Congregational Government & Satan, Part 2

Psalm 18:27 "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty."

Accusations and Anger can give the devil a foothold.

This article is a continuation of an earlier post in which I replied to James MacDonald's declaration that congregational government was from Satan. If you haven't yet, it might be helpful to read Part I.

Recently, James MacDonald replied to my comment on his blog, in which he declared that congregational government was from Satan. The comment is as follows:

“Congregational government was developed to protect a church from bad elders, but in reality there is no protection from that. …... creating an unbiblical system to guard against that may comfort the fears of the laity but it grieves the heart of God. Scripture provides no antidote for the blessing of God upon prideful selfish shepherds."

The more and more we look at scripture as a whole, the closer we come to real wisdom and truth. I will do my best with this short article. Let us begin today with McDonald's last sentence, which states that there is no antidote for the blessings of God upon a prideful, selfish shepherd. If that shepherd is a preaching pastor, then a passage from Philippians would seem to support his statement.

It is found in Philippians 1:15-18

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” NIV

While Brother James might have be accurate if he had declared that there is no “organizational biblical system” to deal with prideful shepherds, there is a God-designed system. A friend of mine recently reminded me of that God-designed “relational system,” which is for all people, including pastors and elders. It is found in  Matthew 7: 3-5.

"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." ESV

When members of the body of Christ think that their pastor's prideful selfishness has become damaging to the church, they are to first examine themselves, and then challenge their pastor and/or other leaders. Since the pastor is an elder, they are to affirm their accusation by bringing 2 or 3 witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). Pastors and elders that are challenged in this way need to listen and respond accordingly. This includes submitting, not to a human leadership hierarchy, but to scripture and Christ.

Matthew 7 provides a peaceful system for working out problems.

I do believe that, after some reflection, Brother James would agree that this is the system designed by God for prideful, selfish leaders. Unfortunately, we both know that most people will talk behind the backs of their selfish pastors instead of challenging the preacher of the Word, partly because of the Philippians passage. However, I do not believe the passage in Philippians overshadows Matthew 7. It only means that it must be done very carefully and not at the expense of the gospel. Pastors should not be rendered useless from being challenged during the process.

 Challenges to the Matthew 7 System

The problem becomes more and more difficult as the church grows because some pastors have a strong preaching gift. As the pastor becomes prominent in his home region, then even famous regionally and nationally, the Philippians passage begins to overcome the instruction in Matthew.  What member in their right mind would want to emotionally damage a famous pastor? Who wants to live with that “stain”?

Ahh, but can we now use a congregational form of government to hold back the prideful, selfish pastor and elders, so no one individual will have to “take the blame”? (Sarcasm included).  I have been in congregational meetings where bands of people have shouted names at the pastor in front of everyone. Hearing of those kinds of meetings probably has brought James to declare “the format” as of the devil himself.

Snares of the Devil

In reality, the devil is fanning the flames of everyone’s sinful nature. He is working on of us all. He is working on selfish pastors who think God only speaks to them and who refuse to repent of their pride. He is working on members and elders who are afraid of following Matthew 7. He finds the most success in unregenerate minds, who, through the absence of Christ in their lives, want a moment of self gratification when they publicly lash out against their pastors in congregational meetings.

Friends, here is the bottom line. What we need are mature pastors and leaders, who through their study of the life of Christ, become “volunteers to servanthood"; they are not pushed into servanthood by a congregational system, but of their own decision to submit to the needs and visions of those they lead. When the lead pastor submits to the needs of his elders, then the elders will submit to the needs of the congregation. When this becomes a reality and not just a principle, then no one will worry about the congregational meeting.

Finally, exhort the people to act on Matthew 7, not just to know it. Show them how through experience.

Now what we need is a famous pastor to do it and preach it.

Are You Happy at Your Work?

 By Harold Biswas

You will be happier at your work if you truly work for the Lord.

