This is a repost of an earlier description of godly leaders according to God's Word. We need to examine if the ones we are under truly FIT it's description. If not, we need to get OUT from under them. If led by the Spirit, we need to expose those that are not for the welfare of other believers.
IS MY ELDER or PASTOR GODLY?
Does He Operate And Cooperate With God?
I disturbingly and distinctly remember when a familiar guy in our church was newly appointed an elder. There were quite a large number of us assembled for him to debut his "shepherding responsibility". Awaiting his guidance I was taken aback and bludgeoned with his arrogant and demanding (lording it over) manner when he finally spoke. From my observation he didn't come across like this prior to his new position. His rude attitude was disappointing and dreadful.
But, I had not had opportunity to observe other men in GCx before they were appointed elders. Actually, the main appointee of elders, who was to be revered and emulated, did indeed act in such a manner. I guess I had just come to expect it from him and other elders who worshipped this 'main man' because that's all I'd ever experienced there as a new believer. The startling change in this familiar "brother" which caught me by surprise shed light on this "to be feared" office of elder in this manipulative GCx church organization.
"You shall Fear ONLY the LORD YOUR God; and shall worship HIM "
Deut. 6:13
"You shall NOT FEAR other gods, NOR BOW DOWN yourselves to them" "
2 Kings 17:35
Wasn't that kind of fear just reserved for God? Was his behavior befitting of a shepherd called to care for God's PRECIOUS flock? More importantly, were those this new leader was IMITATING following a TRUE & GENUINE biblical pattern of an overseer?
ISN'T THE KIND OF FEAR, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE which the founders and overseers demanded of us ONLY RESERVED FOR GOD?
WEREN'T WE HELD CAPTIVE TO IDOLATRY (deceptively) TO GCx AND IT'S LEADERS? (They could never in the awareness of the Spirit feel good about these realities.)
There dwelt a conflict in my soul (added to others in GCx I stuffed) which I never voiced while in there. This very question was NOT PERMITTED in GCx. (It is one of many unwritten RULES there.). The elders were unequivocally to be "obeyed". They claimed spiritual Parenthood on the same level as God. Some have been quoted to hold this claim as has been REVEALED here on this site. Substituting pastors as head of the church rather than Christ. Instead the Word of GOD correctly instructs:
"...As HEAD of the church, his body, which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits TO CHRIST..."
Ephesians 5:23,24
These "elders" though perhaps unaware were peddlers and salesmen of GCx and it's founder. The sheep were not built up and tended to with grace, but pushed and shoved around for the sole purpose of the success of the organization and often it's brutal founder. These young sheep likely concluded their God was much the same, using them as pawns.
Thus, they, by the thousands, came to view their real Heavenly Father as demanding and indifferent toward them, also. Wouldn't this be an insidious but effective plan of SATAN for believers? The memory of a patient, tender, compassionate and merciful Shepherd fading away. This false picture of God boldly painted by those who serve and worship themselves (which Paul implies can be a believer who has been led astray by Satan). These men the Word of God labels as False Teachers. Their instruction supposedly from God and explanation about God is a false image! Paul warns in Galatians they present a DIFFERENT JESUS!
The WORD of GOD tells us the truth about what our God ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE:
Isaiah 40:9 SAYS: Here is your God! ...
... "He TENDS his flock LIKE a shepherd:
He GATHERS the LAMBS in His ARMS
and CARRIES them close to his heart;
He GENTLY leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11
If you have been a false peddler of God by persuading others they must be loyal to GCx and it's elders to be loyal to God, then be honest with yourself and with others about your idolatry.
Do us and them a huge favor by admitting it. Turn your mind toward God's INFINITE GRACE so that you will treat others in a like manner instead, and receive his unending forgiveness!
In Christ we will FORGIVE YOU too.
