When Biblical Isn't Enough - The Word and The Way Episode 1

 

There’s a subtle tension in ministry and Christian leadership — one that doesn’t go away even with experience.

It’s this: Am I becoming more biblical … or just better at talking about the Bible?

We can exegete a passage perfectly and still fail to embody it.

We can preach love on Sunday and rush past a hurting volunteer on Tuesday.

Jesus said these powerful words to the religious leaders of his day:

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me — yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” John 5:39–40:

Jesus was speaking to Scripture experts. They were right about so much … and yet they missed Him.

That verse still shakes me. It's disturbs me as a leader in the church. It’s possible to love the Book and miss the Author.

Sometimes “being biblical” becomes a badge — a way to prove our orthodoxy — but it’s never meant to replace being Christlike.

Truth Without Tenderness

I remember early in ministry, a young man came to me with a confession. His marriage was on the rocks because of sinful choices he had deliberately made.

He was nervous — ashamed — but honest.

Everything in me wanted to quote verses, to correct his theology, to fix him.

And the Holy Spirit whispered, “Kevin … don’t prove your point — reveal My heart.”

So I closed my Bible for a moment … and listened.

When he finished, I said, “Thank you for trusting me.”

Only then did I open Scripture — and it landed completely differently.

Truth spoken without tenderness may be accurate — but it isn’t redemptive.

I wish I could say that I've handle every pastoral meeting that way. I haven't!

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13 that you can “understand all mysteries and all knowledge,” but if you don’t have love, you’re just noise.

Leaders who are only biblical can become noisy.

Leaders who are Christlike become healing.

Jesus never compromised Scripture — but He always humanized it.

The woman caught in adultery heard both words: “Neither do I condemn you” and “Go and sin no more.”

Grace and truth — inseparable. That's the ministry leadership style of Jesus.

Being Formed by the Word

When Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,” (2 Tim 3:16) he was saying that Scripture isn’t just a tool for ministry — it’s a furnace for formation.

If I read the Word only to prepare sermons, it shapes my content.

If I read it to meet Jesus, it shapes my character.

Hebrews 4 says the Word is alive and active — not just to divide soul and spirit in others, but in us. It discerns our motives, our defensiveness, our ego.

The goal of Scripture study is transformation, not ammunition. 

When the Word forms us, it flows out through our tone, our facial expressions, our emails, and yes, even our board meetings!

I often ask leaders:

“What is Jesus teaching you about your character? Where do you need more of the Gospel to touch your soul?”

That question humbles me every time I ask it of myself. For I am reminded that I am in CONSTANT need of Jesus' humility and grace in my life.

The Way of Jesus in Leadership

Philippians 2 says that Jesus emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. He didn’t cling to His rights — He chose relationship with humanity.

Imagine a church where leaders are known not for not simply their biblical accuracy, but for their gentleness, their humility, and their love.

Where meetings feel like washing feet more than drawing lines in our defense of sound doctrine.

That’s what happens when the Word and the Way collide.

Truth with grace. Conviction with compassion. Doctrine with devotion.

The early church wasn’t known for perfect theology notes — they were known for how they loved one another.

That love wasn’t sentimental — it was sacrificial.

So ask yourself today:

When people encounter you, do they experience Jesus’ truth or Jesus’ tenderness — or both?

Are you teaching Scripture to win minds, or to transform hearts? Including your own?

How is the Word shaping your tone, your reactions, your schedule, your prayers?

Reflection & Practice

Take five minutes today — no agenda — and sit with Jesus in John 5:39-40.

Read it slowly.

Ask Him: “Lord, where have I been so busy defending Your Word that I’ve forgotten to display Your heart?”

Then pray:

“Jesus, make me a leader who is as gentle as You are true. Form Your character in me so that my ministry sounds like Your voice.”

Because our goal is never just to be biblical.

It’s to be beautifully Christlike.