On the one hand pandering can refer to one’s yielding or catering to the needs of others, while on the other hand it most often is used of manipulation or exploitation of others through gratification of their weaker, less noble, or immoral desires.

The relationship between the preacher and the people to whom he speaks is a delicate and sometimes decisive one. Hence, preachers should be mindful of the fine but distinct line between putting their best foot forward and pandering to their audience.

The definitions associated with pandering itself point to this distinction. On the one hand pandering can refer to one’s yielding or catering to the needs of others, while on the other hand it most often is used of manipulation or exploitation of others through gratification of their weaker, less noble, or immoral desires.

Pandering seems to be on the rise and in places appears to have become accepted practice by some within the evangelical community. I can’t count all the times in recent months where I’ve had opportunity to observe professionals from different walks of life, from preachers, to physicians, to politicians who though professing Christianity have participated in this type of practice.

I’ve seen it in preachers who spoke to their parishioners with hunched over shoulders, hands clasped in front and with a fake smile wrapped from ear to ear as they consoled or gave assurances to the members of their flock.

I’ve seen it in the sheepish and boyish posture some pastors have displayed in shaking their heads to affirm another pastor’s words.

I’ve seen it the sentimentalism associated with some services and messages that ran thicker than molasses on a cold day.

I’ve seen it the messages of those who awkwardly and abruptly switched course at inappropriate times and became sidetracked in order to serve up a bowl full of accolades to specific groups within their audience.

I’ve seen it in those who have made promises to a group of men but have taken no steps to fulfill them.

I’ve seen it in those who have poured out heaping compliments and sought to make others feel exceptionally great for things that were rather normal.

But before I lead you to think it’s only found in others, I, too, was recently approached and asked about a trend in my pastoral prayers where I had begun to repeatedly use the phrase “We continue to pray for “a certain person or issue, wherein I admit rather than simply focusing on the present petition to God, my intent included ensuring families that I had been praying for them.

Here’s why preachers do not need to pander:

· It’s SINFUL in that the motive is not pure, being either manipulative or exploitive. The Scripture tells us God will judge each man’s motives and that his Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
· It’s HARMFUL to the man’s character and reputation. People are not blind, and often see through such practices.
· It UNDERMINES the truth. The sad part is in all of the cases I mentioned above, the individuals were very knowledgeable and spoke the truth; the pandering only detracted from what they had to say. The apostle Paul reminds us it is God who judges us and therefore the one we should be concerned about. Truth does not need man’s approval to serve as truth.
· It ESTABLISHES A FACADE suggesting that truth must first meet the approval of men or else is not worthy of our consideration or respect.
· It FAILS to set a worthy example in the church by which men in other walks of life can emulate in the world.

Are there areas of your life and ministry where you pander to others? What areas are you most tempted to do this? What idols do these areas point to that need to be dealt with in your life?

Richard Foreman once said, “Because even at the age of fifteen, I used to go see all the Broadway shows and feel that they were sentimental, that they were pandering to the audience and trying to manipulate the audience. I had no use for practically any of the shows that were hits.” We should not expect it any differently if we do the same things from the pulpit or in our pastoral relations with the people whom we serve.
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Tim Muse is pastor of Brandon Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Brandon, Miss.