What we can learn from Zachery Tims death.
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On August 12th, 2011 Zachery Tims, a prominent Orlando pastor, was found dead on a New York hotel floor. It later was released that he had a small envelope in his pocket containing a white powdery substance. Though the toxicology came back inclusive and has to go through more tests before they can conclude an actual cause of death, it has been assumed that Pastor Tims overdosed on drugs. It’s not difficult to believe when his testimony is he was a long time drug addict right? This article is not another article to make Zachery Tims look like the hypocritical pastor that so many believe him to be. This article is to look at his life and learn something from it.
If this happened to a nice guy like Zachery, who seemed to be engulfed in what he did through ministry, it has to be going on in other pastor’s lives.Most people don’t have an idea of what a pastor is supposed to be and or go through. If you asked one hundred people you more than likely get at-least 50 different answers. People expect the pastor to show up to funerals, weddings, bed side hospital visits, be nice looking, dress nice, be important, know who they are, some what famous, donate their time, donate their money, attend meetings, preach, do revivals, work a full time job, do ministry full time for free, take care of the church, pay the bills, be readily available, some have to cut the grass, be a sergeant father/mother, be a spiritual father/mother, be an counselor, a social worker, a problem solver, a motivator, a leader, perfect, spiritual, knowledgeable about various subjects, a lawyer, connected, and some even boyfriends or make believe husbands. The average pastor marriage ends up in divorce because the wives don’t feel like they can compete with the other wife (the church). Maranathalife.com states that fifty percent of pastors’ marriages end in divorce, fifty percent. The role of the pastor is so demanding, under paid, under appreciated, and taken advantage of that a lot of pastors’ secretly suffer from anxiety, depression and low self worth. Maranathalife.com reveals that fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches. That is eighteen thousand a year, and that’s the ones on radar. It’s easy to say that all of these people are hypocrites and false prophets/teacher’s, but unless you’ve been in their shoes you really don’t have a clue. Have you ever been in a position where you have to make it happen at home, for others, and the church and you constantly fail every week? Honey, I lost my job again, the church doesn’t have any money, sister blank lights are going to be cut off if we don’t help her. You feel like you have to keep everybody happy, because if you don’t they will all leave you hanging high and dry. You do all you can and it’s still not enough, someone is always unhappy. You say, just say no; but how do you say no to what you feel like you’ve been called to do and be, a servant. How do you say no to people who depend on you, who believe every word you say. I’m not even talking about pastors’ on the level of Zachery Tims; I’m speaking of just pastoring any amount of people. You say Zachery Tims shouldn’t have been a pastor, but you’re not G-d, you didn’t call him, but people helped destroy him and other pastors’ who may not have his status.
Why can’t they just quit, you ask? The one’s who hang in there can’t quit because they don’t know what else to do. When you are depending on this position that has created for you a career, a feeling of purpose and fulfillment and is the source to meet your personal obligations, food in the house, mortgage, car payments, and care for your family, it’s hard to walk away. When you get on the level of Zachery Tims, it gets even worse, because now it’s not just your family depending on you. It’s your staff that becomes like family to you. They depend on your success to keep their checks coming in. Everyone sort of wants a piece of you, your connections, abilities, or just the validation of being able to say I KNOW HIM. While everyone is pulling on you like a rag doll and you feeling this pressure, who do you talk to? You tell someone you are frail they may take it as you being weak and not qualified for the job. You tell somebody no, they might leave you; they could be a key factor to why you’re able to do what you do on the level in which you do it. You have a publicist, marketing team, administrative staff, managers, worship team, ministry team, friends, associates, and everyone has something for you to do. You get invitations, you’re traveling almost every day, taping, recording, or just doing something that will continue to market your brand. The demands”give me, look over hear, you got to do this, you have to be here”; it’s easy to me to see how a person, who is not really a person but rather everything but a person, can loose themselves, God, Jesus, reality and anything else you may think we should so have intact because after all we’re a preacher and next to God. I don’t care who you are, when you are up under pressure, depression, or just overwhelmed and can’t seem to stop and take a moment and breathe, you reach for what is familiar. For some it’s anger, others it’s drugs and or alcohol, for another it may be sex (porn, extra-marital affair, prostitution), it may even be an all out search for validation, for another it may be secretly desiring and trying to commit suicide.
I think people have to be careful that we don’t put unrealistic expectations on mere men. We have to be realistic and realize that people need their space to grow, think, be centered, and to know themselves. As Christians we have to create a reality that leaders are in need of James 5:16 functioning in their lives too. James 5:16 says, "Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." As Hezekiah Walker songs says, I need you to survive. I think mere men can not take on the role of unrealistic expectations and have to be transparent and open enough to say no and here’s why. Some kind of way we have to connect with the people and let them know, for the sake of my being a healthy human being, I can not be what and who you want me to be for you all of the time. We have to remember first and far most we’ve been called to serve God, even if that means saying no to some people. We can learn from Zachery Tims death, that none of it is worth it, if you loose you and everything that means so much to you, especially your life. We pray for Zachery Tims family, church, ministry, friends and the body of Christ as a whole.
