Jump Start # 3992
Acts 20:28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
Within the evangelical religious community, a major earthquake was felt last week with the shocking revelation from well known author Philip Yancey that he had been involved in an eight year long affair. With the announcement, Yancey retired from all activities. I have read nearly every book that he wrote. I love “The Jesus I Never Knew,” and would still recommend it. It’s hard to put in perspective the deception of hiding a nearly decade long departure into sin. This wasn’t a momentary slip. This was something long lasting.
In the excellent book, “Behind the Preacher’s Door,” brother Warren Berkley horrifically shares tragic news about preachers within our fellowship: “I’ve known 4 men to leave the truth for Calvinism; 3 to embrace what I believe is error on divorce and remarriage; 2 to change directions into the institutional movement; 4 whose wives left them; 3 who suffered financial crash (with legal trouble); 1 who was too discouraged and depressed to continue on in local work; 1 who committed suicide; 2 who just quit serving the Lord…But beyond these, 52 who fell into sexual sin (I spoke to those young preachers about this in 2008, I must now add two more). That’s 54!” (pg 1).
I was with bro. Berkley in a lectureship a few years ago and asked him what the latest count was. He told me he no longer kept track. It was too depressing!
In our verse today, Paul is warning the shepherds at Ephesus about coming departures among them. He specifically says a few verses later, “and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” This is why our verse opens with, BE ON GUARD FOR YOURSELVES.
One of the great challenges to a church and to our own faith is when leaders disappoint. Men who we have trusted, listened to, used as models and examples, fall and crumble before our eyes, the impact is massive. It will shake the faith of some. It will give reason for some to point fingers and ridicule and mock Christianity. Some will give up. It’s hard to pick up the pieces. It’s hard for a congregation to recover.
There are three areas where leaders can disappoint.
1. Morally
2. Doctrinally
3. Misuse and abuse of their position
There are two immediate factors that must be considered:
First, how can we, how can I, prevent this from happening? Notice the language of our verse today. Be on guard. Don’t think you are invincible. To the Corinthians Paul said, ‘take heed lest you fall.’ Don’t get sloppy with what you are doing. Don’t lose your focus and sharpness. Don’t counsel someone of the opposite sex by yourself. Don’t do that. Something as innocent as a Bible study, alone with someone of the opposite sex, can be the first steps into trouble.
Other leaders need to help each other. Be transparent. If you see a fellow shepherd getting too close to the line of right and wrong, help him. Catch him before he goes off the cliff. This is true morally, doctrinally and with the proper use of our position.
Second, everyone needs to pray for the leaders in the congregation. They are not above temptation. They are not sinless. They need help in walking closely with the Lord as everyone else does. Pray for their moral purity. Pray for their marriages. Pray for their families.
Third, the leaders need to keep growing. Intense Bible studies among each other will help. Keep each other accountable and don’t be afraid to have a “Come to Jesus” conversation if it is necessary. It’s better to have the tough talk than to have to pick up the pieces of a shattered life and a shocked church.
But, what about a church that has experienced leaders who have failed?
First, God has placed a system of accountability that needs to be followed (1 Tim 5:17-21). Trying to keep things secret will only worsen the situation, because people will find out. Be up front and honest about what has happened. Follow the Biblical pattern for grace, forgiveness and discipline.
Second, the person needs to be removed from the leadership role that he was in. Much too often a preacher who has messed up morally, will find another congregation and will continue to preach as if nothing happened. It takes time to rebuild trust. The other shepherds need to intensely study and help the wounded soul that has made some major sins and mistakes. Don’t throw the person under the bus. Don’t ignore the person. Just apologizes doesn’t keep wrong from happening again. Work with the person. Now, their heart and attitude has much to do with this. If they are stubborn, rejecting help and refusing to acknowledge wrong, then public marking and discipline is in order. We must stand with God. Some use that opportunity to split the church and cause further harm. Being transparent, Biblical and open may keep the trouble to a minimum.
Third, remind and teach the congregation about gossip, sin, influence, forgiveness and Christ. It is the Lord whom we follow. It is the Lord who saves us. Our faith is not in each other, but rather the Lord. There is no fast forwarding through the dark days. Being together helps. Putting the Lord first helps. Realizing that we will get through this helps. Strong leadership can make course corrections and keep the church moving onward with the Lord.
When leaders disappoint—what a tragic lesson, but one we do well to understand. I am thankful that the Lord has never disappointed, nor will He ever.
Roger