What are the different attributes of the Mandated and Tested Leadership Models?

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A Contrasting Summary of the Attributes of the Mandated and Tested Leadership Models

By summarizing the components of each leadership model, you’ll be able to recognize how the theology of each significantly differs and whether the church you’re attending or might attend appears to align with one of them. This will help you become aware of the type of teachings you can expect to hear from the pulpit. And it will be up to you to determine if what’s being presented will help you become all that God has made you to be at salvation. Are you ready to take a look at the traits of each model? Next to each attribute will be a checkbox that you can highlight when the quality of the model is recognized in the content of the messages brought forth from the pulpit. So, here we go.



The Mandated Leadership Model

Those who practice these facets will be classified as non-dispensationalists meaning they’ll use verses from anywhere in the Bible expressing a top-down approach to leadership. And they’ll claim that [the principles, policies, and procedures God] establishes remain constant throughout history.45

□New Testament church leaders receive direct revelation from the Holy Spirit as Moses did from Yahweh. Therefore, everything that’s said from the pulpit should be received as words from God without question. (Exodus 3:16, 18; Exodus 12:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 2:5)

□ God is the only one with the right to discipline someone in leadership. Leaders are above reproach in their behavior. (Psalms 51:4; Matthew 18:15; 1 Timothy 5:1)

□ Sinful behavior is justified as long as the intent of the actions is for the benefit of the kingdom of God. (Joshua 2:1-24; Colossians 3:17)

□ When we are privy to the sins of those in leadership, we should conceal them and not tell anyone else about them. (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Peter 4:15)

□ As the Jews in the Old Testament were obligated to tithe, this form of financial giving is still in effect for the New Testament believer. (Malachi 2:1-17; Malachi 3:6-11)

□ When God reveals to those in leadership the need to request financial support from the assembly of believers, whether it’s in the form of money, land, houses, cars, etc., the assembly is obligated to provide their demands. (Exodus 3:1-4:12; Matthew 19:16-30)

□As the Israelites followed Moses decisively when he instructed them about God’s plan to deliver them from their captivity in Egypt, so should the New Testament saints follow church leaders determinedly. And if they choose not to, they’ll be under divine discipline. (Exodus 4:31;1 Corinthians 10:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:15-16; 2 Samuel 15:4, 6-7b, 12; 2 Samuel 18:10; 1 John 2:18-19)

□If a believer chooses not to obey the commands of leadership some of which are comprised of performing good works, like the Jews in the Old Testament, presumably, they’ll follow other gods and lose their salvation. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 13:17)



The Tested Leadership Model

Those who adhere to this model will be denoted as dispensationalists. They’ll contend that human history is made up of consecutive eras, which reflect God’s will, plan, and purpose for the believers living at that time. During this time, which constitutes the Church Age, believers are encouraged to provide input relating to church theology, church functions, church participation, etc. Doctrinal positions will be formulated using Scriptures from the book of Acts, the Epistles, the book of Revelation, and some passages from the four gospels that pertain to the New Testament church.

□Whatever teachings are brought forth from the pulpit shouldn’t be received as coming directly from God and considered absolute truth. A leader no longer receives direct revelation from the Lord, i.e., Thus saith the Lord, but rather illumination (discernment; spiritual insight – Ephesians 1:18) from the Holy Spirit.



Each believer has two avenues when testing truth, the Holy Spirit and the Word. Each of us is permitted by God to engage in a careful and exact analysis of the Scriptures concerning the teachings of those in leadership. Such research should be examined exegetically, i.e., hermeneutically, which refers to scriptural interpretation based on an investigation of the grammatical features and historical background. (Galatians 2:1-14; 1 John 2:27; Acts 17:1-14)

□ Each believer is responsible for going to one another and resolving inappropriate behavior directed toward them by a fellow believer with the hope of reconciliation and recovery. If the believer is a church leader who rejects being approached, the offended may return with two or three witnesses before whoever handles such indiscretions. (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-21)

□ Sin isn’t justified as a means to the end of promoting the kingdom of God. Sin promotes sin. (Matthew 10:1-20; Romans 2:1-31)

□Covering a believer’s sin, which could refer to a fellow believer or the corruption of someone in leadership, doesn’t mean that the observing witness of such should mind their own business. We’re to help the brethren bear their burdens by providing correction and recovery. (James. 5:19-20: Galatians 6:1)

□Believers are to give financially as they choose, not under compulsion or out of necessity but with a joyous spirit. (Matthew 23:23, Acts 2:14-47; 5:12-18; 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, Galatians 3:1-29, Acts 15:1-30, 2 Corinthians 9:1-13; James 1:25)

□Believers aren’t obligated to give any of their real estate holdings to the church for whatever need. If the church needs financial assistance, leadership should let the members know what it’s for without demands or shaming. Under the dispensation of the Incarnation, following Christ demanded a total detachment from owning land or houses and even one’s wife or family if they were a hindrance to the calling to follow Him. But this isn’t the case under this dispensation. (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 8:34; Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:17)

