Diotrephes was a self-assuming, monopolizing leader who acted as though he was preeminent over others in the church. The New Testament describes him as an abusive leader “who likes to put himself first,” and he is strongly condemned in 3 John 1:9-10. The Christianity Leader magazine and many other Christian magazines in the recent past have pointed out the fall of many renowned Christian leaders and preachers like Mike Bickel, Steve Lawson, Tullian Frank Viola, Bill Gothard, Ravi Zacharias, Michael Brown, Paul Pressler, Robert Morris, and so on … Every country might have such list of names.
Lately, it seems that God is increasingly exposing abuse and corruption among “churches” and “ministries” that embody unbiblical notions of the Body of Christ and leadership. As I was reading some of the news in social media, I noticed each of these fallen “leaders” share two recognizable dimensions: 1. Their “ministry” revolved around them and their own “gifts” and “vision” as they assumed the rights of pinnacle “leadership” over everyone else; and 2. They had no true integration or submission to a Biblically functional local congregation in their own lives and hometowns, where there is diverse ministry and mutual accountability to one another, along with multi-gifted, balanced leadership.
Apostle Paul cites examples of people who disobeyed in some form and perished, “these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction on whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:8-11). God is compassionate and long-suffering but at the same time one cannot get away with it if he/she continues in the debauchery and scandal. The Church in today’s context is framed under a banner of institution that a Pastor can deliberate and execute immense power to remain in that position. Most of the time the Pastor/Bishop and a leader is a celebrity. He can get what he wants. People never question the intention. Unfortunately, it is the common believer who elevates the leader to a pedestal that the leader comes crashing down.
Today, for a believer the place, facility (Church building) is of paramount importance. The pastor’s credibility is irrelevant. Weirdly, the believer may be more qualified in the knowledge of the Bible than the Pastor or a leader but because of the position, a Pastor/bishop/Leader is looked upon as a saint and God. Diane Langberg advise is worth considering, “know Christ so well you can discern what is unlike Him no matter the seductive or religious garb it wears. God is building His kingdom in the hearts of men and women, not in the externals we have come to love to protect and praise.”.
Just because the Church/Ministry leader is renowned and powerful, it does not give him the leverage to institute what he feels is right. We forget that anything done in the name of God that does not bear resemblance to His character, is not of Him at all. We become more loyal to human words than to God’s commands.
Paul while referring to the Corinthians talks about Satan disguising himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 in verse 15 he cites, “so it is not great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.” The Corinthians Church was swayed by the “Super-apostles” eloquent, charismatic, and self-aggrandizing leaders who were preaching a different gospel and demanded payment for their services. These men boasted of their spiritual authority and worldly success. Watch out and be careful. Give all glory to God. Let your Church be the institute that nurtures you and equips you to be the carrier of the gospel.
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