About the author
Antoine Roston, Sr is known as the Contender of the faith. He is a native of Kansas City, MO. He is the author of Kingdom Eunuch, “A Dialogue About Sexuality And The Kingdom of God.” For more information visit www.pastorantoine.webs.com, facebook.com/author-antoine.roston, or e-mail him at 1pastor4u@gmail.com
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Well Said
I am a divorced pastors wife and I agree with the article..I lost my husband to another woman and the church. Being famous he lost Jesus....plus being a celebrity and now divorced I was treated like a crazy women...but the gig was up for me when I couldn't make any decisions in the church I started.....remember Pastors wives......the silent suffer
Pastor, are you familiar with the ex-pastor wife on youtube? The church is very unfair to the wives and family of pastors. A lot of this stuff is self serving issues. This is my first of many articles that I will be doing. Please follow me.
Well said - very well said. Thank you for not being one of the stompers and bashers!
Great article, and I totally agree that people should not place unrealistic demands on mere men, because God is the source, not at all minimizing the role or importance of the Pastor. However, there is also something to be said of those Pastors who believe that they are called to be Superman, and therefore place unrealistic demands on themselves, and not allowing people to help them carry the load of the ministry. And because they feel that they are Superman, the people expect so much from them. Bless you for not disrespecting Dr. Tim's legacy by bashing him. Blessings!
I totally agree. I am an Apostle and was married to an Apostle that did not know how to balance church and family and ultimately the relationship ended in divorce. He could relate more with his perishioners than his own children. Not the will of God. I myself am on the recovery from burnout from the demands of ministry over the past 20 years and no I am not on the level of Zachery Tims but can certainly identify with what is expected from people in ministry, especially those who pastor/oversee churches. You are expected to be superhumman never tiring or allowed to have vulnerable moments. True, we must have realistic expectations of our leaders and remember that they are just as human. I am making it my business when training new ministers/pastors to teach balance between church, work, family. What does it profit us to win the world but lose our families & those that are closest to us?
My husband is a minister and former Pastor. The demands of ministry is great as well as the temptations. No matter what the homestead must be first! Pastors must be willing to share the responsibility of the ministry, otherwise burnout and divorce becomes evident. I believe the lack of ministry strategy is what harms leaders as their church grows. I am prayerful that leaders become more fit in mind, body and ministry. Great article!
Is the woman on utube white that you are referring to? I would love to follow you..not sure how to do that..I saw this article on fb....I just maybe who you are referring to
I too am a former pastor's wife. I have traveled the course and have no anger, bitterness or hatred toward my ex. I did though...for a long time.
Pastor's wives are a group of women who are hurting...severely. There is no safe haven for them to go to and talk about what is going on in their homes, their marriages or their heads and hearts.
There is so much to share about the heart of a hurting pastor's wife. She is often forgotten, scorned and ridiculed. But she too can be victorious in spite of it all. God is the restorer.
Once again Antoine you've allowed me to see different persepective to a sensitive subject. Excellent article.
Great article! Certainly one to ponder on and make you go hmmmmm!! Lots of good points.....lots of different perspectives. Truly, a message to be considered for everyone concerned; the pastor....his wife and family.....the congregation........the badgers......but most of all, each one of us readers has been refreshed to " judge not, lest we be judged! Keep sharing my brother!
@ Pastor, no she is African American. I know this is sort of going viral on face book. But there is a little green button that has the word follow at the top of the article. Click it and you'll be able to follow what I write. @ Everybody thank you for your kind words.
I agree with this article because my mother and father both are pastors and has been my entire life. And I see first hand the pain, stress, hurt,etc they face not only with the church but with the community and their kids as well. I can say God has kept them together for 48yrs of marriage but the role of a pastor isn't easy for them nor their families.
Very well said, very honest and direct. It's time we face the "real deal" when it comes to the church. We put expectations on leaders that they can not reach, therefore they are destined to fail..... And when they fail the unreachable expectations, we are first to begin pointing fingers and making accusations. This article deserves National exposure.
You sir, have hit the nail on the head. Thank you for trying to help us all undertsand, being a pastor is not so glamorous.
Man I agree with this ONE-HUNDRED-PERCENT!!!! I will stand with you on this Article ANY DAY!! Very good sir..continue to be a voice of the truth..
I feel into tears and asked God to cover me and the body of Christ because we as believers are so quick to judge not knowing what really goes on once one leaves the sacred desk and behind clothes doors. Thank you sir for this article for it brought me more motivation to keep on pressing.
for those pastor wives and former pastor's wives go to firstladiesonly.com we have a pastor's wife institute here in houston, texas and its helpful, informative and enlighting.1st Lady Marilyn Johnson is the author "I'm anointed to help Him" every pastor's wife need to order the book. I'm constantly keep my Pastor/ Husband lifted in prayer and as his personal administrator, I dont let everybody talk to him. I ask those persons what is the nature of their call, First because as the Pastor's wife, they doent even have to agree with me. Im his wife but Im still a servant/leader. So when my spirit of discerment kicks in when people try to come at him with anything because they know he a man of compassion and will do anything for them, Im not letting them come to him with nonsense. Between God and me, We Got Him Covered. My pastor/hubby is a "How can we help you get to where you need to be IN GOD pastor, by teaching sound doctrine and help whomever he can, But when my spirit of discerment kicks in as his wife, I shut them down, not in a sense of having a negative attitude toward them because that not how believers suppose to be. I love them and encourage them but Im also stay transparent and keep it real with them letting them know, I can see the craftiness, the discord, the envy, the fake motives, etc.
