The Dangers of Entitlement

Leadership within the church can sometimes pose the most significant challenge and obstacle to its progression. It's ironic how the very leadership that is meant to drive the church forward can become a stumbling block. Often, this stems from a mindset of entitlement that can develop among leaders.

Once someone attains a leadership position, they might start thinking that certain responsibilities no longer apply to them, such as punctuality, for example. This mindset manifests in various ways. Some leaders may start coming late to church, assuming it's acceptable because they hold a leadership role.

Let me share a personal example. In my experience as a pastor in Bible Teachers International, there was a time when we lacked a reliable sound person at our church, and my colleague Yannik and I stepped up to handle it. We would arrive at the church early in the morning before the praise and worship team, putting in extra effort to ensure everything ran smoothly. This dedication to the ministry led me to make a deliberate choice when I became a pastor: I insisted that Yannik, who shares my passion and work ethic, become my assistant pastor. We both believe in leading by example, not taking advantage of our positions to slack off or show up late.

The danger of this entitlement mindset is that it can affect the congregation. If leaders don't prioritize being on time or attending church, it sends a message that there's no urgency for others to do so either. This negatively influences the church culture and decreases the level of commitment and responsibility among its members.

Favoritism

Favoritism can also be a ministry killer, especially in small or newly established churches. Leaders must remain impartial and avoid showing preference to certain individuals or groups. When leaders have favorites, they compromise their ability to make fair decisions.

Favoritism often leans toward those who have been in the church longer or have a closer relationship with the leader. When conflicts arise involving favored individuals and newcomers or those less connected, biased judgments can occur. This unfair treatment causes the affected party to withdraw from the church, leading to stagnation. Leaders should ensure an equal and level playing field for everyone, regardless of their relationship with the leader or their time in the church.

Additionally, using terms like "vets" to distinguish long-standing members from newcomers can be divisive. We should recognize that spiritual maturity and integrity can be present in both long-time members and newcomers. It's essential not to underestimate the spiritual depth of those who haven't been in the church for as long. Such distinctions can foster an unhealthy atmosphere within the congregation.

There were 12 men who walked with Jesus, known as the disciples. They spent at least three years with Jesus during his ministry, which lasted for three and a half years. However, let's focus on the spiritual aspect. These disciples were considered the pinnacle of ministry. Peter, John, and others were revered as chief apostles. They are highly honored, even having a special place prepared for them in heaven due to their sacrifices, including enduring painful deaths while trying to establish the gospel.

But here's an interesting twist: God brings Paul into the picture. Paul, a former Pharisee, is a polar opposite of Peter and John. He wasn't part of the inner circle during Jesus' ministry. However, when God saved and filled him with the Spirit, his spiritual journey took off. Some even argue that he surpassed some of the original disciples based on his extensive ministry.

Paul encountered Peter, John, and James, and they accepted him as an apostle on the same level as themselves. This demonstrates that spiritual growth isn't solely based on how long someone has been with a group but on their openness to the Spirit and their dedication. This scenario serves as a lesson for us to be open-minded in the church. People who haven't been with us for decades can still contribute significantly.

2 Corinthians 10:1-6

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

We must remember that our spiritual warfare is primarily in the minds of those we lead. People come to our churches from various backgrounds, seeking spiritual growth and healing. Our responsibility as leaders is to use the Word of God, under the anointing, to tear down strongholds in people's minds. We shouldn't favor one person over another based on their longevity in the church. As leaders, our authority is meant for edification, not destruction. We must build up the body of Christ and not use our authority to belittle or target individuals.

Favoritism should be avoided because it breeds division. How? It encourages competition and comparison. Paul reminds us not to compare ourselves with others in the church. Such comparisons are unwise and instead, we should measure ourselves by the Word of God, not by each other.

2 Corinthians 10:12-17

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Favoritism can manifest in other ways, such as valuing newcomers over long-time members. We need to be equally considerate of everyone's feelings and contributions. Don't overlook those who have been faithfully serving for years, just as you cherish newcomers.

I went through a phase where I focused primarily on youth ministry. However, God reminded me that I should minister to all His people, young and old. This shift broadened my perspective and made me a minister who is mindful of all people from all age groups.

1 Corinthians 3:1

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

In this verse, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, which he describes as carnal rather than spiritual. They were like spiritual infants, unable to digest spiritual meat. The church was plagued by envy and strife, clear signs of their carnality. Paul's statement isn't directed at a few individuals but the entire church. This shows that favoritism can infect the entire church culture, creating an atmosphere of division and discord. A church should strive to be anointed rather than succumbing to carnality. Favoritism is a breeding ground for carnality, as it leads to envy and strife. This, in turn, hinders the church's spiritual growth and prevents it from expanding.

Leaders should ensure that they don't replace God's place with their favoritism. This can lead the entire ministry into carnality, resulting in constant conflicts and strife. Instead, leaders should treat all members equally, promoting unity and spiritual growth.