Dealing with Difficult Church Leaders
Are you dealing with difficult church leaders? In the heat of the moment, sending spitballs in the direction of church leaders may relieve anger. You may even hope that a couple of the chewed and waded missiles hit the target rather than whiz by. I’m being blatantly honest to highlight a point.
Sitting under the ministry of church leaders involved in gross sin or mispresenting scripture is not an option. It’s a beautiful thing to walk in holiness among like-minded people who are one in Christ. Our Father wants nothing more than for Christians to behave like brothers and sisters in Christ. But what if there are one or more rotten apples in the barrel? What do you do then or when church leadership hurts you?
Dealing with Difficult Church Leaders
Be loyal to God before Church leaders.
Christians don’t bow before people no matter how important church leaders think they are. That’s what got the Pharisees in trouble—their high-mindedness.
Luke 18:9-14 – He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. ’But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner! ’I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Dealing with Difficult Church Leaders: Some Forget They’re One of the Brethren
I John 5:1 – Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
I John 3:14 – We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
People in pews don’t feel loved or shepherd-led when church leaders set themselves up as little gods. Have you ever felt the Holy Ghost prompt you that something is amuck in the pulpit or among church leaders? When there’s an unmistakable unity of spirit among Christians grafted together, it doesn’t feel put on. Relationships feel genuine. That’s because the Holy Spirit lives in spiritual houses to build up people to use their individual gifts corporately.
So it’s painful to watch any church leader fall into sin. In many instances, Satan deceives leaders to the point that they disconnect from their hearts and spirits. They give full reign to the flesh while thinking they’re spiritually superior. It’s important that you don’t follow people who are unloyal to God.
You may believe there’s nothing you can do when dealing with difficult church leaders, but you can.
Dealing with Difficult Church Leaders: How to Confront Them
You have authority as a child of God anchored in love. When a church leader walks unworthily in their calling, you have options when deciding how to confront church leaders.
- The Bible Indicates At Times Judging Others Is Okay: Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” –John 7:24; “The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments” –1 Corinthians 2:15; “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” –Proverbs 31:9; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” –1 John 4:1; and “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” –Matthew 18:15
- Be Absolutely Sure You’re Right: I Timothy 5:19-20 – Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. This strong counsel is meant for people who play church rather than serve God. It’s always true that sin must be brought into the light. You can remember why by remembering the answer to this question. Why do sinners run away from the light into the darkness? Three words: FEAR OF EXPOSURE.
- Pray About Your Participation: A Christian may rightly judge the actions of those in ministry; however, wisdom (that comes from above) may indicate that a certain person is better suited to speak to a church leader.
- Walk in Love: If God requires that you expose sin, people are certain to get in your face. Whatever you do in the kingdom, even confronting Christians gone astray, according to Ephesians 5:2 is “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Keep that in mind when doing what God requires makes you feel uncomfortable. When church leadership hurts you, don’t retaliate. Hand them over to God. He’s the only one who can convict someone’s heart that sin resides there.
- Depart from Those Who Sin: Leaving an unhealthy church is a difficult decision. However, God advises getting away from the presence of Christian leaders if they continue to sin. Ephesians 5:11 indicates, “take no part in unfruitful works of darkness.” I Corinthians 5:11 – But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Then pray like the dickens for them.
Dealing with Difficult Church Leaders: Pray for Them
Church leadership involves servanthood and sacrifice. For that reason, Satan targets these people. The church body can offer prayers that leadership members remain pure in heart so their conduct is without blame. Pray that they love peace and run from quarrels. The Word of God should be their guiding light and spiritual mainstay. They should take on the character of Christ and be filled with God’s mercy and grace, Christ’s gentleness, and open to a servant of God who speaks words of knowledge and reproof for their benefit.
Praying for church leadership keeps the devil at a distance and off the backs of those God anoints to shepherd others. Many issues won’t even occur when praying for church leaders is a top priority of every congregant.