Judge not lest ye be judged... if you judge, you lose your ability to Love, and Love covers a multitude of sins... we need to be careful what WE say or do because "WE ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT..
Excellent! Who are we to judge, we are here to serve!
Well stated. Pastors/Wives are human and are subject to the things that ordinary humans go through. We wrestle against everyday life as any human do, but carry a different title.
Well said - very well said. Thank you for not being one of the stompers and bashers!I could of said it any better.
Help me take this article national by letting people know about this article. If it blessed you, it will bless others. And please consider purchasing my book, Kingdom Eunuch, A Dialogue about Sexuality and the Kingdom of God". It's just as real. It can be purchased on Amazon.com (paper back & kindle)or www.kingdomeunuch.webs.com Blessings!
PASTOR ANTOINE THANK YOU FOR THIS POST! IM WORKING ON MY SECOND BOOK WALKING IN THE SHOES OF A MINISTER WIFE! IM PRAYING FOR THE TIMS FAMILY! BLESSINGS!!
Excellent article! So glad you put it out there. I get so tired of people being so quick to point fingers at the men and women of G-d who are carrying the gospel. If people study the scriptures, the people G-d used throughout the bible were FLAWED! Murderers, liars, adulturous, cowards, deceivers, etc. But, G-d in His infinite wisdom and divine plan used them. G-d used Pastor Tims to reach more people than we'll ever know. G-d uses who He pleases.
The depth of inside that flows from the pen of this author is phonenonal. It's so refreshing to know there are those who realize the humanness of God's Leaders. Thank you for standing up for God's Man.
Thank you for putting perspective on not only Dr. Tims, but on the role of Pastors in general. It is a ministry that God has called you to. It is not just a job, but a calling. True followers of Christ can relate to this article.
Well said !!! It's soo sad that the meanest people on earth are soo called christians..
Where does the scripture come into all of this?
We must remember that though we ALL are human...God has required a few things of us all. If he didn't think we would be able to live up to them then why would he have told us to "be ye holy!" and several other things.
A good Christian will realize his or her weaknesses and seek to get those fixed before they try to lead others. I know it's so easy to get caught up in the hype if our eyes are taken OFF of God. Luke 6:39
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? -Luke 6:39
God is calling us to be accountable to him and to each other. Our leaders need to represent what God means for them to represent.
That's why it's so important for us to have the TRUE holy spirit within us that will help us to live lives that are pleasing to God.
I think that we need to stop making excuses for people. God gave us the perfect example thru his son Jesus Christ who lived a sinless life that we are SUPPOSED to follow after.
So many people are caught up in popularity and put their trust in MAN (a popular) preacher and NOT GOD! When the focus is off of God....something is bound to go astray.
If you die in the midst of sin, then you die a sinner and there is nothing anyone can say or do to change that after the fact. No matter how GOOD a person was...our goodness doesn't save us....the grace of God through his son Jesus Christ did and if any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature ALL old things are passed away!!!!
Hard being a pastor? The flock keeps coming, tithing but deep down we are ashamed. 50% divorce rate from our leaders. Adultery, porn, drugs from our leaders. The flock is tired of excuses and defending our faith. If you like my article be sure to help me pimp it. Isn't that what it is all about anyway?
Such a sad occassion...and he will certainly be missed......My problem is not with Dr. Tims.....but the many that call themselves friend or the many prophets who have preached @ New Destiny....friends and prophets did not have a discerning spirit or prophetic eye to see the stress, the trials, the tribulations and whatever else in his life..the preachers and prophets constanly went in this man's church, shook his hand, embraced him, but counldn't dicern...If God gives you a prophetic eye to see someone's address, or bank account number, certainly they should have saw this...The truth is, they didn't want to see, they wanted to continue to pimp his congregation...My heart and prayers go out to his ex-wife and children as they began the healing process....See More
As a divorce pastor's wife, I can so relate to your blog. I pray for Dr. Tims and his family. It's so unfortunate the pressures put upon a pastor. But they have historical roots stemming from our slavery and total reliance on the pastor to represent our true liberation through God. As a result, it's carried through to now; and with the glaring lights of the media, internet, social networks, etc.; the demands have increased exponentially ... particularly from a financial perspective. We have to quit putting pastors on pedestals; and pastors have to be humble and strong enough to not step up on them. Instead we should love, pray for, support, and honestly communicate with them ... respecting their ministry, but recognizing their humanity. Thank you again for this article.
