The Tested Leadership Model – Is God the Only One Who Has the Right to Correct Church Leaders for Their Indiscretions?

PART 5

The Tested Leadership Model – Is God the Only One Who Has the Right to Correct Church Leaders for Their Indiscretions

What do you think? I’ve been involved in churches where leadership has taken advantage of their members financially and sexually. Let’s see what this model has to say about how to address these issues. Let’s begin by turning in your Bibles to the book of Matthew.



Matthew 18:15-17

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

If someone in leadership trespasses (injures by words or actions) against a fellow believer, whether in a private or public setting, the victim can approach the offender initially in a private manner to resolve the concern. When approached, if the person in charge refuses to admit fault or meet with the offended believer, then an alternative approach to address the matter should be pursued. However, if they do admit to the offense, then the issue is resolved.

If there are at least one or two eye or ear witnesses to what was said or done, then the believer can return to the offender and bring the problem up again. If admittance doesn’t come forth, the situation can be brought before those in the church who’ve been appointed to deal with such occurrences. In the latter case, if the leader repents, a church censure might be imposed (1 Corinthians 5:1, 7; 2 Corinthians 2:1-8). Conversely, without a confession they would be removed from the fellowship indefinitely (1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Timothy 1:20; 1 Timothy 5:20).

This is of such paramount importance that I’d like to further expound upon it by going to the book of 1 Timothy.



Suggested Reading: 1 Timothy 5:19-21

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Some churches perceive egregious sins of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, pedophilia, extortion (the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by abusing of one’s office or authority),14 etc. as actions that are religiously or socially acceptable and only answerable to God. Scriptures that indicate that these behaviors are sinful are considered out of date, not with the times, and judgmental. And if a church member tries to address a pastor’s sin, they’re thought of as trying to cause division and will be viewed as an enemy of leadership and the assembly of believers. In most instances, this person is faced with either having to leave the congregation or, simply put, keep their mouth shut.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy not to receive an accusation against an elder (pastor) unless there were at least two or three witnesses. Whether the situation was such that two or three believers had witnessed a pastor sinning or where the pastor has sinned against another believer who was accompanied by one or two fellow believers that have seen the offense, the witnesses should be allowed to bring an accusation (a speaking against) the church leader before a public tribunal or whosoever is in charge of handling such matters.

20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear

After hearing from the pastor and the witnesses, a decision of guilt or innocence would be rendered. If the pastor was found guilty, a public statement of the offense and the related censure indicating whether they will be removed from the assembly for a fixed period or indefinitely will be made before the entire group. This is handled this way so that fear of the discipline of God, in this case, administered through the congregation, is a healthy thing in a Christian, especially for those in places of leadership.15

Some suggest that a pastor can’t be approached concerning a sinful action unless there are at least two or three witnesses. If there’s only one witness, a first-hand observer or the victim, they have no recourse in the matter other than to give it over to God. I’d agree that one witness isn’t enough to allow the hearing of an accusation before a committee. However, I don’t think that these verses infer that a first-hand observer or the victim if they’re the only witness, can’t approach the pastor privately to discuss the incident. Furthermore, if there’s only one first-hand observer or victim, and the offense is criminal, the observer or victim should immediately report the incident to the civil authorities (1 Peter 4:15).

The following attitude using this model can be deduced.



The Tested Leadership Model Characteristic

A leader can no longer proclaim that only God has the right to correct them. Each believer is responsible for going to another and resolving inappropriate behavior directed toward them by a fellow believer with the hope of reconciliation and recovery. If the incident remains unresolved, then two or three witnesses to a leader’s sin may bring an accusation against them. And finally, if the indiscretion still needs to be addressed, then it should be brought before a church committee to be rendered. (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-21).



The Mandated Leadership Model Response - Rebuttal

God is the only one who has the right to discipline someone in leadership.

Psalms 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

This was evidenced in the life of King David and applies to every leader in the Jewish economy.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

This verse says if thy brother (fellow believer) and not someone in leadership sins against a brother or sister in the Lord, then this protocol should be followed.

Before we look at another characteristic of the tested leadership model and a related question, I’d like to leave an article with you on correction.



