Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
- The leader has information
- The leader has authority
- The leader has power
- The leader has position
When a leader begins to abuse power
- Some leaders leave
- Some followers become miserable
- Some followers stagnate in fear
- Some leaders plan a coup
Any questions?
Hmmm? the weight of ministry???
Mat 23:1-10 KJV
… Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:…
… For they **bind heavy burdens** and grievous to be borne,
and lay them on men’s shoulders but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
IMO – the weight of ministry – heavy burdens – is put there by “The Corrupt Religious System.”
“Traditions of Men” that nullify and cancell out the Word of God. Mark 7:13.
Most of what *Today’s* Pastor/Leader is expected to do, and hired to do, is…
Along with the “Title” – NOT in the Bible.
Trying to please the denominational leaders,
please the congregation, the congregations leaders,
your own family, and of course Jesus.
Who is often relegated to last place. Hmmm?
Serving so many masters, that's tough, Yes?
Peaching every week… and it better be good, being the CEO,
the team leader, counciling, marrying, burying, smiley face. etc. etc.
Mat 11:28-30 KJV
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I had to learn the hard way – when “MY” yoke was hard – and “MY” burden heavy…
It was “MY” yoke – NOT God’s yoke for me. It was “MY” burden – NOT God’s burden for me…
His yoke is easy – His burden light…
I'm recalling Paul saying “far beyond our ability to endure” or the angel saying to Elijah “this journey is too much for you” or Jesus crying for the burden to be taken, but “not my will but thy will”. It is His burden…and our goal is to yield completely to HIm, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I've not yet managed to be done completely with the weight of “bearing with one another” yet and full casting all my cares upon Him because He cares for me. I'm better some day than other days.
Ron
Is it possible the reason “Burnout” and “Depression”is such a problem
for **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is they have found themselves
with a “Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?
Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone – hired, or fired – as a “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
Were any congregations “led” by a “pastor” in the Bible?
Seems only Jesus has the “Title” Shepherd in the Bible. 1 Pet 2:24 KJV, 1 Pet 5:4 KJV.
And every “pastor” I’ve met also had the “Title” “Reverend.”
Does any mere fallible human have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?
Only God… Psalm 111:9 KJV
He sent redemption unto his people:
he hath commanded his covenant for ever:
**holy and reverend is his name.**
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall “hear My voice; “
and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice – Jesus
It's possible. It's also possible among the men I saw this week that they are carrying the weight of ministry.
Twitter: BLichtenwalner
says:
I believe it was Max DePree who said, “Leadership is a serious meddling in people’s lives.”
Good quote.
Ron
Much agreement – Power corrupts – and absolute power – corrupts absolutely.
Seems when you take the “Title” and “Position” Pastor/Reverend/Leader…
That simingly innocent “Title” comes with something – “A Little Bit Extra.”
Power – Profit – Prestige – Honor – Glory – Recognition – Reputation – etc…
ALL those things that become “Idols” of the heart. All those things Jesus spoke against.
In my experience… With Pastor/Leaders… and having been in Leadership… shows me…
Titles become Idols ………….. (“Idols” of the heart – Ezek14:1-11 KJV)
Pastors become Masters……. ( Jesus taught His Disciples NOT to be called Masters. Mat 23:10 KJV)
And these “Idols,” carried in the Pastors heart, are unseen to the natural eye, extremely difficult to lay down and walk away from. They become an addiction. And like any addiction – you never have enough – you always need more and more to satisfy the addiction. You think you’re in control, tell others you’re in control but the addiction controls you. You’re in bondage to an addiction – and a lie – and you don’t know it.
Power corrupts – and absolute power – corrupts absolutely.
And in my experience with “Todays Corrupt Religious System.” This “power” corrupts ALL who attempt to wield this “power.” This “power” they think they have – to rule over others – to be obeyed – to be someone special – to be someone important – to be a leader – is leading them to – Burnout – depression – hopelessness – discouragement – failure – and their families are effected and scarred…
This addiction to – Power – Profit – Prestige – is like other addictions – it destroys those who believe they can handle it. These addictions NOT only injure the Pastor/Leader – They also injure the Pastors family.
The statistics – for burned out pastors – say… http://pastoralcareinc.com/WhyPastoralCare/Statis…
94% of clergy families feel the pressures of the pastor's ministry.
80% of pastors' spouses wish they would choose a different profession.
80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families.
70% of pastors constantly fight depression. (How does depression effect the Pastors family?)
When you believe the lie you start to die…
The existence of an altogether unrelated drive for personal gain would be the prime reason as to why individuals would abuse the authority associated with their formal positions.
Acording to psychoanalytical therapist Dr. Robert Aziz, managerial or leadership incompetence is a significant factor when it comes to power abuses within business, professional and political circles. I too agree with the same.
Power corrupts because it gives license to unconsciousness and neglect. And, because it licenses individuals to unilaterally, unreflectively and thus arbitrarily impose their will on others.
Power inflates the ego and it licenses individuals to impose their will without having properly engaged and processed through the reality at stake.
Always good thoughts Uma. Thank you.