All I'm going to say is, "I hope that everyone is living up to par." Even if you think you are "holy, saved, and righteous" what about the scripture that says your righteousness is as a filthy rag before the Lord. I believe holiness is a result of knowing and depending on the Holy One, but the same scriptures says that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (implies we will have them) , but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace (revelation), that we may obtain mercy (what keeps God from destroying you) and find grace (revelation) to help in time of need (Heb 4:15,16). You know where you are today but you don't know what might be around the corner that will over take you and you'll be looking for the grace (revelation) of God to get you out of a pit. I'm not sure how my article got involved with the term pimp or how sharing this article with someone is pimping. Pimping is when you exploit people for your own personal gain, I don't gain anything financially from my article being read. And even if I did, is this not a legitimate way to make a living? I think we have some deep issues in the black church and community that goes beyond Zachery Tims death or whose in the pulpit. We have some interesting people and mentalities in the pews. Anybody doing better than you has got to be demonized, I think that's a very dangerous assumption, because it means that if and when you come up, you too must have summons a demon. SMH.....Please follow my blogs, articles, and purchase my book if you would, I'd appreciate the support. I have some more interesting things to say that is helping and will help people in the body of Christ.
Everyone entitled to their opinion, perfection is just what it means, Not on this earth will you ever see it. The devil has a job to do and we all know he does it well so I say guard your heart and put your trust in God. David was a man with faults, as are we, repent and turn to God, stop putting your trust in man. Many will leave here prior to the return of Christ..how will you go and where will you be? Selah divorce been around since biblical days and they are not going to stop anythime soon... whether you are a pastor or layman your covenant with God is the same and your position has nothing to do with your covenant with God. God knows what you can handle...so just understand it can happen to anyone at anytime... We all get tired of something.. it just happens to be the one you are married to in this case and it too takes a repentance to God and then to the one you have offended. We are all of age and should learn that God has our best interest and not man. Dr Tims rest in peace and know that even in your untimely death God is still using you to open the hearts and minds of all His children. Here--Hear!! Repent and move on with God ...It is what it is (Free Will Choice)
I empathize with leaders who struggle with loneliness, spiritual and emotional abuse they undergo... A great deal of leaders are forced almost to perpetrate strength and abilities they aren't able to sustain... I pray the people of God understand or engage in genuine compassion for your leaders, sometimes it's not so cut and dry as the simple stamp of hypocrisy... There are some leaders who truly have a heart for ministry and God but have fallen short because of their multifaceted wounds.....
I thank God for you, Pastor Antoine Rosten, for standing up bold to tell it as God has given it to you, even in the face of those who might criticize you for writing what you wrote. Continue doing what He has called you to because we have to continue the work--Zachary Tim has completed his.
This is the reason why every pastor needs a pastor. This is why we are the body of Christ--we need one another. No one should be so isolated that they have no one to talk to when they hit that wall. Even the world understands that; in an organization that started out with a Biblical foundation--Alcoholics Anonymous. They have sponsors that they can call and talk to when they feel like they are about to slip back into their old destructive habits.
That is why it is so important to know when to pull away, get strengthened, and send in reinforcements. We are all fighting the same fight of faith to continue to run this race until Jesus comes; however, to please God should be first and foremost; He will instruct when to continue and when to pull away. Jesus said in the New Testament "...my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
I love the article as some Christian do expect our Pastors to be made of steel forgetting that they are flesh as we are. This is why we must continue to pray for the men of God. Ministers, Pastors, Bishops leaders seek help amongst your peers and peers don't talk about them help them. Men of God don't allow your ego to get in the way, you are the first one to know that you have a problem get help immediately. God is able to restore, you must believe that.
My home pastor use to say before he went through ordination service every so often.............So you want to be a Minister, Deacon, Trustee....... The ministry of all of these positions are awesomely demanding.... It is no glamorous walk. I myself am about to launch a hub for a themed topic.......So you want to be a wife..............It's a ministry and not just the glitz abd glory of walking down the church aile with that beautifully train gown....... It's a ministry!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well said...I agree with so many of your points and saw some of the stress on my Father...
Signed a preacher's kid
TRUST IN GOD NOT MAN !
It is a proven fact that we as a people(all)believe in being in a "Religion" instead of being spiritual. Thats whats wrong with the Church. If we would just only follow Christ, then the Pastor would be like the Real Shepherd, and We/Members would be like we should be: THE SHEEPS...
I am a daughter of a retired Pastor. My father was a Pastor of one church for over 20 years. We had a large church in a large and major city. I am a true witness to people and situations pulling you from every direction. Being a Pastor, minister or even a part of the first family is tough. We should all say an extra prayer for all Pastors, ministers and first families.
