christians, with prejudice and hatred. As he led the nation to meet degrading jeers, fire hoses, attack dogs and white supremacist mob violence with Christ’s love and nonviolent protest, he brought conviction to all who were Christian by transformation and not just by culture.
Dr. King’s life challenges us to live by all of God’s principles for life in His Word and not just a favorite few. Pastors can learn that words and thoughts really do matter. As 1 John 4:20 says, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” James 2:17 also affirms, “In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.” People need to see the love of God in action.
2. Integrity and conviction are required for all Christians, especially pastors.
God calls pastors to be leaders and change agents, but sometimes we settle for being conformist and comfortable. We bite our tongues to save ourselves some grief and sometimes to save our jobs. Like Jeremiah, God has called the pastor to be a “prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1:5). Pastors can be reminded and encouraged to rise to this task. The world needs to hear our prophetic voice now as much as it ever has before. Such integrity and conviction cost both Martin Luther King, Jr. and King Jesus their lives. It will at times cost us something too.
Dr. King reminds us as pastors that the Christian faith cannot be lived in isolation. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. His life and words challenge us even here. One thing is certain. All of us ought to be challenged by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life to work to leave the world a better place.
Mark Croston served as pastor to an urban congregation in Virginia for 26 years; a Doctor of Ministry concentrating in Christian Education; and traveled, been on mission or preached in almost 40 countries. Mark Croston now serves as National Director of Black & Western Church Partnerships at LifeWay Christian Resources. He is General Editor of the YOU Bible Study Curriculum and author of his latest book is Big Results: Sunday School and Black Church Life.