GODLY [LEADERS] WELCOME CORRECTION

If you’re in any leadership position—whether a CEO [with] hundreds of employees or a parent raising children—you’re well-acquainted with criticism. Unfortunately, the frequency of criticism doesn’t remove its sting. Most of us would like to lead well, so when we miss the mark, it can be discouraging.

But just because criticism can hurt, doesn’t mean it’s not good for us. Scripture paints a positive picture of anyone who welcomes correction as wise (Proverbs 9:8, 15:31) and those who reject it as foolish. Furthermore, we’re instructed to use all Scripture “for reproof” and “for correction” for our good and God’s glory.

Whether God has entrusted you with two thousand employees or two children, your posture [toward] correction is too important to overlook. Consider a biblical view of correction as you evaluate your posture towards correction and its implications for your success, family, and spiritual health.



CORRECTION IS CRUCIAL TO EVERY LEADER’S GREATNESS

Since God alone is all-wise, every leader has blind spots. A leader’s greatness is often dependent on how much they allow others to speak hard words to them when they are in error. We’ve all read news headlines covering fallen leaders of highly profitable organizations, thousand-membership churches, and model families. One question I can’t help but ask is, [did he or she invite correction, or were they surrounded by yes-people (Proverbs 27:6)?]

Such outcomes illustrate that success shouldn’t be measured solely by company revenue, church membership numbers, or well-behaved children. But a leader’s success must be defined holistically, with one’s disposition [toward] God’s purposes and plans at the center of what is considered greatness.



GREATNESS DEFINED AND ILLUSTRATED

Isn’t it fascinating that Jesus used children and servants to illustrate [what’s] required to achieve true greatness? Why? Consider the disposition a child or servant was expected to have in Jewish culture. No one was more likely to be corrected or criticized than a child or servants.

Furthermore, we can safely assume that godly children and servants welcomed correction and criticism because they valued the contribution it made towards their overall growth and success. Therefore, every leader who desires to be great should adopt a disposition [toward] correction that aims to grow in wisdom and service.



WELCOMING CORRECTION WITH OPEN ARMS

If a leader rarely receives criticism, one shouldn’t assume it’s because he or she is doing an excellent job. It’s easy to overtly or inadvertently make peers and employees feel uncomfortable offering criticism or concerns. Whether it’s a defensive tone or dismissive remark, it doesn’t take a lot to appear unapproachable.

To become a leader known for welcoming criticism, you must invite those under your leadership to approach you when they have concerns. One of the best ways, I think, to accomplish this is by regularly asking for it corporately and privately. Public invitations are helpful, but private requests with engaged follow up assure everyone that the invitation is genuine.



ALL CORRECTION IS NOT EQUAL

Once you extend the invitation, you should set realistic expectations for the quality of criticism [you’ll] receive, especially if you were perceived as unapproachable in the past. Just as you haven’t had practice receiving it, those around you likely haven’t had practice offering it.

Therefore, criticism will range from constructive to destructive and everything in between. Regardless, great leaders will respond graciously, slowly, and thoughtfully irrespective of the value offered. This type of thoughtful response reaffirms to your critic your commitment to receiving correction and models how to respond when given.

Modeling how to give and receive criticism also sets a standard of excellence and cultivates a culture of greatness. Companies, churches, and families that embrace a proper view of criticism and exercise healthy practices have an automated resource that nurtures excellence, growth, and collaboration.



YOUR IMPERFECTION DOESN’T DEFINE YOU

Despite its helpfulness, when misdirected, ill-timed, or unfair criticism has the power to do great harm if our eyes aren’t fixed on Jesus. But the good news is your performance, or the negative opinions of others don’t determine your value or worth. If [you’re] in Christ, his righteousness alone covers and frees you from the curse of criticism. Therefore, when someone offers praise or correction, as you embrace to truth and beauty of the Gospel, you’ll be able to respond with grace rooted in peace that surpasses understanding.

Great leaders can’t be righteous and always right. Whether a leader decides to welcome correction ultimately determines where their allegiance lies and whether they will ever be considered truly great.16



Endnotes

14Dictionary.com. 07 November 2014

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15Bible Knowledge Commentary.

16Phillips Holmes. “GODLY LEADERS WELCOME CORRECTION.” Lifeway Voices 10 February 2023

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