This article have some real truths. But Pastor Timms have not done anything unusual,he died. Regardless of how, sTop wondring and gussing. Read Rv 14:12-13, church people need to take the Wow off of preachers that come on TV. There are preachers that do what The Lord has commanded them to do wiTh nobody to give these kinds of questions and statements. Stop looking at the flesh at Look at jesus. We will have Trial and Tribulation. We have to work the Ministry of Jesus Christ there is no respect of person. Because a person comes on TV and Wow us but there are men and women of God out there everday who going through and get no press but as long as they are doing GodS will that is the only thing that matters. No big preacher or little preacher in a church of 2 or 50,000 what is the real point Jesus is all
I LOVE THIS ARTICLE - Not because it spoke of Pastor Zachery Tims death, but because of the entire context of what was written.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS
ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN MINISTRY OR ARE DEPENDING ON SOMEONE IN MINISTRY. - This is the TRUTH!
I've shared it on my FB wall.
This was a thought provoking article. We definitely need to think before we become judgemental. We must remember Pastors are human too and make mistakes. They make the same mistakes we do. Instead of talking bad we need to pray for Pastors and leaders in the church. Lest we forget that had it not been for God in our lives.
Well said Sir. I wish you God's peace at all times and Pastor Tim's family the peace beyond all understanding. It is a great loss when one feels they can not go on.I pray the pastors will be blessed with balance. Start as you mean to go on. Let people know this so the family can be nurtured.
Good reality check. Thank you many church folk are gullible and naive.
This is so good. I think about this often when I see my Bishop and 1st Lady together, knowing that things do happen but when you pray and believe that God can do anything for his people, you began to praise God in advance for his keeping power. We forget that they are human beings first.
Great article!!!! #enoughsaid
I think Pastor's need to communicate and come together in prayer and love supporting one another. I feel if a Pastor is feeling stress out and needs to talk to someone, instead of being so fill with pride, talk to thoses Pastor's that are experience with Mega and large Churches. Find out how they manage with their Household, Wives family and Churches. I believe Ministry began at Home then it speads abroad. We much keep that balance and we much put on the whole armour of God. And God's peace will not aloud us to go to pieces.
You could not have spoke the truth any better, and I Thank God for giving you the right things to say about this, Stay encouraged my Brother and Keep telling the truth. NO ONE IS PERFECT LET THIS BE A TEACHING TO ALL OF US! Peace & Love
i believe when the church understand that we r saved by grace thru faith and not of ourselves its not what we can do but what jesus has already done God has never had any one qualified to minister for him we put to much focus and not enough on Jesus its not about us our works make grace of none effect in our lives so when grace is rejected youre on your own so then what have we really done with JESUS he has given us Grace but we must have faith in the Grace YES i want to get one point across lets stop pushing ourslves and push the Gospel the good news nearly to good to be true how a farther would sacrafice all that he has for a world that didnt even no him for God so LOVE the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believe on him shoul not perish but have everlasting life .God loves us not based on performance so that pastors life really is not our example God is not even judging him man is Jesus took our judgement if we still have to be tryed its double jepordy the word tells us who the Son sets free is free indeed some times we will make our own theolgy more true to our hearts than the word but the bible says let God be tru and every man a lie does it make him of no effect because man does not believe NO the bible says while we yet sinners he died for us and he commended his Love toward us JESUS became sin that we might be righteous even in cllosians he says every ordinace that was against us he took it away nailing it to the cross sin is not bigger than Jesus he does not Love us based on our performance im so happy that the pastor made in based on the word the only thing that could keep him out f heaven is to reject the sacrfice that was made on the coss for him our sins past present and future have already been forgiven if not which one would we go to hell for by grace r we saved its about what Jesus has already done you cant work to get this if so how much could u ADD TO WHAT HE HAS ALREADY DONE HE GAVE HIS LIFE AND SHED HIS BLOOD AS A LIVING SACRAFICE JESUS PLUS NOTHING EQUALS EVERY THING THE PASTOR IS ENJOYING JESUS RIGHT NOW NOT AS A PASTOR BUT AS A SON LETS BEGIN TO ENJOY OUR SONSHIP I ENJOYED YOUR COMMENTS PASTOR BUT I HEARD SO MANY BROKEN AND HURT PEOPLE IN MINISTRY REALLY CRYING OUT THRU THIS ARTICLE THE WORD SAYS AS MANY AS RECIEVED TO THEM GAVE THEM POWER TO BECOME LETS STOP TRYING TO BE WHAT WE ALREADY ARE WE ALREADY HAVE EVERYTHING THAT PERTAINS TO LIFE AND GODLYNESS ON THE INSIDE OF OUR BORN AGAIN SPIRITS. JESUS IS OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE NOTHING WE CAN DO TO STOP HIM FROM LOVING US AND WHAT6S SO AMAZING IS BEFORE WE EVER EVEN ASK TO BE FORGIVEN HE ALREADY DID IT BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US IN THAT WHILE WE YET SINNERS HE DIED FOR US AND HE IS THE POPITIATION FOR OUR SINNS AND NOT ONLY OURS BUT THE WHOLE WORLD GOD IS SO GO0D WHY LOOK FOR ANOTHER BEHOLD WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FARTHER HAS BESTOWED UPON US THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD BELOVED NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE BUT WE NO THAT WHEN HE APPEARS WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS AND EVERY MAN THAT HAS THIS HOPE IS PURIFYING HIMSELF EVEN AS HE IS PURE. PRAISE GOD
I wish we would stop believing in religion period or stop taking it literally. Religion was never meant to be taken literally! WAY TOO MUCH TO ELABORATE! But stop putting these people on pedestals. They are just men and women.
