Let’s Be Living Examples
Dear Friends,
We agree that beneficial church leadership isn't just a good idea—it's essential, and healthy church leadership must learn to wisely, lovingly, and steadfastly manage the tension between embracing our human frailty and weakness (and being discipled) and being called living examples. Healthy church leadership is not an accident we stumble into but the result of prayer, collaboration, communal conversations, and intentionality. Healthy church leadership happens when a group of people commits to embodying the way of Jesus together. We value diversity, not uniformity. We value interdependence, not co-dependence or independence. We're not merely operating an organization; we're stewarding something sacred, a sampling of God's ekklesia, His flock, His house, the people of God -- Saints! If we've learned anything from the failures of well-known leaders, it's that charisma without character is unsafe, unstable, and hazardous.
Like some of you, I’ve been up close and personal with amazing men and women of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, operating in gifts, faithfully shepherding God’s people, and committed to abiding in Jesus, bearing the fruit of the Spirit. They have withstood the constant temptation of the flesh and overcome gossip, slander, name-calling, and divisive rhetoric. They chose humility over power. They chose anonymity over popularity. They have proven to be mature in their most holy faith, not by demonstrating gifts, but by their hopeful perseverance through pain, sorrow, and tribulation. They chose love, the greatest of them all. Also, like you, I’ve been up close and personal to the moral failures of others. The pain hits deep, and the disillusionment is real. Unfortunately, society has become too familiar with church leadership corruption. Their fall—not due to a lack of gifting but because of a lack of moral authority, personal responsibility, and organizational accountability- has been witnessed too often. The past few years have been sobering and serve as a trumpet call to those with ears to hear. These stories serve as reminders that toxic systems produce toxic results.
When power goes unchecked, truth is silenced, and correction is ignored, destruction follows. It's not only the leaders who suffer but also the people they serve. Too many times, we hear, "They would never do that. Look at the anointing in their life. Look how God is using them. I know them. Others are lying. The devil is just trying to stop what God is doing." To be honest, this conversation is exhausting. It's easy to feel weighed down by all the brokenness, withdraw, and become cynical. Let's be better. Let's resist spiritually bypassing the complex issues surrounding the unique calling of priests and shepherds.
Allen Hood, in his written apology to the IHOP-KC community and his followers, puts it plainly: "Over the past year or so, I have undergone a massive learning curve regarding the crucial role that media and social media play in holding ministers and organizations accountable for clergy sexual abuse and its mishandling. Celebrity Christianity and the rise of independent churches and ministries have created powerful, charismatic leaders with little to no accountability. Victims and their advocates are continually scrutinized and demonized by these leaders. At the same time, there is little scrutiny of the unchecked power of these leaders, their deficient church governance structures, or the regular covering up of sin by those with the most to lose from an influential leader's fall."
Part of me reads the headlines and says, “Thank God that’s not us.” Another part of me feels the punches the Body of Christ is taking. Still, another part of me, maybe a wiser voice within, says, “Lance, what can we learn from the unfortunate mistakes of others? How will their failures serve others’ faithfulness?” This moment is about learning, respect, listening, deep listening, and taking action, not throwing stones. It’s essential to ask, "What kind of people do we want to be?" Jesus—His kingdom, values, heart, and mission are where we find the answers to this question, not in personal preferences or cultural trends. We must embody love and truth, mercy and justice, empowerment and servanthood, accountability and responsibility. Love without truth isn't love—it's enabling. Justice without mercy isn't justice—it's punishment. Authentic leadership empowers others, not just the leader, and servanthood isn't a strategy—it's the very nature of Jesus.
Recently, I have been leading a conversation with our pastoral team regarding the qualification of the eldership as identified in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. In addition, I have developed a series of more heart-provoking questions for my one-on-one conversations with each of the pastors on my team. Lastly, I am committing to practicing regular fellowship with my board members so that should there be a weakness in my character that is damaging me, my wife, my family, and the church, the Board I serve can address it and help me.
Your leaders meetings, conversations, shared meals, and other moments are sacred. They offer you a chance to connect as you share your hearts, build authentic relationships, and provide others with the empowering covering they deserve to release God's anointing in His people. We are here to serve something greater than ourselves—to create a Kingdom culture where people thrive under Christ's leadership. Be a Kingdom family of families.
So, let's not settle. Let's build integrity, lead with humility, honesty, and transparency, and create a culture where correction is welcomed, not feared. If you need a friend to share with, message me.
Let's boldly declare: Jesus is King and Lord, and His way is the only way worth following.
The Lord and His peace be upon you!
:: Lance