The article cataloged 10 reasons why denominations should be
praised; everything from a mechanism for accountability to support of
missions. All of the reasons listed were
fair and appropriate. However, this
issue is most certainly not one sided.
While there is much for which denominations can and should be praised,
there can be a very, very dark underbelly which cannot be ignored. In fact, all of the good of which
denominations can accomplish can be completely negated by the evil which can
lurk within.
The most serious evil which can so easily infect the health
of formalized Christian organizations is corruption within the leadership. And the specific corruption to which I refer
is the same danger spoken of in the Scripture; the lust of the eyes, the pride
of life, and the boasting of what one has or has done. Because there is such an inordinate trust
typically placed in denominational leaders, this evil can be exponentially
greater than normal.
The most telling symptom of this corruption is “non-transparency”. Any denominational leadership that is
unwilling to be absolutely and completely transparent about the issues of
finance, as well as ministry schedules and activities should be suspect. Any denominational leadership office that is
unwilling to maintain a website which makes accessible to the members an open
ledger of every dime received and spent should be suspect. Any denominational leadership that lives a
lifestyle that is drastically in contrast to the rank and file membership should
be suspect.
Some might recoil at my last comment; however, give me a
moment to explain. I have no problem
whatsoever with any person being stinkin’ rich.
Christian or not… I don’t care.
As long as it is made honestly, and as long as the tithe is paid, make
as much as you desire. However, there is
an exception. Please note that in the
sphere of “business” this exception disappears, but in the sphere of Christian
ministry it cannot be ignored.
One that desires to serve in a capacity of Christian
leadership must be sensitive to the body to which he is called to serve. A leader loses credibility when they become
too far removed from the reality of the people they lead. And a leader MUST have credibility. His lifestyle should be a reflection of those
whom he serves. I Corinthians 9:20-22
It is for this reason, among several, that I am an advocate
of “term limits” for denominational leaders.
If a denominational leader wants to be wealthy, that wealth should not
come during his term of leadership. Let
him make his wealth, as much as he wants, before or after; and if before, then
it should be placed in a managed trust prior to his term of office. He can
return to a more affluent lifestyle once he leaves his post of leadership if he
so chooses.
Sadly, this is not the normal pattern for denominational
leadership. The normal pattern is that men
who began with hearts of gratitude and humility begin to slowly change as they
acquire power and wealth. Then, one day,
they wake up and realize how disparate their lives have become from those who
trusted them with the ministry in the beginning. It then becomes necessary for
them to conceal their life and wealth.
Ultimately… one day… the truth becomes known. And then… denominations loose their luster.
That’s the bad news. However, the
good news about Christian organizations is that they have the ability to
reboot. They can start fresh. They can be redeemed. And it is then that the polish can be
restored to the denominational vessel, and lives can be won for the Kingdom.
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