Q3. Preventing Power-Mongering

[Christopher Olamiji Taiwo]

On 4/18/2004 at 4:13 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

The best way to keep elders and pastors from being power mongers is being taking good care of them by paying good salary and other incentives and monitor their activities. The danger in limiting the pastor's authority will result into unnecessary excuses by not been responsible and reliable on their duties. Testing before bestowing authority is very difficult because human being are very difficult to understand. The only way is committing all things to God in prayers and watch.

[Eilen]

We have to keep our pastors focused on their roles as leaders.  The church has to constantly pray for its leaders that they be humble  just as Jesus was humble and not be power-mongers. A pastor should not abuse his authority/power.  Jesus does not condone such actions.  

Potential pastors should all go through a period of training not only in religion but also in management and counselling.  

[JanMary]

On ‎4‎/‎17‎/‎2004 at 9:13 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

1. Honestly? I have NO idea, other than having a church board who is willing to confront the power-monger (s) by following denominational and Biblical guidelines, with the leading of the Holy Spirit. We've been in 2 churches who experienced this sad and devastating situation. In the first situation, when confronted, the pastor spread lies and preached from the pulpit re: "his victimization". (He had "fired" an assoc. pastor who "no longer fit it"...code for was getting a degree in counseling and had begun to make suggestions re: Misuse of Power) Many in the congregation left, which is what we did. Eventually his ego became so out of control that he resigned, certain that he was next in line for a BIG job in the denomination. When the job went to someone less "qualified" he came back and said "I changed my mind! I want to stay on as your pastor!"   But by that time the board had some backbone and told him "No, thank you. We have a search underway for a new pastor".  The danger? Hundreds of wounded and disillusioned Christians, many of whom no longer attend any church, preferring the safety of T.V. church where they are not emotionally invested.

The second scenario was a young, dynamic, former athletic superstar, who felt called into the ministry. He had a sweet spirit and was very humble, preaching about how his goal was a church which was DEEP, not wide.  However as the church grew, his ego expanded with the growth, and WIDE replaced deep. He quickly started searching for a larger building, found one the church could not afford, so he lied to the board and the congregation, did some "Ugly" arm twisting in secret meetings with a "select group....code for other wealthy athletes, Doctors, and professionals who were his friends, some of whom were deacons and "elders"... asking them to make secret "loans" to the church. Next he lied to the congregation about all of this. When an assoc. pastor sought his guidance about a job offer in another state, he turned this into a personal affront calling it betrayal, and at the next church service called the deacons and elders to stand in front with him while he publicly "flayed" this dear brother in Christ. That was our last Sunday....we were slow to believe what "seemed to be going on", not wanting to be devastated again! The power-monger is still pastoring that church, however he has an entirely new congregation who has no idea why everyone left. He's very charismatic and "says all the right things"...but inside he's an egomaniac. The danger? More wounded, disillusioned Christians. (Sad Statistic: There are as many Christians who no longer attend any church, due to church wounds, as there are Christians who do attend church. Charisma magazine poll)

As far as the other 3 parts to the question, I'm clueless. The truism: Money is power and power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. God help the body of Christ!

Since I'm not in a position to be making the decisions queried in this question, my role is to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for those who do make these decisions.

[hanks]

Q3. (5:3) 
How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? 
From limiting a pastor's authority? 
What's the danger here? 
From testing a person before bestowing authority? 
How can this be difficult? 
How can we deal with this serious problem properly?
The world thinks of leaders as being confident, self-assured and assertive. In contrast Peter tells us that our leaders are to be humble and a servant of others. In our churches we often see Christians that tend to measure leaders in terms of their success, whereas in the Scriptures they were measured in terms of their faithfulness. When we introduce a Christian speaker, we boast of their educational achievements, their success in ministry (usually measured in numbers), and their acceptance by men. Even when we seek to recruit leaders, we appeal to men on a human level, according to human pride and ambition. We want them to think of leadership as an honour rather than a means of expressing humility. We speak to them about feeling fulfilled rather than of emptying themselves in service to others. So there is a vastly different way unbelievers lead and the way it should be in our churches. Our leaders are not to be self-seeking, self-serving, and self-sufficient but humble in their relationship to God and to men. We desperately need to embrace Peter’s view of leadership if we are to function properly as a church.
 

[Old Jerry]

We must make sure that the people that we put into those positions are not incline to be power-mongers. We need to evaluate them and look at their past to see if they meet the requirements of being a leader. We are to look for leaders that are strong and humble. But even when we do this there are still those who will be able to circumvent the system.

[aliya721]

On 4/24/2004 at 0:20 PM, Betty said:

(5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers?

By reminding them that everyone in the church is just as important in God's eyes as they are, and they have no authority to set themselves up as being powerful. They should be leaders by example and keep all business before the church, not doing anything under-handed that could cause conflict. In our church, we have a monthly business meeting where the members vote on any major issues involving church affairs; therefore, all the members who attend the meeting are informed of activities by the Pastor and Deacons, and the church has an opportunity to vote on the matter.

We should be in constant prayer for our Pastor and Deacons (or Elders) because it's no easy task to be a serving, committed leader.

