Wellness Blog
by Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton
Pastor Smith walked out of the meeting with his face flushed and his body rigid with tension. He could hardly believe what had just happened. How dare the congregational president dress him down in front of the entire church council, and without any warning whatsoever. “He could have spoken to me privately,” the pastor fumed. “If he had a concern, he could have brought it up at the time. And besides, I was well within my rights.”
Still seething, Pastor Smith left the building without a word to anyone—certainly not to the president, who even attempted to approach him. What the pastor felt most deeply, however, was not the anger but the hurt. He believed he had developed a good relationship with this leader, only to be blindsided publicly. Yes, he had purchased the latest and greatest microphone for Sunday worship without seeking approval, but he knew what the ministry needed. Why should he have to justify a simple decision?
The pastor’s anger was visible to all, and the sting it left in that room would not soon be forgotten. Yet in that moment, Pastor Smith failed to see the anger simmering on the other side of the table. The president had been fielding calls from frustrated board members for days and had been defending the pastor repeatedly. His own hurt and weariness finally boiled over, and he blurted out words he later regretted.
Whether the pastor was technically correct in his actions or the president was wrong to confront him publicly, one thing was clear: the devil was having a field day, chipping away at the unity of the ministry.
This scenario, though fictional, echoes situations that play out far too often in congregations. Unchecked emotions, harsh words, and impulsive decisions leave deep wounds—scars carried in memory long after the moment has passed. The collateral damage can be extensive, and the ministry impact long-lasting.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”(Eph. 4:26–27). Although often applied to marriage counseling, this wisdom speaks to the broader need for relational wellness within the body of Christ. Anger, left to fester, inflames situations and opens a door for spiritual harm. Without intentional reconciliation, a single misunderstanding can slowly unravel a ministry—exactly as the enemy hopes.
As tempers flare, sides begin to form. The congregation fractures. The community watches. The witness of the church becomes tarnished, weakened, and in some cases, rendered ineffective.
Paul offers a contrasting vision in 1 Timothy 2:8: “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” This is a picture of unity—God’s people standing together in mission and purpose, giving no room for the devil to advance, but instead leaning on God for strength, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Anger is always a choice, though typically a destructive one. James reminds us plainly: “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). There will always be moments that provoke frustration—even legitimate anger—but choosing self-control, speaking truth in love, and seeking reconciliation quickly is not only healthy for individuals but essential for the Church.
Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton’s passion has always been helping church workers find joy in ministry and encouraging laity to provide intentional, ongoing care to church workers, which is a key to healthier, stronger ministries. Before his work at LCEF, Greg served for over 22 years in Georgia congregations (both mission and a larger congregation with a school). He also served in a variety of roles in his district, including Circuit Visitor, on the Board of Directors, and on the LCEF Finance Committee. Rev. Dr. Walton served as the district president for the Florida-Georgia District, LCMS, for 13 years. Following his term as district president, he joined Grace Place Wellness, part of LCEF, in September 2022. Greg and his wife of over 40 years, Edith, reside in the Atlanta area, close to their two married sons and six grandchildren.