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Thanks for visiting. We're excited about what pilotknob.org can offer to both members of Pilot Knob Lutheran and the surrounding community. There are many churches in the North Iowa area, each with its unique ability of serving in the Body of Christ. We pray you find the congregation God has chosen for you to serve.

We encourage you to not only take a look around, but also tell us about your visit: how you use the web site, and what you'd like to see added to pilotknob.org. We desire to be a resource for the Christian and non-Christian alike. Thank you, and may God enrich your day.

We hope you'll visit us in person, too! We a short drive from numerous communities: Forest City, Fertile, Hanlontown and Joice, Iowa.

Rev. Robert Snitzer pastorbob@pilotknob.org

Richard DeHaan, in his book “Men Sent from God,” lists some of the criticisms pastors receive. The list is written “tongue-in-cheek.” If the pastor is young, they say he lacks experience. If his hair is gray, he is too old for the young people. If he has five or six children, he is irresponsible; if he has no children, he is setting a bad example. If he uses a lot of illustrations, he neglects the Bible; if he does not use enough, he is not relevant. If he condemns wrong deeds, he’s cranky; if he does not, he’s compromising. If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation; if he drives a new one, he’s setting his affection on earthly things.

DeHaan’s point is that criticism is part of the public life of the ministry. In fact criticism is part of living, period. You cannot do anything without being criticized by someone. A critical spirit—a judgmental, condemning spirit—is endemic to our very nature. Unfortunately the church is full of those who make a habit of criticism and condemnation.

You’ve heard it or even said it yourself: “Do not judge, lest you be judged.” “We are not called to judge but to love.” “Do not judge.” These phrases have been taken by some to mean that good Christians must never engage in any critical judgment. Some believe that Christians should be accepting of all and only let God do the judging. In this case it would reduce the Christian—and especially the minister—to an undiscerning, flabby, indulgent, all-accepting jellyfish who lives out the misinterpretation of “judge not.”

So are we to judge or not to judge? If we look at Matthew 7, which follows Jesus’ teaching on judgment, He says: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) How can we carry out what Jesus asks of we can’t judge who are dogs and pigs? Also, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) This requires discrimination and judgment on our part.

Note also I John 4, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1) And John 7, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” (John 7:24) We have an obligation to exercise critical judgment. How could anyone point out sin if we can’t judge? How can we call people to repentance if we just love them and not tell them, in love, they are sinning or what they are doing is immoral?

What Jesus means when he says “do not judge” is we are to refrain from hypercritical, condemning judgment. We are not to be judgmental in our attitude toward other believers. There are some who have a “gift” of judging every little thing another Christian does or does not do. This is wrong and only tears down the church. Let God be the judge of the actions that aren’t spelled out in scripture. Also when we do point out someone’s sin, we must recognize our own sin and shortcomings and speak in genuine humility and with the desire for that person to repent and turn to the Lord. This is, after all, the most loving thing a person can do.

To ignore one’s sin, especially an unbeliever, is not love at all. How can we be content to allow someone to be lost in their sin because we don’t want to “judge” them? After all we have no need for Christ unless we recognize that we are sinners in need of forgiveness, repentance and salvation. May we not join the ranks all around us (media, schools, social relationships, etc.) in being judgmental and hypercritical of another Christian’s behavior. Let’s look for the good in others and show kindness.

Did you know the ultimate judge has shown you the ultimate kindness?