This article is being written out of a deep concern for the nature of leadership that appears to be developing within many Christian communities. It would probably be correct to suggest that the same trend is developing in all Christian denominations, religious groupings and general business.

Historically, in churches, the location of power, in the local church, has varied. However, there has been a trend, over the last number of years, in which the leadership of many churches have sought even greater authority and power. This trend is probably best expressed in the following request from leaders, mainly elders and pastors: Once you have elected us, release us to lead (accepting that in certain denominations this does not apply). This request may be paraphrased as follows: You can appoint us; but, after that, we will do it ourselves. Many leaders have then moved to find a biblical mandate for their approach, a mandate which may or may not be legitimate.

The concern of this article is not so much the request for the freedom to lead; rather it is the nature and quality (or lack of it) of the leadership that appear to follow. A very disturbing trend is developing, which may be examined by means of a consideration of three key areas: the entrenchment of leaders; a lack of transparency and accountability; and, poor personal example.

It would appear that many leaders, particularly elders and pastors, are pulling in the laager. Most often, they want to be entrenched as leaders, ensuring their long-term future by means of a self-perpetuating and self-appointing existence. Processes, such as the ÎrightÌ of elders to exclude any candidate for eldership and the permanent appointment of elders, are used to ultimately exclude the community of believers from having any further say in the constituting of the eldership and/or leadership. In other words, the congregation may have input into the initial constituting of the leadership; but, thereafter, self-perpetuating and self-appointing leaders functionally exclude them. This entrenchment is also often expressed when elders and deacons refuse or reject the idea of a sabbatical from their formal position as a leader. In one situation, a serving elder expressed concern as to what may happen in the event that a theological crisis arose in the church, while he was on sabbatical!

Developing out of this self-perpetuation and self-appointment grows a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability. It is almost as if leaders take the view that they alone have responsibility in and for the church, and that they alone have the maturity and wisdom to lead the congregation. To be quite frank a form of dictatorship results, with the elders and pastors the leaders, expecting everyone else to follow like sheep. Transparency in leadership and accountability to the community are systematically reduced, because the leaders know best and the people know very little or practically nothing. Without even considering the relevant principles of the given church and/or denomination, this situation of functional dictatorship is simply unbiblical, as the leaders become priests and the people subservient to them. The leaderships of a number of churches have, in recent days, been discussing significant issues in the life of the church, without the church as a whole being aware that the discussions are even taking place.

Everything that has been said may still not be that bad, were the example set by many of these leaders worth following. Talking to many people in various churches, the general experience is that the all-demanding and dictating elders, pastors and leaders often do not set a godly and mature example. Often, leaders make demands on the church, yet fail to set an example of that which was demanded. All the time, the response is the same, You must be Christlike; but, in reality, do not expect the same from those who lead! In other words, Do as we demand, but do not expect to see it enacted in our lives. Many congregants speak of leaders who they do not accept, who do not set examples of godliness and holiness, and who definitely are not worth modelling their lives on. In a particular context, a member has been severely reprimanded for their attitude and behaviour, yet has had to deal with the same attitude and behaviour from those who reprimanded him!

Why are these issues being raised? Very simply, because the reality of history and the church is that leaders will most often make or break a church or a community of faith, including denominations. The current trends in the nature of leadership in many churches suggest that they may not be in very good hands, and there are significant grounds for deep concern. Remember that the testimony of Jesus was that...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave Ò just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matt 20:26-28 ); while his example was that...now that I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one anotherÌs feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (John 13:14-15). Will these Christlike leaders please stand up?

Charles de Jongh lectures in Biblical and Pastoral Studies at BTC Southern Africa, while heading up NuHorizons PLUS which consults in church life and growth. He may be contacted at 011-886-0421 or charles@btc.co.za

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Posted by: mickey110 07 Jan, 2011 - 10:40:06