For most people, one of the most dreaded questions about work is, “Are you satisfied with your job?” In this deep and long recession, even Americans who are fortunate to have jobs are becoming unhappy with them. In fact, only 45 percent of American workers were satisfied with their jobs in 2009, down from 61 percent in 1987. This statistic was the lowest ever recorded by the Conference Board Research Group in more than 22 years of studying the issue, according to a recent Associated Press news release.

As per our scripture reference, happiness at work is a gift of God. Absent that gift, the work turns into a “job,” something that most Americans don’t look forward to each day. Whether it is stress or pressure, deadlines, or meeting goals, many professional men and women grow weary and tired at work. Although they strive to do everything in their power, they manage to do nothing more than simply get by every day.

Looking at the Biblical philosophies of work, every Christian worker should ask these two vital questions: 

1. What is the source of my talent and expertise, 
2. Do I do what I do, ultimately, for the Lord.

What is the Source of Your Talents?
James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights....” In this day and age, where there is no lack of management or leadership training offered by the employer, it is very easy to develop a self-sufficient attitude or independent mind-set. All the “how-to” books are even a bonus for that attitude.

"However, it should be a fundamental belief for Christian workers that the source of any strength, skills, expertise and talent is God Himself."

However, it should be a fundamental belief for Christian workers that the source of any strength, skills, expertise and talent is God Himself. Nothing pleases the Lord more than when His children acknowledge that source and work passionately to please the Giver of their gifts. Forget the source, and you are inviting unhappiness at your work because, on your own strength, you will not be able to stand the everyday pressure of work.

Are You Working for the Lord?

Secondly, ask yourself, whatever you are doing, are you doing it for the Lord? The Bible, in Colossians 3: 23-25, tells us, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Yes, in most cases, my boss asks for my work, and yes, the department head will assess my performance, but do I have that recognition as a Christian believer that I am serving my Lord Christ through my work? When the recognition is missing, it gives rise to unhappiness, because you fail to find the real meaning of work. 

"Yes, in most cases, my boss asks for my work, and yes, the department head will assess my performance, but do I have that recognition as a Christian believer that I am serving my Lord Christ through my work?"

A “job” turns into “work” for someone who understands and practices this personal leadership principle, which is to acknowledge God as the source of everything and to serve Him ultimately at work. Work is a greater call to fulfill; it is being able to see how God sees things, being able to introduce everybody around you to your Heavenly Father in a subtle way, something that a mere “job” is not able to provide.

Can you say today: “I am excited today because I am going to work. I know who is the giver of my gift at work, and I know who am I doing it for.”

Integrity: Don't Leave Home Without It

 By Dr. John Strubhar

Integrity is an issue of the heart. King David demonstrated it in his leadership of the people of Israel. In Psalm 78:72, NIV, we read, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings. Indeed, it has been the undoing of many who have adopted the leadership mantra of “lead, follow or get out of my way!” 

"In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings."

A good leader does what is right even when no one is looking.

As I have mused on the above Scripture passages, I’ve come to the conclusion that integrity is that “indispensable ingredient,” that “unqualified extra” that sets a leader apart, puts the leader on the cutting edge of spiritually. Take away integrity, and we are left with the numbing reality of our own hypocrisy.

What is Integrity and Why is it Important?

Warren Wiersbe sums it up succinctly in his book, The Integrity Crisis: “Integrity is to personal or corporate character what health is to the body or 20/20 vision is to the eyes. A person of integrity is not divided (that’s duplicity) or merely pretending (that’s hypocrisy). He or she is ‘whole’: life is ‘put together,’ and things are working together harmoniously. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books” (21).

Integrity is not born in a crisis, it emerges firm in a crisis. A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident. Even under closest scrutiny, the leader of integrity delivers. He does not betray his trust. Our Lord is a great leadership model in this regard. 

"A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident."

In the heat of heavy confrontation, his greatest critics had to acknowledge the “integrity factor” in Christ’s life: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth...” (Mark 2:14, NIV)

The Key to Integrity

The key to integrity is self-discipline. It is birthed within us only as we are totally transparent and honest with God, ourselves and our peers. It passes us by when we are more focused on the actions of others rather than being consistent in our own lives. 