I just happened upon your article while perusing some of the hubs featured recently. It jumped out at me. I didn't know that Zachary had died. How very sad. I want to make a quick comment that doesn't directly relate to what you said, but I will come back and reread your article and comment more on what you said later. I just want to talk about Zachary Tims right now. I have watched him quite a few times on TBN, and I always liked what he said and believed he was sincere in what he believed in and taught. I found him to be very likeable and saw he had gained a certain amount of wisdom in his life and was helping others. I cannot be sure if he was innocent or guilty of the various charges brought against him concerning adultery and now these drug charges. However, I am very open to the possiblity that he was innocent of both charges and that these two accusations were both setups by the dark forces to try and bring down his ministry and pull him down. What if that woman purposely tried to seduce him to get him to go against God's mandates of being faithful to one's wife and God? What if he actually resisted her wiles, or what if he got too tempted for a moment and maybe kissed her once and then immediately regretted it and never did such a thing again? What if the dark forces killed Zachary because they didn't want him preaching the truth to people, and what if they purposely placed those drugs on him to make it look like he was a drug addict? I think this is all entirely possible. It is also possible that he was having an affair with that woman several years ago and that he succumbed to a drug addiction; however, I find this so hard to believe. I know how the dark forces on this planet try to pull down the ministers and their ministries. Why God protects some ministers from it while allowing other ministers to experience it a lot or even die from it, I don't know. I believe that Zachary was basically a good man trying to teach people God's word, trying to help people to lead a good, joyful, prosperous Christian life. Also, I think it is possible that Zachary might have been fighting against various inner dark temptations for drugs and sex, but I do believe he would have been trying to fight against this. I love him still, even if this is true. People fail to live up to their own expectations and others' expectations sometimes, but we must forgive them, have compassion for whatever they are struggling with or against, and pray for them. I will return to this article and reread it without skimming to get the full gist of your comments and then I will comment on what you said a bit later on.
Whether one chooses to agree or disagree w/this article the bottom line is everyone should work out their own salvation w/fear and trembling...when we stand before the Almighty He is not going to be interested in our worldly wisdom so much as the condition of our hearts!
My Prayers go out to the family, friends, and congregation of this man of God. He had a genuine love for people, and it's the loss of that love that we, the body of Christ should be mourning. Zachery Tims will be greatly missed.
Thank you Antoine for not being an unrighteous judge when you submitted this hub,and may God bless you and keep you and yours as well!
He hurt just like every other human being, I hope God doesn't up cover all sinful ways. I wonder what you doing, behind close door. Remember God is watching you.
Finally, an article and a Godly,candid, yet releastic perspective on the typical,real demands of someone truly called to the work of the kingdom. People often have no idea the attack,suffering,betrayal and pressure that a pastor has to endure for years. Superman is also Clark Kent if not he will eventually be overwhelmed by the demand of superheroism. Dr. Tims was a Godly and sold out vessel to God who was at the same time flesh and blood. Enough with those who butcher the very ones who served them out of there lodebar and turn around when opportunity arises to stone the ones who sacrificed to pull them up and out. While I believe in Godly integrity and a consecrated life.. None of these qualities and committments can effectively suppress or vanish away humanity and the capacity to fall as humans.. Love lifted me..
Okay,I came back to this hub to fully read all of it and comment again on what you said. You talked about how when under a lot of pressure and depression, a pastor might turn to what's familiar to relieve the stress, to things like drugs, sex, porn, et al. I think that if a minister has any tendencies to turn to serious addictions and sins when under pressure and feeling depressed, then he/she should not have become a minister, or should not continue on as a minister. I feel there are certain limits and lines that a minister should never cross over; and if they cross that line, then they are no longer walking with God and qualified to be a minister. Even if they are strong in some areas and can preach an excellent sermon, if they are going off the deep end into drugs and porn, they have to resign because certain addictions and sins are really serious and a minister is no longer a good minister if they have become this extremely weak and sinful in their life actions and illusions. This minister may still have a certain degree of wisdom and self-mastery in other areas, but still, they should resign. It's one thing to slip a little, realize you made a huge mistake, understand that mistake/sin, repent and forgive yourself and others involved, and then be able to never do it again. However, it's another thing to repeat that mistake/sin, and continue on as a minister without any intent or desire to change your ways. And even if you do want to change those serious tendencies and are trying, if you don't yet have the ability to resist those very serious temptations, then you are no longer qualified to minister to others because you are seriously losing your morality and your connection to God. There is some illusion or excuse you are in that you need to let go of.
