Church Leaders and Members

I have found through my experience while working at one of the largest churches in North America that all bishops, pastors, ministers, deacons and other church leaders are first and foremost, human. I believe that we, as church members, make a grave mistake of placing prominent figures in Christiandom on a pedestal and expect that they not make a mistake or be tempted to sin. This is naivety at its best. This does not excuse ungodly behavior because these leaders are held to a higher standard because much is required of them (Luke 12.48). This is no secret to these leaders. They know full well their responsibility and thus, already suffer the consequences before another human being has uttered a word. It is between that leader and God, alone. Only God can judge man (Ecclesiastes.11.9, Acts 10.42) and man should judge himself lest he fall prey to the devil's devices (I Corinthians 10.12)

Church members must understand the role of the pastor and the role of the church in their lives. Bishops, Pastors, Ministers, Deacons and other Church Leaders are in the church to guide and shepherd the people of God (Acts 20.28, John 21.16). They are not mini-gods. They do not have all of the answers to life. They seek God (Deuteronomy 4.29) just as the church members should very well do.

If one has been born again, he or she should have a personal relationship with the Lord. The church is designed to help, support, uplift, encourage, care, feed, love and carry forward the message of Christ. So, it is available to enhance the personal relationship that he or she is already developing. The Church is also a place where one should be able to run to and feel safe, where all people are welcome because there is no partiality with God (Romans 2.11).

If one is not born again, then the Church should reach out to the un-churched (never been to church) and the de-churched (left the church) and share the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28.19-20).

Now, in light of the recent events in the Body of Christ, as a fellow Christian, I want to encourage those that are guilty of placing well-known figures in Christiandom on a pedestal and when things happened that revealed their humanity, you were crushed in your spirit man and some may have made some internal determinations not to return to church, doubting your faith and THE faith. I know it is difficult to understand what has happened and what is happening in the Body of Christ but I want to encourage you to focus on your personal relationship with the Lord (I Timothy 6.3 - 21)

The Selah Moment: Take some reflection time, how is your personal relationship with the Lord? Is it strained? Is it on track?

Action Steps: Make a commitment today to focus on what God is calling you to do at this time. The most important contribution you can make to the Body of Christ is fervent prayer (I Timothy 2.8), a willing spirit and a forgiving heart (I Peter 4.8, Micah 7.18, Matthew 6.14-15)