□Church leaders shouldn’t be followed absolutely. Each believer has access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. As the Israelites were baptized unto Moses, so the New Testament believer is baptized unto Christ by responding to the gospel, receiving the indwelling Spirit, and learning how to cultivate His graces as revealed through the Word of God. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 John 2:27; Ephesians 2:18; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:15-16; 1 John 2:18-19)

□Becoming a child of God and having a relationship with Him occurs when someone obeys (responds to; believes) the gospel message. This spiritual reality cannot be maintained by performing good works. Once a respondent is saved at a particular time, their salvation has present continuing results, i.e., it continues forever. Whether a believer performs good (godly) works depends on a daily process known as sanctification. (John 6:28-29, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, Mark 1:15)

Now that you have re-familiarized yourself with the characteristics generated by each leadership model relating to the various questions about the relationships between doctrine, leadership, and the assembly, the next question is which one will help the believer grow to spiritual maturity? Some might suggest that under the tested leadership model, everything is questioned. And why would a leader want to be in this unenviable position? Others might claim that the good thing about the mandated leadership model is that they know how leadership operates, and all they have to do is be obedient to whatever is requested. One model is top-down, while the other is that of a servant, bottom-bottom.

How would a believer know which model benefits their walk with God?

One way that might work is to introduce one or more articles about the signs that indicate we should remain in the church and, conversely, what indicators we consider leaving. If the aspects contained therein appear to reflect one model more than the other, then take note. If it seems that a church was operating under both models, were there traits from one of them causing harm?



HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO LEAVE YOUR CHURCH?

How do you know when it’s time to leave your church?

That’s a tough question. And it can be really difficult to know what the right answer is. Now every situation is different, but I want to give you some general guidelines and tips that will help you know when it’s time to leave your church. [We’ll start by looking at seven] signs that it might be time to leave your church. And then [we’ll] end by looking at how to leave your church well.



How Do You Know When It’s Time [to] Leave Your Church?

As we look at this [question I’d] encourage you before you do anything to pray. This shouldn’t be a decision you make on your own, [but] rather one that you seek God’s wisdom in. You and [me aren’t as] wise as we like to think. We need God’s wisdom when discerning if we should leave our church. With that in mind, let’s jump in. How do you know when it’s time to leave your church? [Here are seven] signs it might be time to leave.



1. You Haven’t Found Community (But You’ve Tried)

One of the biggest reasons that church is important for Christians is that we have people to do life together with. If you aren’t finding that in your church, it might be time to look for a different church. But hear me on [this;] you have to TRY first.

As a [pastor,] I often encounter people who complain about not being able to connect with others at their church. But when I dig a little [deeper,] what I typically find is they haven’t even tried. [Often,] they haven’t attended any community events, been to a small group, or even tried talking with people on a Sunday. Community is a two-way street. It takes effort on both parts. Of [course,] the church has responsibility in this. But you [do,] too, so do your part.

How do you know when it’s time to leave your church? If you’ve tried to find community at your [church but haven’t,] then it might be time to leave your church.



2. The Church Isn’t Doing Anything [for] People Outside [the] Church

Churches should have a balance between growing the spiritual depth of those in the church and loving those outside the church. But [often, that balance is lost,] and churches become concerned with only what’s happening within their walls. If your church has become all internal and has no focus on what’s happening outside the walls, it’s time to go.

Any church that only focuses on those inside the walls inevitably becomes sick and dies. The church was never meant to be [exclusive] but rather inclusive. That responsibility lies not only on the church but on you as well. The church should be training those inside to go and love those outside. Find a place that puts an emphasis on loving people outside the church.

When is it time to leave a church? When the church isn’t focused on reaching those in their community.



3. There Is Abuse [of Power in the] Church Leadership

The church is [messy because] they allow people like you and me [through] the doors. And the leaders of the church aren’t immune to the mess. They are broken people just like everybody else. [Unfortunately,] it’s not uncommon for the leadership of a church to get consumed in their pursuit of power that they end up abusing the position God has put them in.

[I’ve] heard many heartbreaking stories of spiritual, emotional, and sometimes even physical abuse that have taken place inside churches. If the leadership in your church is making demands, twisting the Gospel to give them power, [or using] the Bible to put others down, get out. If there’s even a hint of that in your church, RUN.

Let me just add one caveat to this. In some [cases, it’s one pastor that’s become abusive,] and once the church leadership becomes [aware,] they take appropriate steps to handle the problem. In that [case,] you might consider staying if you weren’t the one directly involved.

How do you know when it’s time to leave your church? When the church leadership is abusing its power and refuses to be held accountable.



4. You Don’t Agree [with the] Vision

While the mission of every church is the same, how that mission is played out will look different for each church. I think [that’s] one of the most beautiful parts of the church. Together we make up the body of Christ. But each individual part plays a different role.

Each church will look and feel different. Each church plays a different role in the overarching mission of the church. And that’s [okay;] in fact, that’s a good thing. Churches are different.

Most of these differences aren’t right or wrong; [they’re just preferences]. If you don’t agree with the direction your church is going, that’s fine; go find one you can get behind. That’s the beauty of having so many unique churches; each one will make an impact in a different way. Find a church that has a vision that fits the gifts God has given you.

