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I am not afraid to state that something is seriously wrong with some of the leaders of today’s Church which must be exposed for discussion, acceptance and repentance.
The Bible is a mirror in which we see ourselves and the early people who walked with God. We also see how the early Christian leaders served and related with one another.
We see in particular how Paul, Peter, James and the other Foundational Apostles regarded themselves and other ministers who were later appointed to serve churches.
In their writings, one hardly finds either Paul or Peter exalts himself above other servants of Christ set in the church as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Paul never referred to Epaphras, Titus, Timothy, Demas, Philemon and other ministers as “my pastors.” The apostle humbly referred to them as “My fellow workers” , fellow prisoners in Christ”, “beloved fellow workers” or “brothers and sisters”
For instance, Paul wrote: “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, MY FELLOW WORKERS” (Philemon 1:23-24).
This humble way of relating with other ministers of the gospel is missing in most churches and denominations especially in Africa and other parts of the world today.
Some lead pastors refer to pastors under their leadership as their pastors. So they proudly say, “You see, I OFTEN TELL MY PASTORS that…, “A few weeks ago, I TOLD TWO OF MY BISHOPS to watch out….”
This is not only seriously wrong but also biblically and doctrinally erroneous as it makes the lead pastor appear as though he were the Lord. Should a pastor who is a servant of Christ, refer to other pastors who are also servants of Christ as his pastors? Are not all pastors servants of God?
My heart throbs within me anytime I hear a lead pastor refer to other ministers he works with as his pastors or bishops as it gives the impression that he hired them to work for him and not Christ Jesus.
But Christ Jesus alone is the Pastor of pastors or Bishop of bishops. Every minister of the gospel no matter his ministry accomplishments is a servant of Christ Jesus and therefore must demonstrate humility.
By James Quansah
