Within one denomination, which was a portion of my upbringing, there was a prevailing idea…the idea was surrounding the untouchable nature of the pastor. 

Often the phrase “don’t touch the Lord’s anointed” was used as a means to throw off criticism, accusation, or anything that would put down the image of the pastor. 

As someone who did not initially grow up under this idea, to say I was uncomfortable with the concept is an understatement. 

What was it that made this idea so distasteful for me? Was it simply my rebellious sin nature? Or, was there something deeper?

Well, let’s begin by looking at the verse where that exact phrase originates. Psalms 105:15 says “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm”. It is pretty clear that the Lord warns not to touch His anointed so…maybe they’re right? 

The word “touch” in the original language is “naga” which essentially means “to touch i.e. lay the hand upon”. Wait, nothing here insinuates verbal criticisms or even questions. 

At best, this reality was simply overlooked or not studied. At worst, it has been known but used as a weapon, despite its obvious lack of correlation or application. 

Let’s step back and evaluate instances in which the idea of “don’t touch the Lord’s anointed” has been used to silence dissenting voices. 

The pastor has been unethical in his business dealings within the church…don’t touch the Lord’s anointed. 

The pastor has been unfair in his treatment of staff…..don’t touch the Lord’s anointed. 

The pastor has been a poor steward of church finances…..don’t touch the Lord’s anointed. 

The pastor has actively sinned in front of you, or you have become aware of a sin in their life….don’t touch the Lord’s anointed. 

The pastor has been accused of criminal behavior…don’t touch the Lord’s anointed. 

Maybe even you reading these examples has you shifting in your chair in discomfort. Have you ever asked yourself why? 

Why is it, that it is preached and encouraged for us to confess our sins and repent, but the pastor is exempt? 

Why is it, that the pastor is praised for utilizing church discipline and having the teenager stand up to confess to sexual sin, but the pastor is exempt from such discipline?

Why is it that when a staff member commits a sin of theft or sexual immorality while employed by the church they are shunned and painted as a villain but the pastor is exempt?

Does this seem like an honest interpretation and application of Psalms 105:15 to you? 

As a side note, applying this verse to pastors in the church age is arguably an inaccuracy right there but, even if it can be applied, is it being applied correctly? 

What does the Bible say about the pastor or “the Lord’s anointed”? 

Interestingly enough, James 3:1 says that those who teach will be judged more strictly. 

Then 1 Peter 5:3 encourages elders (or pastors) to not lord over those under them but, rather, he calls them to be an example. So, if anything, pastors should be an example in repentance, humility, honesty, and right behavior on all fronts. Are they expected to be perfect? By no means, but rather striving toward holiness with even more fervor than their flock. 

I am sure your mind went to 1 Timothy 3 and the list of things a pastor ought to be. My question is this…who keeps the pastor accountable to this standard set in place by God? 

If no one can touch the Lord’s anointed, who encourages the pastor to stay on the path to which they were called?

If no one can touch the Lord’s anointed, who reminds the pastor that he is only a man and therefore allowed to be wrong…the issue is staying in the wrong. 

See, in all honesty, I am not critical of the failings of pastors. They are human—that’s the whole point. 

My criticism is this. Don’t give the pastor the kind of standing that only God alone may hold. 

If we can agree that pastors are humans, then we can agree that they will fail. 

If we can agree that they will fail, then we can agree that they will need accountability. 

If we can agree that pastors need accountability, just like the rest of us, then we can agree that the concept of “don’t touch the Lord’s anointed” (as it has been twisted) is categorically a wholly unbiblical idea. 

I fully plan to follow the true meaning of Psalms 105:15, as I never plan to lay a hand on a pastor  (nor would I side with anyone who wishes to do so). On the flip side, I fully plan to stand up for what is right, regardless of who I have to stand up against in order to do so. 

This has not always been true. I have failed in this area. I have seen others, older and wiser than me, fail in this area. 

That doesn’t make us right. 

There have been victims, there are currently victims, and there will be victims of this false idea that are counting on Christ followers to combat wrongdoing, evil, and injustice wherever we may see it—especially in the highest office of the church. 

Not to mention, are we truly loving the pastor to let sin and wrongdoing reign in his life and ministry? Sin produces chaos. Witnessing sinful action and turning a blind eye only makes us complicit in the fallout.