Countless faithful servants of Jesus labor in ministry, nurturing the people in their care, shepherding them with love and integrity, selflessly sacrificing, and setting a great example for the flock.
These trustworthy ministers will be rewarded. They won’t be swept away with the stiff broom God is using to sweep the filth from his house—but plenty of leaders will be.
Recent exposures of sins and crimes committed by spiritual leaders in the evangelical world leave many people uncomfortable.
We don’t want to think these things are true. We want to think the best of our shepherds. Sadly, we’re conditioned to be loyal to our leaders to a fault.
Here’s how we get duped:
1. We place leaders on a pedestal. Church culture conditions us to elevate our spiritual leaders to an almost super-human, untouchable status. When problems arise, we assume the innocence of pastors because we believe they’re morally superior to the rest of us.
2. We’re blinded to a leader’s character flaws because we’re dazzled by their gifts. The ability to speak eloquently, inspire others, and even heal the sick or deliver prophetic words does not prove an individual is a trustworthy servant of Jesus (Matt. 7:21). Gifts may be impressive to people, but God is impressed with character. A gifted person can believe the lie that they are special and therefore entitled to certain exemptions regarding sin.
3. We’re told holding leaders accountable is gossip, slander, accusation, or strife. Yet Jesus warns us many false prophets and Messiahs will arise (Matt. 7:15; Matt. 24:24.) Paul warns of false teachers coming in like wolves to the flock (Acts 20:29). We must learn to recognize false leaders. We’re also instructed to confront leaders when they sin.
“Publicly rebuke those (elders) who sin, so that the rest will be afraid (1 Tim. 5:20).”
When terms like accusation, gossip, slander, and strife are used to deflect from real guilt, we should smell a rat.
4. We over-spiritualize church problems and miss the human issues. Yes, the spiritual gift of the discerning of spirits (which we don’t all possess, BTW) means distinguishing and judging between spirits (1 Cor. 12:10). But the general discernment which Paul wants all believers to exercise (aesthesis) is the understanding of ethical matters (Phil 1:9).
If we hold to and apply solid ethical standards, demons will no longer find a foothold. Let’s start with ethics to figure things out, not with devils.
5. We’re suspect of women because of the “Jezebel spirit” narrative. It goes like this: the man of God innocently does the Lord’s work while the devil tries to seduce him through a wicked woman.
This notion serves as a smokescreen to cover up what’s truly happening.
Please look at the facts—hundreds of female victims (and a few young men) bravely coming forward with tragic testimonies of their abuse at the hands of male pastors and ministry leaders.
The true story isn’t about wicked women ruining pastors and churches—it’s about wolves disguised as leaders devouring the flock (especially women and girls).
Brothers and sisters, please acknowledge this truth: the church’s main problem is not evil women.
6. We’re uneducated in psychology. Christians need to understand concepts like narcissism, DARVO, gaslighting, grooming, and why pastoral positions often attract psychologically unhealthy leaders. If we want to be discerning, we simply cannot afford ignorance about how the human psyche works. Victims of abuse in the church deserve a compassionate listening ear, not blame and shame.
Here’s how we should respond:
- Repent for idolizing leaders
- Learn to value and celebrate character qualities above gifts
- Judge correctly, be willing to hold leaders accountable, and reject the lie that pursuing truth and justice is “a spirit of accusation” or “strife”
- Use solid ethical standards to discern what’s going on
- Learn principles of psychology and power dynamics instead of over-spiritualizing the issues
- Repent for not believing victims and for prejudice against them
The Lord is cleaning house. Let’s not allow our discomfort to get in his way.
To learn what scholars say about the gift of prophecy, you can purchase my book, Prophesying Daughters: How Prophetic Ministry and Women in Leadership Strengthen the Church, AND the study guide for under $2
Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash
