The Danger Of Compromised Leadership
God's leadership and organization for the church is perfect if it is allowed to function as God gave it. It is able to accomplish all that God desires and purposed for the church to
accomplish.
James states God has given a "perfect law of liberty". Those that continue therein shall be blessed. James 1:25
Paul instructs that 'all scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that that man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim.
3:16-17
The Hebrew writer tells us that through the everlasting covenant ratified by the blood of Jesus Christ and through the leadership of the great shepherd of the sheep he makes us perfect in every good
work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Heb. 13:20-21
Therefore any weakness in church leadership lies in the
area of men implementing God's perfect plan. Man has manifested weakness from the beginning. The apostle Paul cautions the leaders of the church at Ephesus Acts 20:17 "take heed therefore unto yourselves and to the flock over the which the Holy Ghost
hath made you overseers to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For, I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, of your own selves shall men arise speaking
perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore, watch and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears, and now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able
to build you up and give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:28-32
History records that through man's weakness in leadership Satan was able to develop a falling away from truth,
the rising up of that Man of Sin, the Son of Perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God. Paul said his coming is after
the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish because they received not the love of the truth. 2 Thess. 2:3-10
Men who
were selected by the churches to serve as overseers after the death of the apostles failed in their leadership, manifesting a weakness to maintain the purity of organization. They failed to hold fast the faithful word as they had been taught" Acts
20:28-32 and by sound doctrine exhort and convince the gainsayers and stop the mouths of unruly and deceivers and vaintalkers. Tutus 1:9-11 They allowed the churches to drift into an attitude that would not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts
they allowed teachers to turn away their ears from truth unto fables. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 They allowed preachers to cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine that they had been taught and had learned. Preachers who served not the cause of Jesus
Christ but their own selves and by good works and fair speeches deceived the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18 Because of the weakness of leadership, history records the church drifted into complete apostasy for over 1000
years.
The Restoration Movement restored God's organization as it was established by the apostles. A cry to go back to the Bible, to have scriptural direction for all things, elders or overseers for every
church, Acts 14:23 - Titus 1:5 These men are to have certain and special qualifications. 1 Tim. 3:1-7 - Titus 1:6-8 These qualifications were to enable them to rule and take care of the house of God. I Tim. 3:5. They are instructed to "feed the flock of
God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as Lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." I Peter 5:2-3 The church is instructed to obey
them that have the rule over them, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account. Heb. 13:17 Elders have been given authority to guide, direct, and rule the church in harmony with Christ's teaching. Christ is the
head of his church. Col. 1:18 - Eph. 1:22-23 - Acts 20:28 Eld
er's rule is a shepherd's rule. They are to lead, guide, and direct the church in carrying out Christ's directions making sure we all "walk by the same rule" Phil. 3:16 "speak
the same things" I Cor. 1:10 and to have authority from Christ in all that we practice. Col. 3:17 Weakness of leadership or in the eldership fails in many areas. There is weakness when churches appoint men who do not possess the qualifications Christ has
given. It is better for a church to function without elders than to appoint unqualified men who are not capable to rule or guide because they lack the qualification to do so. There is weakness when churches appoint men who lack confidence in Christ's
authority or ability to rule his church Eph. 5:24 They set out to help him and introduce innovations, having no confidence in Christs ability to establish what he desires in worship. Eph. 5:19 - John 4:23-24 They introduce mechanical instruments of
music, choirs, quartets, solos, having no confidence in Christ's ability to establish what he
desires in organization. Acts 14:23 They introduce the "pastor rule", majority rule, sponsoring church arrangements, having no confidence in
Christ's ability to establish the work he desires his people to accomplish. Eph. 2:10 - I Cor. 15:58 They introduce and lead the church in building human institutions - homes - colleges - hospitals - clinics, having no confidence in Christ's ability or
right to decide the kind of life his people are to live. Titus 2:11-12 They permit and allow disorderly members to engage in ungodliness without chastisement and discipline. 2 Thess. 3:6
Weak leadership
produces weak churches that allows the church to drift after the ways of men. In order for the church to be strong and to please God Gal. 1:10 - Heb. 13:20-21 it must select those men among them who have the God given qualifications that enables them to
rule the house of God and men who have complete confidence in Christ's ability and authority. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus, the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men and after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Paul
Rockwell
January, 1997 Volume 3 Issue 1
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