From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here?

If a Pastor is fully committed to humbly serve the people in his church, it should not be necessary to limit his authority. However, a Pastor should not count the church as "his" and think that the people are there to serve him. God said, "I will build my church." The danger in limiting a Pastor's authority could lead to discontent and distrust between himself and the members.

From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult?

It would be difficult to test a person in church concerning how they would handle authority; but they need a clear explanation of what is expected of them and how the church will have the right to challenge them if they disagree with something the leader is doing. The most important thing to do is pray for the leader to commit his or her life to serving God and the people in the best way he or she can, with God's help.

How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

Don't just look the other way or sweep it under the rug; and by all means, don't leave your church. When a problem comes up like this, it must be addressed. Possibly, the other leaders in the church could have a meeting with the person, pray with him or her and let them know that there is indeed a problem with the way they are handling things. They need to be reminded that they are there to serve God and His people and must answer to the people, but ultimately answer to God. Most of all, we must, as so many others have said, "PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!"

Great points. Yes, the pastor first needs to lead like Jesus. There must be a servant heart that is apparent to all. It is not the pastor's church. The congregation is the church, not the walls. Without checks and balances as far as what is necessary and anything specific to church governance, everyone fails and God is not glorified.

[Neil NRG]

On 4/18/2004 at 2:13 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

Pray and encourage them!

Their authority should not be limited unless they are failing in their role. Let's hope that they are called by God to be chosen in an important role and honour that.

Those called by God will be tested and we can observe how they respond before bestowing authority. It is not up to us to test them -- let it be in God's will. 

Only God knows the answer to some of these questions. As people of faith we need to step out with courage and sometimes we are wrong. However, God brings good from all things.

Lord, grant our leaders wisdom in making important decisions about workers in Your church. Lord, I know we all fail and make mistakes, but I know You are there to catch us and make good their decisions that they earnestly seek with a loving heart for Your glory.

[Sandtoad]

Talk to elders & tell them what you are observing. If that is met with denial and putting everything back on you, leave. DO NOT use frustration as an excuse to gossip and stir up trouble among other churchgoers. The danger is that the elders and pastors in their greed for power and money forget that are servants of God and people. They overlook the people they are to care for and consider only what they want. I am blessed with pastors who are biblically based and who care for us. 

 

[bertha]

Jesus set a good example to us when he said a true pastor cares for the sheep and will give his life for them. Jesus showed humility when he washed the disciples feet and asked us to do the same for each other. Elders and pastors must be filled with the Holy Spirit, be humble, be constant in prayer, show love for the people, knowing that they are but vessels in God's hands and will surely give an account to God for their actions. Having a board of directors to whom they must give account to should be necessary. A secretary, a treasurer, as well. All tithes and offerings recorded and accounted for. It is sad to say we have to run the church like we would a business.  

[WinstonY]

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

 keeping elders and pastors from seizing too much power has been a problem in the church for centuries. We must be very careful in choosing people for these positions. We need to look for people that are humble and do not live a life filled with luxury in their own life. However, the only real test is a test of the Holy Spirit. As we consider whom we should choose for an elder or a pastor we must do it in conjunction with the Holy Spirit.

to limit the pastor's power is not a good way to go about this. For if we do the effectiveness of the pastor will be impacted. Instead a panel of people should be set up to work with the pastor so that they can be his overseers and his Associates in the work off the Lord. In fact the whole congregation should act as Associates with the pastor.

[haar]

Q3. (5:3)

Q. How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

By praying and lifting up the Church to God to grand each person the right attitude and leadership/ follower style. Particularly, we should ask God to help the followership for the mind and character of Christ in obedience to authority.

By the leading of the Holy Spirit, we should elect leaders who have the willingness to serve and not those who want o be rich quickly nor those who want to load it on the followership. 

Though this can be difficult to achieve, with the help of God this can be achieved. 

 

[Zilka]

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

Our God-Jesus Christ has authority for us.

I think Pastors must be happy all of us would be patner for them to cooperation as Gift from God.

[Commissioned]

On 4/18/2004 at 0:13 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

We can best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers by Paying the enough to live on as they serve the congregation.  The pastor will serve well if their need for taking care of him/herself and their family well.  Adequate remuneration takes away the problem of having to find coverage for financial obligations,  A pastor who administers the affairs of the church with a serving board of elders/deacons will share in he responsibility of the church. The authority for making decisions is not rested 100% with one person,  Candidates for positions in the church should be interviewed thoroughly, asking those questions that will determine best quality.

[lighthouse2014]

On 4/17/2004 at 11:13 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

To keep pastor's or elders from becoming power mongers, wwe must remind them of their duties to the Lord. If they continue to be power mongers, they can be removed from leadership.

A person can perhaps be tested before taking an office of leadership to see if their heart is right with the Lord's will.

[CharlesBible]

On 7/28/2017 at 5:48 PM, haar said:

Q. How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?

We are talking about human nature. There are so many examples throughout history of people who have become power-mongers. I think it helps to demonstrate that all people have a voice and are allowed to be heard. As soon as people begin to feel shut out, they are likely to want to grab more power.