toddjohnston.org

I must be honest, I am at very best a skeptical person–especially when it comes to people in leadership positions in the Church. I believe I have come by my skepticism honestly.At the ripe old age of 25, I have already experienced a slew of things in the presence of poor leaders in churches and para-church organizations. Everything from an ego-driven pastor not knowing when to call it quits by leaving his church in hopes of someone else being able to salvage it, to a bitter pastor (that I use to work for) unable let go of a bad situation that runs a “church” out of his house with embittered ex-members of his ex-church. One of my favorite speakers/pastors/writers had an affair with his secretary for years–during the time he was becoming one of my favorites. Then there was the pastor of another church I worked at that lied to my face about a situation surrounding the “resignation” of a fellow employee, talked bad about me (called me incompetent and lazy) behind my back to church elders (who stood idly by), also talked badly about my now wife behind her back, and last but not least cheated on his wife with someone in the church. Who wouldn’t be a little skeptical? I’ve considered agnosticism, believe me:)Looking back at these situations, I now know that I was naive in many ways in these very personally painful circumstances, but I still trusted. On one hand it’s my job to keep those in authority accountable, to make sure they’re true to their word and to God’s Word. On the other hand, the situations we often find ourselves in are situations God has led us to. If we are constantly doubting our leaders, we are undermining their authority, thus dishonoring God who gave them that very same authority. If God has placed them there, it is for a purpose. If we cannot trust our spiritual leaders’ leadership, then we cannot trust God who has placed them in leadership.Sure I followed these men and even looked up to some of them, but they are still just men with faults like the rest of us. But they still have to lead under the authority of a Sovereign God who appoints everything for a reason. For example, if I wouldn’t have worked at one of these churches, I would never have met my now wife. Looking back now, it would be worth enduring the painful situation all over again just for her.God is also just. If those in positions of authority misuse their authority they will have to answer to God if not in this life, then certainly in eternity. As for some of these pastors I mentioned: one now sells insurance for a living, another works on people’s messed up PC’s all day, while another works at a jewelry store and gets to tell women “that ring just simply look fabulous on you, it complements your eye color” all day long.As I said before, God is just and sovereign. Leaders don’t misuse your leadership or you won’t be a leader for long (personally I think having answer to the God of the universe is scarier). And Christians, trust those he’s placed in leadership over you. He really will take care of the rest.