Pulpit Plagiarism

A recent scandal has shaken some within the leadership of the church over the past several weeks. It has become so significant that even secular media outlets such as the New York Times has labeled it as “the dirty little secret” of many who stand behind the pulpit. Over the past several days, it has been revealed that a prominent pastor within the Southern Baptist Convention has preached many sermons to his church which were actually sermons originating from another pastor. His word-for-word delivery of content which was “borrowed” from another (without giving due credit) is known within the world of academia as plagiarism. In fact, preaching courses in seminary would most certainly fail and dismiss that student who was caught committing such an act. While this current controversy is fresh, in fact, it is a matter that has gotten many a pastor in trouble with his congregation in recent history.

The proliferation of resources for which pastors can utilize in help with their biblical studies has skyrocketed over the past several years. Technology now gives nearly unlimited access to a wonderful array of research regarding the Bible. There are even pastors and ministries which can stand to make significant profit by producing sermon outlines so that any struggling pulpiteer can deliver a “homerun” sermon to his congregants on any given Sunday morning. While resources for biblical study should be utilized, many congregations would be rightfully appalled upon discovering that their pastor regurgitates the sermon of another without giving due credit. While one cannot accurately assess just how common pulpit plagiarism has become (since I am studying for this week’s coming sermon, I don’t have time to check the research!), the exposure of such instances certainly uncovers timeless principles of Scripture for which all of us would be wise to consider.

1) Integrity still counts.

Plagiarism, whether in a research paper, a book, or even in a sermon, is a sin. When one knowingly presents the work of another as though it is his own, that one is stealing from another and lying to his audience. Scripture could not be less clear about such an offense. “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another” (Leviticus 19:11). If the man called by God to bring forth His Word lacks integrity, then his ministry and witness will surely fail. In time, he will be found out. Our culture may justify the means to accomplish a desired end, but God does not.

2) The minister should “study to show himself approved.”

It is for good reason that a congregation should expect the words of their pastor behind the pulpit to have been hard fought. The pastor’s office is rightfully referred to as a “study” for good reason. Paul instructed Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Many congregations (such as our own) consider it their responsibility to compensate their pastor so that he can care for his family’s needs and devote the greatest portion of his work to that of studying the Scriptures. I am so thankful that our church affords me this privilege. I can attest that there is no greater vocational anguish that I face regularly than that of wrestling through a text of the Bible so that it might be applicable to my hearers. It is a weekly spiritual battle. Yet, I also consider this to be a high spiritual reward. God mercifully allows the pastor to “bring out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52). Of all the responsibilities of the pastor, this is most important.

3) The purity of the message can be muddied by the impurity of the messenger.

When a pastor stands before his congregation, they are doing much more than listening to his words; they are watching his life. That one who cuts corners in his work or takes credit for that which is not his own is sending a clear message. It is no less than this: God has a word for others, but not for this congregation. God calls a particular man to a local church so that he might carefully, yet boldly, declare His truth. While God’s Word is truth in every circumstance and culture, every context is unique. Like the seven unique churches in Revelation 2-3, God would deliver a unique message to each. When such a calling is not fulfilled in the local church, the fallout will be severe. The pure gospel will become confused because the messenger is less than trustworthy. Our current culture is reeling because so called men of God refuse to proclaim the truth of God. “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18).

4) Preaching must not be entertainment.

Paul gave a warning centuries ago that is rather indicative of our own times. “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3). The number of excellent preachers has never been more accessible. One can quickly search for and listen to any number of sermons on any given topic with just the touch of a button. Ridiculous expectations can wrongly be leveled against a pastor as unjust comparisons are made between him and another. The temptation can easily arise for the pastor to always “make them laugh and make them cry.” However, it is God’s Word alone that brings repentance and life (Isaiah 55:10-11). The congregation that wants to be entertained and the preacher who attempts to do so will quickly falter.

5) Pride still comes before the fall.

At the root of the preacher who projects the work of another as his own is that same sin that lies at the root of so much iniquity—pride. I must confess that there are few words more tantalizing to the pastor’s ears than gushing praise over a sermon. Praise in any form can be intoxicating. This is exactly why Scripture contains such a sharp warning against a constant seeking of recognition or approval, especially among those called to ministry (Luke 12:38-40). The work of a pastor is one for which he is least deserving or capable. We should certainly encourage the pastor (and I am so thankful when you do!), but the glory goes to God alone. When vainglory drives our motivation, the fall will be great.

Writing from my study,

Jason