Baptist Press has a story this week which is critical of Mark Driscoll's use of sexually explicit langugage. You might know that Driscoll was once known as the "cussing pastor." This was something for which he apologized and repented, but it looks like he is still on the edge on his blog.
My kids came back this past weekend from an event held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in which Driscoll preached. When I asked them how he did, my son made a few comments and then said, "At least he didn't cuss." I'm not sure that's the testimony a pastor should have. Should he not be attempting to live "above reproach?"
This is not a problem for Driscoll alone. I hear reports more often than I'd like on pastors who go over the line in a sermon. It is usually one that deals with sex. The Bible has much to say on that topic, but the Word of God is restrained in when sex is the topic. I think we should always take our cue from Scripture. Deal with the topic but do so with restraint.
In Col 4:6, Paul wrote: "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person." This is the Apostle's word on how to engage the culture. Do so. But do so graciously, watching what you say and how you say it. Usually, pushing the envelope does more harm than good in the long run.
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