When Rachel Black was struggling to make sense of her abusive pastor, there was no Christianity Today Mars Hill podcasts and seemingly no books on how an employee in a church is to respond to such disregard. All she knew was the "hairs on her arms stood up" as she sought to understand her boss.
Authoritarianism
Serving Under the Authoritarian Pastor: Jim’s Story
“The exercise of authority is designed to serve the well-being of those under its care,” says Timothy Witmer. That seems basic to the Christian, and yet how many bosses view their leadership this way?
Susie and the Dictator: Assisting an Authoritarian Pastor
Susie's story is not uncommon. Her story is an example of a church work environment that is destructive and extraordinarily complex because highly authoritarian leadership is destructive and extraordinarily complex.
God’s Definition of Leadership: Concentrating on Responsibility Rather than Authority
We look for strong leaders using the world’s standards of leadership . . . not God’s. Elders in Christ's church are called to serve; this is how they are to lead. Jesus served.
Imaging Leadership: When Image is More Important Than Anything
One of the surest ways to kill an organization is to be driven by image. One of the surest ways to identify a toxic leader is to find one driven by image.
Silencing Victims in the Church: Kayla and Amber’s Story
Amber, a young adult, was committed to church. She loved the fellowship and teaching. Then something happened.
Strange Fire: Holding Leaders Accountable
Bad leaders are held to account by the Lord and His people are called to hold them accountable for their failures where they have that ability.
Merry Christmas from Herod
I pray for Herods everywhere this blessed Christmas season.
Giving Leaders a Free Pass: The Story of Praise
Having spent nearly a decade working for a mission college in Africa, I have a keen interest in African leadership. When I spoke with Praise (not his real name), he shared his own experience with leadership abuse in the African nation in which he grew up.
Integrity Under Fire: Kani’s Story
The leader of the international organization for which Kani worked fired him after he confronted corrupt ministry practices.