I don't expect or think that ministers have to be perfect, but I do expect a certain level of wisdom and obedience to God. It's one thing for a minister to get angry, but it's on a another level to start beating your wife or kids out of that anger. It's one thing to be feeling lustful temptations toward someone you aren't married to, but it's another thing to go ahead and have an affair with that person and decide that's okay or decide that you just can't resist it, and think you are still qualified to preach the Gospel. It's one thing to turn to television instead of to God when you feel depressed; but it's another thing to turn to drugs and porn to relieve your depression. It's a matter of degrees.
And it's a matter of your being able to recognize when you have a problem, whether that problem is an ego problem, a tendency to greed, a tendency to lust, a tendency to eat too much, a tendency towards jealousy, or whatever it may be....if you can recognize you have that problem, decide you'd better work on it and heal it, pray about it, talk with Jesus about it...then you may still be qualified to continue preaching; and when you have overcome that tendency to fall, you are a better preacher because of what you learned from going through that. I don't think that you necessarily are required to tell others about this weakness that you are working on or to tell your congregation or TV viewers about this. The main requirement is that you are working on healing it, making progress with it, and knowing that you will heal it and become a stronger preacher because of it.
We need to be careful not to make too many excuses for preachers who are going off the deep end into sin and drugs and alcohol and adultery and the like. We can forgive them, feel compassion for them, see they wish they weren't that way...but if they are making excuses for their behavior and they keep doing it, without trying to stop, without praying on it...we have to admit that they are no longer qualified to be ministers. Part of being a minister is knowing how to overcome, and being able to overcome, any life challenge. Not being perfect all of the time, but knowing when you are slipping and being able to work it out inside yourself, with God's help, through Jesus, through self-observation and inner shifts. If you cannot do that in every area of your life, with all of your challenges, then you aren't qualified to minister to others.
Now, the other thing I want to comment on is the sad fact that when a minister has a problem, when he/she is depressed, or in temptations, or pressure, or confusion, or is having trouble with anything, and they have no one in their life whom they feel safe to tell about their problems. I think that they should be able to tell their spouse or other family members because if they can't because their spouse or family member cannot accept or understand that they aren't always perfect or can't forgive and have compassion, then their marriage is not a good marriage. If the minister is famous, it is hard to tell anyone their problems out of fear that the public or their congregation may find out their flaws. But I think they should be able to find someone to confide in, a good friend who would never spread the word around and would keep that confidence; a fellow pastor; a therapist; someone must exist in the minister's life whom he can trust to be able to safely confide in. And if there is no such person, then that pastor doesn't have the right kind of friends, coworkers, spouse or family members. The pastor needs friends and family who won't judge, who understand, who don't expect him/her to always be perfect and infallible. If that doesn't exist in the pastor's life, then the pastor needs to divorce, get new and better friends, and find people who are compassionate and forgiving and understanding and who he/she can confide his problems in without having to worry that the person he told will tell everybody around.
Another thing...I have seen many pastors on TBN admit to some of their faults and challenges, and then tell us how they are learning from that challenge and how they are or have overcome it. That's fine, and those who follow them accept that and learn from it. But when the challenge and the flaw in the pastor's character is extremely serious and/or sinful, they have crossed the line of qualification to continue being a minister, it seems to me. I mean, can anyone imagine a famous TV pastor standing there and telling everybody in a sermon that he has slipped into drug addiction and porn? Even if he says he is struggling to overcome it, it's like a pastor telling everyone that he is struggling with desires to commit rape and murder. That's crosssing the line. It has to do with the seriousness of the flaw. It's one thing to tell your followers that you had a problem with anger the other day, realized it, and turned it all around; but it's another thing to tell your followers that you are constantly struggling with extreme anger outbursts that have no reason or logic and that you can't seem to control yourself with this. That's crossing the line of qualification to be a minister. A minister must have a certain level of wisdom, self-control, spirituality, and morality, as that's what makes them a true minister who can truly help others to be on that level. If the minister cannot do it himself, then why is he qualified to preach it to others? Ministers must strive to be as together as they can be because that's the qualification, that's the nature of ministry. To me, ministry says, I know this, I learned this, I practice this, and therefore I can now teach this. I have some weaknesses, but I am working on them with God's help and progressing with them; but I am on a certain level of wisdom and self-mastery that qualifies me to now teach what I have mastered and learned in my life.
It's also one thing to sincerely want to be a good preacher with good morals and character and self-mastery; but it's another thing when you are a minister and know you are no good and you really don't care anything about what you preach and you know you are a phoney and just in it pretending, for fame, money, or to deceive innocent trusting people into slipping into depravity with you. It may take one's discernment abilities to be able to see whether a pastor is sincere or is just a con artist preten
Oops, I had a lot to say and it ended up too long and so it got cut off. I don't remember what all I said after it got cut off, but I want to say one more thing. I am not talking about Zachary Tims herein; I am just talking generally about pastors and about the things you said about pastors' challenges in your hub. I don't know what was really going on with Zachary, inside of himself or in his life. I suspect he may have been set up by those trying to stop his good ministry, but I cannot be sure of this. Perhaps he did slip into taking drugs. Maybe he sincerely was trying to stop taking those drugs but was failing at it; or, maybe he wasn't even resisting the temptation. Maybe he had an adulterous affair, or maybe he didn't. I don't know.