"Integrity misses us completely when we are consumed with role playing spiritually, rather than being spiritual leaders."

Obediance or Expedience

The higher we move up the corporate ladder, the more responsibilities we have.

By Jim Killgore

I was driving from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC with my father-in-law, and although I was ot relishing time in a closed confine with my in-laws, this three hour trip with Ben proved to be a great leadership lesson.  

I had just moved back from overseas to become the leader of a struggling non-profit.  Ben was a leader of some repute in his field (having served in the Reagan administration).  Feeling proud to be the “Pres” in my new position, and feeling for once on equal footing with my father-in-law, I asked a peer level question, “Ben, what would you say is the key to effective leadership?”  I was not prepared for his godly wisdom.

"I found that the higher I went the more responsible and accountable I became.  Today, I have more ‘bosses’ than I did on the lower rungs.” 

“Jim, leadership is not as great as people think,” He said. “I couldn’t wait to ‘climb the ladder’ and finally be in a place where I could create lasting change without interference.  Instead I found that the higher I went the more responsible and accountable I became.  Today, I have more ‘bosses’ than I did on the lower rungs.”

The  Higher our Position, the Greater our Responsibility

Over the years, I’ve played the video of that scene in my mind many times.  Ben was right; the higher we go in leadership, the more responsible to others we become.  David faced this issue in I Chr. 13.  He had just become king.  His heart for God was passionate as he worked out a plan to return the Ark of the Covenant after Saul had allowed it to be captured by the Philistines (I Sam 5-7). The new king followed a great leadership principle.  He consulted with his leaders and the people to get their buy-in for bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.  Everyone agreed this would be a great way to show their passion for God.  They had a great spiritual encounter as they transported the Ark; they worshiped the Lord with all their might (I Chr 13:6).
 
Then the unthinkable happened. One of the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, causing the Ark to shift.  Uzzah was walking alongside of the cart.  Out of instinct, he reached out to steady the tipping Ark, bringing about a scene reminiscent of Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark- the Ark “blazed,” and Uzzah died.

What was supposed to be a celebration turned tragic. David’s joy in the Lord turned into anger directed at God (vs. 11).  He must have thought, “God, I was doing this for You!  What were You doing?” David’s heart was right, but his methods weren’t.  In his exuberance to bring back the Ark he failed to follow the details.  As a result, a man under his care died.  Those details had been clearly given by Moses in Ex. 25 and Num 4.  God said that the Ark was to be moved by poles (not an ox cart).  It was to be carried not by any Levitical tribe, but by the Kohathite clan.  David should have known this.

"Motives and methods are both imperative to God.  Yet, many leaders choose expedience over obedience."

Method is Important Too

Many times I’ve said, “It must be OK, I’m doing this for God.”  Earnestness is important, but so is method.  It’s not just “that” something is done – it’s also “how.”  Motives and methods are both imperative to God.  Yet, many leaders choose expedience over obedience.  It’s easier to “just do it.”  At some point in time, expedience becomes a higher value.  

Leaders should be asking “Lord, show me what to do and show me how to do it.” God is a God of details.  They matter to Him – that is why we have a book full of worship details called “Leviticus” and a book given over to particulars called “Numbers.”  If it matters to God, it should matter to His leaders. 

God is a God of details.  They matter to Him – that is why we have a book full of worship details called “Leviticus” and a book given over to particulars called “Numbers.” 

David learned a hard lesson – leaders are more accountable, more responsible.  People’s lives depend upon us.  

Later (I Chr 15), David decided to bring the Ark back again.  This time he tells the Levites to follow the details, “because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it in the proper way. . . then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the Lord had instructed Moses” (vss. 13-15 NLT).  

Ben was right, the higher we go in leadership, the more responsible to others we become. Let’s be careful to choose obedience not expedience.