When is it time to leave a church? When their vision and direction doesn’t align with how God has gifted and wired you.



5. You Don’t Trust [the Church with] Your Money

If you cannot trust the church with your money, you shouldn’t give them your time. Some churches keep their books closed and will not share where the money that comes in goes. [That’s a red flag. As a member of a church,] you should [know where] the money is going. Now, in some areas, you don’t need all the details. For example, [the] salaries of all the staff are often lumped into one. You can see how [much is] being given to salaries but not what an individual makes.

Giving to a church is like making an investment. If you shifted your 401k to a new broker and they wouldn’t show you where your money was, you would pull it fast! If you regularly give and attend a [church,] you should know exactly how your money is being [used,] and you should see “returns” on your investment. If your church isn’t willing to show where the money is going or if you don’t trust the church to use what you give for the benefit of God’s [Kingdom,] it’s time to leave.

How do you know when it’s time to leave your church? When they hide where the money is going.



6. Church Politics Have Overtaken [the Pursuit of] Jesus

Wherever two or more people [gather,] the one thing you can guarantee is there will be issues.

Every church has and will continue to have issues. You cannot expect a group of broken, messed up people to come together and all of a sudden be perfect. [That’s not] going to happen. If you want to be a part of a church or any group of people, [you’ll] have to have some grace.

[However,] there are some churches where politics have overtaken everything else. If your church is all about the church politics, drama, or he said/she [said,] it might be time to look for a new church.

When is it time to leave a church? When church politics overtake the mission and calling of Jesus.



7. There’s No Place [for You to] Use Your Skills/Gifts

Every single person is different and has a unique set of skills. This means that you were created in a way that you can serve and use your skills to benefit those around you. And I believe that [you’re] in a unique spot to make an impact on someone in a way that no one else can. If your church doesn’t have a place or isn’t willing to let you use your skills, you need to find a place where you can use your God-given gifts to benefit those around you.

How do you know when it’s time to leave your church? When your gifts [aren’t] being utilized to benefit the church.46

Along with this article, the author presents a follow-up in regard to not just leaving but how to leave well.



HOW TO LEAVE A CHURCH WELL

When most people leave a [church,] they simply slip out the back door. But I want to encourage you to take a different path. It’s more difficult, but it’s more honoring and better in the long run. I want you to consider this question, [how do you tell your pastor you’re leaving the church?]

I know it’s easy to just leave. But in the long [run,] it will be better for you and the church if you learn how to leave a church well.



1. Check Your Motives

Why do you want to leave your church? Be honest. Are you leaving for good reasons? Or is there something else going on in your heart?

Sometimes we can deceive ourselves into thinking we are doing the right thing, but in [reality, we’re] doing it for selfish reasons. Spend some time checking your motives and asking God for wisdom. Use the above list of signs on [how to know] when it’s time to leave your church to help you discern if you should.

How to leave a church well starts with checking your motives.



2. Tell Someone

I’ve been a pastor for [ten] years. The vast majority of people leave without ever telling anyone. And I get it, it’s awkward. I know it’s hard, but it’s needed.

Have a healthy, respectful, and constructive conversation. Don’t leave without talking to the pastor or the people you were connected with.

[How do you tell] your pastor [you’re] leaving the church? You be honest. [Sugarcoating] or avoiding the conversation isn’t going to be good for you or them. Be honest and share why you feel it’s best for you to leave.



3. Be Honest [with] Your Why

Speaking of honesty. When [you’re telling people you’re leaving,] give them the real reason. It doesn’t help anyone when you don’t tell the full truth. Now you can say it in a respectful [way] but say it.

Again, I know this is difficult. I know it’s hard to speak up about the issues [you’re facing. But remember,] the church is the bride of Christ. Treat her respectfully. Be honest.

How to leave a church well means that you are honest with why you are leaving.



4. Leave [with] Grace

Don’t burn your bridges. Again, remember the church is the bride of [Christ;] treat her with respect and grace. When you insult your [church, ultimately,] you are insulting Christ.

[You’re probably frustrated with how things are happening,] and you likely have a good reason to feel that way. Still, take the high road. It’s not easy, but you won’t regret it.

Ask yourself. In [ten] years, what will I wish I had done? Really that’s a great question for most aspects of our [departure]. But when it comes to how to leave a [church, I think that question will help you do what’s] best.



5. Find [a] New Church

[What happens] when people leave their church and never end up finding another [one?] If [you’re leaving your church,] the top priority should be finding a new church. The reality is the best shot you have of following Jesus is with a few other people in your life.

The Christian life is not meant to be done in isolation. In fact, I would say it’s impossible. Find a place you can plug into and commit to that church.

And [remember, you don’t go to church; you are the church. So,] find a place where you can grow, serve, love, give, and experience the transformation that Jesus has for you. 47

Well, it’s time, unfortunately to leave you with some closing thoughts.



Endnotes

45R.B. Thieme Jr.

46Jefffery Curtis Poor. “How Do You Know When It’s Time to Leave Your Church?” Rethink

22 February 2023

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47Jefffery Curtis Poor.



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