09/01/2026
(The following does not affect Truth at All Costs on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts… so don’t panic.)
I’ve decided to step away from using Facebook for pastoral ends.
This is not because I’ve suddenly become ashamed of the Word of God. Absolutely not! It’s not because I’ve been persuaded by the objections of men. Not in the least. And it’s certainly not because the darkness of the world has somehow overcome the light of Christ. Nothing could be further from the Truth. The Word of God does not need Facebook to remain true, and Christ’s Church does not depend upon the approval of the world to remain faithful.
I’ve been distressed over how my public engagement with the world has created unintended consequences, not for myself, but for those I love, including my family and congregation. The hatred and vitriol that comes my way when I engage unbelievers with the Truth has extended beyond me and into the lives of the Christians I’ve been commissioned to love and feed. It has not been lost on me that my previous parish grew with me into battle-tested soldiers of Christ as we suffered persecution together over the course of five years. It was never pleasant, but St. Mark’s had the opportunity to study and learn how to suffer for Christ, where St. John’s and most American congregations have not. I'm concerned that without prudence the devil will scatter Christ’s sheep in Lovell, and I desperately want to prevent that from happening. As I survey the flock of sheep loved by Christ, which He has called me to serve in His stead, the question I’m asking is not, “What am I willing to endure for the sake of Christ?” but rather, “What best serves the flock Christ entrusted to my care?”
A shepherd does not prove his faithfulness by needlessly leading his sheep into danger. That has never been and, by the grace of God, will never be how I conduct myself in our Lord’s ministry. So, I am choosing to step away from using this particular platform in conjunction with my pastoral duties—not because I am retreating from the Truth, but because I have responsibilities to specific souls, and my love for them is far more important than engaging with wolves on Facebook. The consternation started because I take my vocation seriously and used Facebook to warn members of St. John’s to stay away from false teachers and demonic worship. After careful consideration and lots of conversations with Lovell's Lutherans, I'm convinced that this can be done in a variety of other ways, and you can rest assured that I will capitalize on all of them to protect Christ’s people from the destructive influence of false doctrine and diabolical deceptions. I will continue to preach Christ crucified. I will continue to teach the Scriptures. I will continue to speak the Truth (which friend and foe alike can hear weekly on Truth at All Costs). I will continue to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, by the grace and strength of God. But I don't need Facebook to do that, and by not using it I can actually do a great service to a number of Christians in my care, who are praying for Christ's peace.
The Church belongs to Christ. And He knows how to preserve His Word, gather His people, and shine His light—even without Pastor Bramwell using Facebook to that end.
Is this post overkill? Yeah, probably. But I hope it will convey the wisdom and love of an under-shepherd who has and does take his work and words VERY seriously.
