"Satan v. Church Leaders"

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[maranatha]

http://www.biblicalchurchgrowth.com/?p=88

Satan v. Church Leaders

by Jonathan Leeman

Southern Seminary professor Chuck Lawless imagines what he would do if he were Satan, trying to ensnare pastors and church leaders. The whole article is here, but his seven basic points are

First, I would attack those who are most gifted . . . by reminding them that they are gifted.  

Second, I would encourage leaders to talk about accountability . . . but not be personally accountable to anyone.

Third, I would challenge leaders to emphasize spiritual disciplines . . . but only for others.

Fourth, I would focus the leader’s attention on tomorrow . . . rather than today.

Fifth, I would encourage ministry by e-mail . . . especially with those of the opposite gender.

Sixth, I would not hinder ministry success . . . as long as “success” results in few changed lives.

Seventh, I would stress failure . . . and then lead the church to do the same. "

( I found this over at  http://blog.9marks.org/2008/03/satan-v-church.html )

[Immortal_Raven]

Thanks for the link.  I found this to be a useful and insightful read.  Since I work in leadership at my present church, it especially struck a chord with me.  I'd encourage anyone, particularly in leadership, to spend some time on this.

-Immortal_Raven

[Angry]

wow.

In reading these 7 methods, my mind instantly matched them up with the traits we saw within gc*'s governance.

I am not healed from the group's damaging ways.

Angry

[DrSam]

I would add:

1. Play up the pastor's addiction to being needed, thus attracting vampire sheep, ending up in sucking his life out, causing his wife to resent the church as mistress (getting left-overs), and his children consider the church as stealing Dad from them.

2. Have pastor sacrifice his family on the altar of "serving Jesus."

3. Emphasize programs versus relationships.

4. Emphasize real estate (purchase and maintenance) versus relationships.

5. Emphasize "knowledge" rather than humble surrender.

6. Use verses like "leaving what is behind" as an excuse for denial and not dealing with past hurts and traumas thus becoming whole and healthy.

7. Use God-talk to hide total narcissism in leader. [Narcissism is self-absorption while hiding behind a fake constructed persona in order to insulate the hurting child inside from the risk of being found out as weak, hurting, flawed, shamed, etc.]

8. Divorce the heart from the mind. Call emotions "evil" or "wicked" as an excuse to not deal with them in one's life, especially the negative ones.

http://www.biblicalchurchgrowth.com/?p=88

Satan v. Church Leaders

by Jonathan Leeman

Southern Seminary professor Chuck Lawless imagines what he would do if he were Satan, trying to ensnare pastors and church leaders. The whole article is here, but his seven basic points are

First, I would attack those who are most gifted . . . by reminding them that they are gifted.  

Second, I would encourage leaders to talk about accountability . . . but not be personally accountable to anyone.

Third, I would challenge leaders to emphasize spiritual disciplines . . . but only for others.

Fourth, I would focus the leader’s attention on tomorrow . . . rather than today.

Fifth, I would encourage ministry by e-mail . . . especially with those of the opposite gender.

Sixth, I would not hinder ministry success . . . as long as “success” results in few changed lives.

Seventh, I would stress failure . . . and then lead the church to do the same. "

( I found this over at  http://blog.9marks.org/2008/03/satan-v-church.html )

[Angry]

Thank you for the additions DrSam.  Good insight - I like your views.

Your first two notes can be attributed to not only Pastoral men but ALL us men who at one time or another get knee deep in a career and allow our family to get our "second best".

April 1st or not, I agree with you DrSam!!!!

Angry

[maranatha]

If you liked the last link, you may like this too:

http://www.changeisgood4u.com/2008/04/francis-chan-on-simplywaitcom.html

The illustration Francis Chan gives in the last couple minutes really is fun and full of truth!

[DrSam]

Thank you for the additions DrSam.  Good insight - I like your views.

Your first two notes can be attributed to not only Pastoral men but ALL us men who at one time or another get knee deep in a career and allow our family to get our "second best".

April 1st or not, I agree with you DrSam!!!!

Angry

Angry,

Thank you. For a moment I thought it was an April Fool's thing...

I would add that I personally believe that Jesus must be sad that we Christians have gotten all hung up on the "Martha Syndrome" of making noise with the clanging pots and pans as we make supper for Jesus. We are doing "ministry" for Him but fail at our relationship with Him and His own. How? We turn into spiritual workaholics like you implied. We get addicted to buildings and programs as measures of "success."

Personally I believe the "church" is dying and fading out. We are in a post-Evangelical era now. "Churches" are becoming dinosaurs and cemeteries. I've given up on Evangelical Christianity. It is bankrupt and stuck in so many ruts and in their bubble while the world laughs at them and passes them by unfazed and not caring. I don't do "church." I'm very happy and glad. Been there and done that!