Today, I offer an honest review of Pastor Dr. Frantz T. Whitfield, pastor of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo, Iowa. As regular readers know, I hammer fake preachers who lead God’s people astray—no apologies, full stop.
However, as Scripture teaches, I also give credit where credit is due and honor to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7). One of the great preachers of our time is Pastor Bernard Mitchell who was among the first ministers featured on this website several years ago.
Y’all be careful when going to see Mitchell preach—you might just find yourself under the pew shouting!
Now, I must admit that, although I know the Bible speaks against favoritism—Lord, help me—Dr. Franz T. Whitfield is truly one of the Lord’s anointed (Lev. 19:15, Acts 10:34).
Certainly, he must have personal challenges but who is immune? Provide one biblical example of someone God used mightily who didn’t also struggle with one thing or the other (Eccl. 7:20, Rom. 3:23, 1 John 1:8).
As a man of transparency, let me publicly confess (again) that I struggle with patience (Rom. 12:12, Jam. 5:8). In fact, I struggle so much that if an elevator doesn’t arrive quickly, I’ll take the stairs.
If you ever hear me preach a sermon on patience, you have my permission to call me a hypocrite (Rom. 2:1-3). Furthermore, I am more than a little vigilant—often to the point where it slips into paranoia.
Should I go on?
Nevertheless, Dr. Whitfield service at the national convention and as Vice President of the Iowa State Baptist Convention, is a lifestyle demonstrating the heart os a servant (Mark 10:44-45, Philipp. 2:5-7).
He has served at least two state presidents with unwavering support and humility and Whitfield is a most effective organizer as well (Gal. 5:22-23). When it comes to elections, his organizational ground game it tight!
If I am still pastoring when—and if—he decides to run for Baptist office, I will be among his most ardent supporters. You can tell what kind of leader a man of God will be based on how he serves those who require his personal loyalty and submission.
It should be obvious that I have not yet mentioned the manner in which he preaches. That’s because his heart of service is the most powerful sermon he preaches—without speaking a word (Jam. 2:17-18).
Over the years, I have seen church leader after church leader chase after state leadership offices in the convention (Philipp. 2:3, 1 Tim. 6:9-12). This has never been my desire, so when the opportunity arose for me to serve in a few areas, I declined.
Why?
First, because the Lord didn’t compel me to. Second, because had I taken a leadership position without the Lord’s release, I would have caused more trouble than they could have imagined. I don't want to be anywhere the Lord doesn't desire for me.
However, leaders must submit to leaders (Heb. 13:17, Eph. 5:21). And irrespective of my own call and anointing, if I cannot submit to a local shepherd, I do not want to bring grief to them.
Recently, and out of my deep admiration for Dr. Frantz, I humbled myself before him in case I had caused any unnecessary offense. The call of a Watchman requires being a friend to the Lord’s friends and an enemy to His enemies (Psa. 139:21-22, Amos 5:15).
Yet, what is considered “unnecessary” is relative because Scripture warns against needless offense, especially when it cannot be biblically supported (1 Cor. 10:32-33, Ro,. 14:21).
That said, let’s be clear—this is not the false theological premise that we should never offend God’s anointed! I have often written none are more in need of biblical accountability, wherever it arises, than a church leader.
Although they believe no one can correct them except God, or the unbiblical accountability principle of the "pastor's pastor," nothing is further from true.
I praise the Lord God of Armies that my anointing is to spiritually smash these predators. As tough as they are, even dogs who guard the door are eaten by leopards!
If I am ever found a vomit licking dog, I expect no quarter either.
Now, let’s review Dr. Frantz’s preaching.
Unlike most, I am not going to highlight the fact that he has a “national preaching profile.”
Why?
First, I’m not sure what that even means in relation to the Lord’s work. Jamal Bryant, T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, and others are proof that a national profile often means one is a national disgrace.
Second, I remain unconvinced that local shepherds—who have openly rejected the Ephesians 4 leadership model—are called to function as itinerant evangelists and prophets, let alone hold apostolic authority (Eph 4:11-16).
I will not waste any more space providing the biblical case against this obvious re-writing of the apostle's doctrine. It is done for vain purposes while leaving the flock they claim to have charge of behind, and in the hand of someone who is not the shepherd.
In fairness, I heard a compelling—mostly philosophical—argument in favor of another young truly called and anointed warrior for the Lord.
He shared something with me that, while it didn’t eliminate my theological concerns, at least provided some context for itinerant pastoring. Normally, I dismiss philosophical arguments because they are used to justify unbiblical positions.
However, this one made me think, “You are too focused on a pastor always being available to feed when the quality of the feeding matters more. There are those who feed poorly and always present and those who do well and preach at other places.”
Wait, what?
Now, back to Dr. Frantz.
He is what I refer to as a script-style preacher (as opposed to my more outlined approach). This style relies on documenting every thought and revelation the Holy Spirit provides, leaving nothing on the table.
Dr. Frantz consistently cleans his plate!
To hear these revelations is a blessed experience as He moves from idea to idea, each more profound than the last. Finally, he tunes up, blesses the kingdom, and closes with his own twist on: "I know He’s alright! I know He’s alright! I know He’s alright!"
Let me be clear—I will continue to biblically and spiritually stomp the guts out of phony, reprobate pastors who mock the cross as a lifestyle. This is vastly different from an occasional failure to live up to God’s glory in one area or another.
Yet, the other side of the Watchman’s call is to support and encourage those who are standing on the wall—being their redeemed yet still flawed selves—while preaching Christ crucified.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep my dear brother, Dr. Frantz T. Whitfield. Haters, keep your mouth off of His anointing. Haters, keep your mouth off God's Man!
Comments