What is Your Leadership Paradigm?

By: Roger L. Parks, Psy.D.
 

Whose leadership model are you following?

Diverse leadership theories abound in today’s culture.  An examination of the leadership literature reveals a plethora of viewpoints as to the nature of leadership, including trait theory, behavioral theory, contingency theory, transactional leadership, charismatic leadership, and transformational leadership, to name only a few. 

What many of these leadership theories have in common is a focus on leadership style or behavior; that is, what must the leader do to maximize his effectiveness with followers? 

"If your honest response to the question is –'I’m really serving my own interests,' then you’ve likely adopted our culture’s value system, in which power, status, and wealth are the primary motives of one’s behavior."

Although leadership style or behavior is worthy of study, I believe we need to examine a broader, more substantive issue which has to do with one’s paradigm or mindset of leadership.  Specifically, I am proposing that the key question to pose be this:  Whose interests are you serving as a leader? 

As I will discuss, how you answer this question will determine not only your effectiveness as a leader, but even more importantly, your spiritual standing with God. If your honest response to the question is –“I’m really serving my own interests,” then you’ve likely adopted our culture’s value system, in which power, status, and wealth are the primary motives of one’s behavior.

Autocratic Leaders

A leader who embraces this paradigm is known as the autocratic leader.  The autocratic leader uses power to coerce followers into complying with his/her own needs.  In effect, the leader is the dictator who treats his/her followers as servants.  Autocratic leaders devalue and even abuse their followers, resulting in devastating consequences such as loss of trust, low morale, decreased productivity, suspiciousness, and fear.  We’ve all heard of leaders who abuse their power and whose organizations or ministries suffer tremendous hardships as a result.  On a spiritual level, autocratic leadership is incompatible with Christ’s admonition in Matthew 20:25-26, in which He states: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” 

In light of Jesus’ words, one has to conclude that autocratic leadership in not an option for Christian leaders, and has no place in the church or Christian ministries.

Paternalistic Leaders

I will now discuss a second paradigm for leadership that is typically less harsh and more benevolent toward followers. 

According to research conducted by Dr. Jim Laub, a Professor of Leadership Studies at
Palm Beach Atlantic University, there is a large number of organizations that can be categorized as fostering paternalistic leaders.  By paternalistic, Laub is referring to those leaders who view themselves as parents and their followers as children.  They tend to place the needs/interests of the organization first and those of their followers second.  Paternalistic leaders can either be nurturing or critical, but what they share in common is their belief that followers are not adult partners in the leader-follower relationship. Paternalistic leaders are willing to delegate responsibility for some tasks but they retain the right to make the most important decisions for the organization.  According to Dr. Laub, paternalistic leaders are quite common in Christian churches and ministries.

Servant Leadership

I now turn to the third paradigm of leadership known as servant leadership.  Simply stated, servant leaders place the needs/interests of their followers above their own self-interest.  They treat their followers as adults who are trusted to make important decisions for the organization.  Servant leaders are willing to collaborate, share their power, and are committed to the growth of their followers.  

When you put others first you follow Christ's model.

"Simply stated, servant leaders place the needs/interests of their followers above their own self-interest."

Although they have a clear vision for their ministry or organization, they elicit input from their followers in order to foster a deeper sense of commitment and ownership of the vision.  Servant leaders also display authenticity and value honesty, integrity, and accountability in their relationships.

The Scriptural case for servant leadership is quite evident in Jesus’ own words as previously mentioned in Matthew 20.  Christ has given us a mandate to be servant leaders – it is not an option if we truly want to be His disciples.

So, the question is:  “What is your leadership paradigm?” 

Photos courtesy of Zonie Zambonie and Maya Maya

The Need for Leadership Development

By Rev. Ebenezer Oke
Executive Director of Life Development Centre – Akura, Nigeria

Tel: +234 806 235 0532 

The grace we have in Christ is more than our emphasis on evangelism, church planting, church health, etc. We need a strong Church that is comprised of pastors, business leaders and others who share the vision to reach every sector of our society with the understanding of biblical leadership. Without developing biblical leaders for every aspect of life, the harvest in Africa, Asia, China and other parts of the world would not be sustained for long. We need effective leaders to secure the future of the Church.