Pastors need to realize that their challenges and pressures don't have to continue on and on. They need to ask God for divine guidance, answers and healing. There is always a way. God knows your challenges and your needs and He will help you to overcome all of the problems of pastors listed in your Hub.
Thanks for bringing to people's attention the ways in which being a pastor can be quite challenging, especially having to deal with everyone thinking you have to be perfect. I understand it is difficult.
GOD IS WATCHING OUR EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE THAT HE GIVES TO EVERYONE OF US.NO MATTER WHAT THE FACTORS ARE AS WE LIVE IN THIS WORLD,AND PASS ON TO OUR ETERNAL REALM,GOD REIGNS OVER THE JUST AND THE UNJUST.OUR SPIRITUAL MINDS CAN`T EVER RISE ABOVE `HIS` WILL AND TRUTH.ONLY GOD RECEIVES THE GLORY AT `HIS` PERFECT WILL AND THE SET TIME THAT `HE` ALLOWS MAN TO SERVE HIS PURPOSE.WE ALL STAND IN GOD`S JUDGEMENT.PASTOR TIMS SERVED IN THE CALLING OF GOD TO ALL WHO NEEDED TO HEAR AND LEARN ABOUT WHO OUR CREATOR AND SAVIOR OF THE SOULS OF HUMANKIND.EVEN IN DEATH `HE`THE LORD OF LIFE`IS THE VOICE WE ALL WILL SOMEDAY HEAR.WE KNOW GOD`S WORD TO US IS SIMPLY SPOKEN AND IS SENT THROUGH WHOMEVER `HE` CHOSES.THE ENEMY OF ALL OF OUR SOULS IS A SNEAKY DEVIL.HE GOES TO EVERY EXTENT TO ACCUSE US OF ANY GIVEN LYING DEVICE TO GET THE SICK GLORY HE BELIEVES THAT HE DESERVES.THAT DEVIL IS ALWAYS ON THE RUN`KILLING,STEALING,DESTROYING,AND LAUGHING AT THE CHAOS HE EXECUTES ON THE PEOPLE OF GOD.ourTESTIMONIES ,ARE his(the devils)selfish-ambition,`THREAT` to destroy
JACQUELINE GRIER AKA jackiedhg1.OUR GOD`S LOVE AND MERCY AND GRACE IS SUFFICENT
FOR ALL.R.I.P.PASTOR ZACHERY TIMS.LISTENING TO YOUR PROGRAM ONE NIGHT GAVE ME HOPE IN A DEADLY SITUATION.THANKING GOD FOR THE MESSAGE `HE`GAVE PASTOR Z.TIMS TO DELIVER.jdhg
I too am a pastor's wife, and agree whole heartedly how the congregation can and will treat the wife. My husband went to the church we are at letting them know that GOD has given him a wife and he is not looking for another. He also let everyone know that GOD qualifies whom he calls, and any one that jumps into pastoring without being called of GOD is straight out crazy. It's not a glamorous job, people usually want you to jump up and go see about them for just a headache, anytime of the day and night. Don't let the pastor get a new car; he's taking the church's money, well why don't they take care of him as the scriptures state. My husband also tells the congregation: If you're not going to be little angels, don't look at him as a god. That's our problem. Too many of us want the pastor to be perfect and it's not going to happen. RIP PASTOR TIMS, FAMILY STAY STRONG AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN THE WORD.
Too many Christians expect the pastor to be perfect. Too many Christians pretend to be perfect themselves. The devil is a liar and when Christians expect perfection from themselves and anyone else they lie. I loved and respected Pastor Tims, which is more than I can say for Eddie Long and the prosperity money grubbing crew. Pastor Tims stood before the church to confess and repent from his adulterous acts and stepped down from church for a while. Here we had a man who sinned and was repentant, unlike some leaders who dare to remain in the pulpit when accused of dirty crimes. My prayers are for his familiy. Christians glue themselves to pews and refuse to go out into the highways and byways to save souls thus pastors carry burdens that they should not. I like your article. It's the best I've read on the topic of pastor Tims. Seems others , in Christ or out are deade set on slinging mud.
Awesome message...Praying for everyone, also the Tims family...may God be with u all...
I've had a hard year and typed in "death betrayal what are we supposed to learn". This posting was 3rd on the list. My perfect 17yo died in a car accident in April. My 24 year had her child stolen by her mother in law because she was betrayed by her best friend and her mother in law feels comfortable lying in court. Today she learned that she lost the very long battle for her 3 year old and he is moving from her california to virginia. There must be something we are supposed to learn. This article poped up. We have always tried very hard to help everyone in our lives. Everyone has betrayed us. Zacherty Times seems to have devoted his life to helping people. And many seem to have turned their back on him.
Fitzgerald Rhodes 9 months ago
Great article. Couldn't have said it better.