Ungodly Leadership

Acts 15:24 (NASB)
 "Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, 


In just about every church I have ever served there has been at least one that was in the body or started to come into the body who was exhibiting ungodly leadership.  They push in and usurp authority, claiming to be a teacher, preacher and leader that should be listened too.  They were argumentative and troubling and unsettled the congregation.

What are we to do with someone like this?  I think we can learn a few steps we should take from the early church leaders in Acts. 

• They confronted the problem.  To often we are afraid to confront the problem.  It might upset someone.  It might create a problem.  The truth is an ungodly, self promoted leader will eventually destroy the work of God.  The fall out will be greater later than now.
• They made it clear they were not speaking for the them.  Make it very understood that they are not speaking for you.  There are always some who will follow a strong voice, even if it has error.  Others will assume that if you don't speak up you are in agreement.  Neither of those is good for the body.
• They encouraged the troubled and unsettled.  Those who are troubled and unsettled will be looking to you as the pastor/leader for guidance.  Be an encourager to those who need a sound voice of truth.
• They gave godly instruction.  Give clear, Biblical direction and advice.

Dealing with a person who usurps authority can be difficult, especially if you don't like conflict.  But it will be better for the Kingdom and the church to deal with it head on with compassion, love and firm resolve.

Pastoral Expectations

In the last week or so I had the privilege to take part in an ordination process of a fellow pastor in our area.  During His ordination service I was asked to give the charge to the church.  In doing so I charged the church with a few things from Scripture that I thought may be equally useful for those of us who serve as pastors or in leadership.  The following is the passage of Scripture and a 6 point challenge (in a bullet format).

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
18  Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Heb 13:17-19 (NASB95)

1. Obey/follow your pastor's leadership.
2. Submit to his authority.
3. Treat him as a shepherd not an employee -He gives an account to God
4. Help him serve with joy.
5. Pray for him.
6. Seek to develop a relationship/friendship with him.