Training for the Harvest

In the passage above, the apostle Paul gave Timothy the method for developing four generations of leaders. This generation extended from Paul to Timothy, and from Timothy to faithful men and women who will be able to teach others.

This principle also applies to all other aspects of life. There are no human activities in which God is uninterested or uninvolved. The Scripture clearly states: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the
Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” (Colossians 3.23-25, NKJV).

We need strong Christians in all industries.

I learned more about this concept from the presentation, “Contrasting the Philosophy of Your Two Leadership Choices” (Marketplace Leadership Training Conference, Nigeria, July 2007), by Ron Porter of thechristianleader.org. The presentation showed me that the leader’s worldview at all levels of work must be rooted in the Scripture. This will provide direction and opportunity to become the Church God intended us to be. We need Christian men and women in the worlds of business, commerce, finance, technology, education, medicine, industry, government, law, communication, transportation, the military, agriculture and a hundred other legitimate segments of the society. We need men whose calling or vocation in life is in the marketplace.

Like many other participants of the leadership conference, I feel much better equipped to achieve God’s purpose for my life – as a Christian leader in business, at home, in my community, and all spheres of my influence. We need the Christian community to invest more into training men and women, to practice the biblical principles IN and OUTSIDE the Church. As a result, the gap between the secular and sacred work will be bridged and Christ’s will will be done in the earth (Matthew 6:10). 

"The leader’s worldview at all levels of work must be rooted in the Scripture."

Therefore, the Timothy of today needs to, as a matter of urgent call, train “faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Training the next generation of leadership in God’s kingdom is a great privilege. John Maxwell said, “A leader who reproduces followers limits his success to what his direct, personal influence touches...A leader who produces other leaders multiples his influence, and he and his people have a future...” (Maxwell, 1995, 197-198). True success in life and ministry comes only when every generation continues to develop the next generation. 

“I teach, therefore, I touch the future.”

Christians  faiths must intersect all aspects of their lives.

Not only do I have strong convictions about training the next generation of Christian men and Women in and outside the Church for ministry multiplication through reaching and
teaching others, but also in passing on the baton of truth and leadership to future generations. I wholeheartedly agree with this saying, “I teach, therefore, I touch the future.”

The Challenges of Today’s Church

The challenges of today’s church are enormous. There was a time in our history of existence as a Church that we succeeded in transforming every sector of our society with biblical principles. During this time, a Christian was not only a Christian in the church building but was also a Christian in His work life. We lost this because we failed to develop leaders who are capable, anointed and hungry for the revival and church growth that God has promised in the end-time.

James G. Poitras described the Jesus example of leadership development: “Jesus spent time training others. He left twelve qualified workers to carry on the vital tasks that He had started. Jesus knew that His work would not fail. Why? He had trained the next generation.

From the beginning, Jesus told these men that He would not always be with them. He trained the most successful team of all time. As a result, once their Leader departed, they continued to experience revival and growth as they followed His example by effectively training future workers. Their success after Jesus departed is strong evidence of His ability to teach” (Poitras, 2005).

In His Footsteps

Is it not a great honor to be privileged to work in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ as the apostles Paul, Timothy and the host of other church fathers have done? As a leader, do you want to be like Him? We should stop shifting the blame of our inactivity to anyone as Adam and Eve did in the garden. It is time for us to take responsibility for doing the right thing, according to the principles laid down for us in the Scripture.

The Master in Matthew 28: 19-20 said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (NKJV).

We call this passage the Great Commission. Our generation has succeeded in winning more souls for Christ than any other generation. There is no doubt about this, but we have not adequately trained them as Jesus commanded us “to observe all things that have commanded you.” We need to intentionally train all Christians to integrate their faith with where they spend the majority of their time interacting with the majority of unsaved people. Is it in the local Church or fellowship centre? No, it is where we spend 60-70% of our walking hours. The primary responsibility of every Christian leader is to reproduce ourselves in faithful men who will be able to reproduce themselves. If we fail in this responsibility, our work will die when we die.

The early Church obeyed the Master as, “they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen” (Mark 16: 20, NKJV). What is the effect of this? The Gospel message gets to us in Africa, Asia, Europe, and all other parts of the world. However, in our generation, we are very slack in our responsibility of making more leaders for the future of the Church.

A Pledge Before God and Man

The Church leaders are responsible for the reproduction of quality leaders that will
represent Christ at all levels of our society with biblical principles. I have a conviction that the solution to life’s problems are in the hand of the Church and her leadership as we teach and apply biblical values into every aspect of life.

Let us therefore pledge before God and the host of His witnesses that have gone ahead of us that we will not fail Him and our generation. Amen. 


Capitol photo courtesy of Fibonacci Blue

A Response to James MacDonald

How do you decide whose voice is heard in church government?

Recently James MacDonald posted on his blog an article entitled "Congregational Government is From Satan". I think it safe to say he stirred the pot and probably set a record for comments. As with any writer, there are always a few ready to declare his words as complete truth and use them to justify their poor behavior. Being that a bit dangerous to me, I had to post my comments. The following is my post to his bog and his gracious reply. You can find my post on June 11 and the post of hundreds of others at the blog of James MacDonald

James, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this subject.  Processing this article has been a very important exercise for me, and I am sure it will be for other church leaders as well. I agree with almost everything you say, but I believe there is a danger here.

Let me begin with your statement: "Sadly, though, this has led in many congregations to the Eldership of all believers—where each person, regardless of training, giftedness, fruitfulness, experience, etc., considers their thoughts about the future of a given congregation to be of equivalent value."

James, the other side of this statement is the premise by many pastors, and even many lay elders, that the opinion of anyone who is not an elder has NO value.

The best biblical example that shows us how we should listen to lay people when it comes to vision and direction is found in Acts 9-11. God called a new believer, Saul, to lead the biggest vision change in the history of the church—explaining that the gospel was for even the Gentiles. He also used a godly man, Ananias, to help Saul understand and confirm this vision.

However, it took years for the church leaders to embrace this change. Peter, the "chairman of the elder board" did not embrace it until God helped him through a vision on a roof in Joppa. He then began to ponder whether Paul and Ananias were right, and it was not until the evidence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable in the body of Cornelius's church group in Caesarea that Peter actually agreed with it. The key here this: Where was the final place that the Holy Spirit worked to confirm the vision for Peter? It was in the congregation.

It does not matter that the sovereignty of God provided Paul a few years to develop as an apostle while the church elders processed the whole idea. The fact remains that many pastors and lay elders overlook the significance of what God is doing in the lives of people in congregations and how God is prompting opinions and vision in each person's life.

I agree with your biblical foundation of what God intended for leadership in the church. Unfortunately, I vividly remember one visit to a congregational meeting at a church in conflict. We were only there to watch, but it did not take long to see who was producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The pastors and elders leading this meeting were totally out of line. The fruit of the spirit in the congregation must have finally worn them down, because after about an hour, and to everyone’s shock, they all stood up, threw their church keys on the table, walked out, and left the church. From what I know today, this church is recovering nicely.

In my opinion, the verses to which you refer in Hebrews were meant for the congregation! They were not spoken to leaders so they could use the verses to lord over their people. I am not saying you do James; I do not know you … but I know of a few who have.

So how does one put the right value on an opinion? When it comes to “ the future of a given congregation,” I coach people to submit to their leaders, but  always follow the fruit of the Spirit, no matter where that leads. If the leaders display good fruit in the process, making sure that God is not working through the opinion of the opposition, then that will be the day when leadership is at its best.

Photo courtesy of Irargerich.