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In our last post we looked at trust – what part it plays in ministry, and how to rebuild trust. But it’s not always possible to rebuild trust when it dips below zero – even if both parties try their hardest. Because trust is not a matter of the will or the intellect – but the affections.

And sometimes it can be so damaged that it gets in the way of ministry. It may mean that good ideas are rejected without serious consideration – because you suggested it. Or that preaching is unheeded – because it happens to come from you.

Here is a quote from Richard Baxter that highlights his advice in this situation.

If it be on account of any weakness of his, or difference about lesser opinions, or prejudice against his own person, let him first try to remove the prejudice by all lawful means; and if he cannot, let him say to them, “it is not for myself, but for you that I labour; and therefore, seeing that you will not obey the Word from me, I desire that you will agree to accept of some other that may do you that good which I cannot;” and so leave them, and try whether another man may not be fitter for them, and he fitter for another people.

For an ingenious man can hardly stay with a people against their wills; and a sincere man can still more hardly, for any benefit of his own, remain in a place where he is like to be unprofitable, and to hinder the good which they might receive from another man, who hath the advantage of a greater interest in their affection and esteem.

Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, 233.

Richard Baxter says that in such cases where prejudice is involved, it may be best to leave – and see if in God’s providence they will listen to someone else.

Murray Capill comments that,

So important was this relationship of love between the pastor and his people, Baxter held that in some situations a pastor must leave his charge if  he has lost the love of his people and cannot win it again or remove the prejudice against him.

Murray Capill, Preaching With Spiritual Vigour, 68.

I know that some pastors say that you should never leave, and instead tough it out and build trust over a long time. But unfortunately in this fallen world it’s not always possible to secure trust. And the work of the gospel is broader than one minister – and one church…