Where Does Hierarchy Come In?

Hierarchy in Christian ministry has both biblical foundations and human traditions shaping how it functions today.

1. Biblical Basis for Hierarchy

• God’s Order in Creation (Genesis 1:27-28) – Men and women were given joint authority over the earth, not a hierarchical structure of one over the other.
• Family Order (Ephesians 5:22-25) – Paul speaks about husbands leading with love, not dominance, and mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21).
• Church Leadership Roles (Ephesians 4:11-12) – Paul outlines different callings (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) to equip believers, not to rule over them.

Hierarchy exists in the Bible, but it is for order, not control.

2. Human Traditions That Reinforce Hierarchy

• Roman Influence – The early church was heavily influenced by Roman governmental structures, which led to a bishop-led hierarchy rather than the relational, Spirit-led leadership of the first-century church.
• Western Church Models – The Catholic and Protestant traditions reinforced top-down authority, sometimes at the expense of personal spiritual growth and diversity in leadership.

How Hierarchy Can Benefit Christian Fellowship

Hierarchy can be beneficial when used biblically and ethically:

1. Order and Accountability – Helps prevent confusion in leadership decisions (1 Corinthians 14:40).
2. Spiritual Oversight – Provides mentorship and guidance without control (Titus 1:5-9).
3. Equipping and Training – Leaders can train others for ministry without seeking personal power (Ephesians 4:12).

Example:
In Acts 6:1-7, the apostles appointed deacons to handle practical needs, allowing leaders to focus on prayer and teaching. This was servant-based hierarchy, not authoritarian rule

How Hierarchy Can Become a Disadvantage

When hierarchy is misused, it can lead to:

1. Legalism and Control – Leaders act as gatekeepers of God’s voice, stifling individual calling (Matthew 23:4).
2. Spiritual Abuse – Enforced submission, financial control, or public shaming (Ezekiel 34:1-10).
3. Exclusivity and Elitism – Hierarchical systems often favor certain races, genders, or social classes.

Example:

• Pharisees in Jesus’ Time – They loved titles, demanded submission, and burdened people with rules (Matthew 23:6-12).
• Shepherding Movement – Used hierarchy to control people’s personal decisions, rather than leading them to seek God’s guidance directly.

How Should Christian Fellowship Use Hierarchy?

1. Servant Leadership Over Authoritarian Control
   • Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, showing that leaders should serve, not demand submission (John 13:12-17).
2. Relational Over Institutional Authority
   • Paul’s leadership was based on relationship, not control (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12).
3. Recognizing All Races and Genders in Leadership
   • The early church included men and women, Jews and Gentiles in leadership (Galatians 3:28, Acts 18:26).

Final Thought:
Hierarchy is only good when it reflects Jesus’ model of leadership—persuasion, humility, and relationship. When it becomes about control, favoritism, or exclusion, it hinders the true fellowship of believers.

Taveau says
Please expand more on governing hierarchy in the Christian ministry  and give case studies

Chat replies

Scriptural Case Studies on Hierarchy in Christian Leadership

Below are biblical case studies that show both healthy and unhealthy uses of hierarchy in leadership.

1. JESUS’ MODEL: SERVANT LEADERSHIP (John 13:12-17)

Case Study: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Context:

• Jesus, the highest authority in the church, lowered Himself to serve His disciples.
• Instead of enforcing a strict top-down structure, He modeled humility and service.

Key Verses:
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14, KJV).

Lesson:

• True biblical leadership empowers others, not controls them.
• Leaders should model humility, not demand authority.

2. PAUL’S MODEL: RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12)

Case Study: Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonian Church

Context:

• Paul did not act like a “Big Boss Apostle” but rather as a spiritual father and mentor.
• He nurtured and encouraged believers to grow instead of controlling them.

Key Verses:
“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV).
“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:10, KJV).

Lesson:

• Paul did not use fear or control. He walked in love, integrity, and mutual respect.
• Authority in ministry should be based on character and relationship, not just position.

3. MOSES’ MODEL: SHARED LEADERSHIP (Exodus 18:13-27)

Case Study: Jethro Advises Moses

Context:

• Moses was trying to lead alone, and it overwhelmed him.
• Jethro (his father-in-law) advised him to delegate authority so others could help lead.

Key Verses:
“Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:18, KJV).
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21, KJV).

Lesson:

• Hierarchy should be shared leadership, not dictatorship.
• Leaders should empower others, not keep all power to themselves.

4. THE PHARISEES: ABUSIVE HIERARCHY (Matthew 23:1-12)

Case Study: Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees

Context:

• The Pharisees loved their titles and positions but did not serve the people.
• They used hierarchy for control, legalism, and social superiority.

Key Verses:
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:2-3, KJV).
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12, KJV).

Lesson:

• Bad hierarchy is about power, control, and superiority.
• True leadership is humble, not prideful or authoritarian.

5. THE SHEPHERDING MOVEMENT PARALLEL: NICOLAITAN DOCTRINE (Revelation 2:6, 2:15)

Case Study: Jesus Condemns the Nicolaitans

Context:

• The Nicolaitans were a sect in the early church that abused power and controlled people.
• Jesus rebuked their doctrine because it created hierarchy and spiritual abuse.

Key Verses:
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (Revelation 2:6, KJV).
“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:15, KJV).

Lesson:

• Jesus hates religious systems that control and dominate people.
• Leadership should equip people, not enslave them to authority structures.

FINAL THOUGHTS: BALANCING HIERARCHY IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

1. Biblical hierarchy should be relational, not authoritarian.
2. True leadership is about servanthood, not control.
3. When hierarchy becomes abusive (like the Pharisees or Nicolaitans), it destroys Christian fellowship.
4. Healthy leadership empowers others, as seen in Moses, Jesus, and Paul.

MAIN POINT: AUTHORITARIAN MINISTRY

Taveau makes some points:

Authoritarian ministry often seeks excessive control. Early in my journey, I encountered a group of authoritarian Christian ministers, which I now recognize as Levitical Patriarchism. They operated under a Big Boss structure and had backgrounds influenced by country law and hillbilly culture. Though they were charismatic, speaking in tongues and and bragging that they were affiliated with much larger far off senior well known ‘famous” Christian ‘brands” (prophets, sr teachers) others were part of a well spirit filled mostly all white but respectable far off  denominations(we must not accuse the top founders, leaders when I mention a local group (for not all of those kinds do this and to best of my ability (not being up the top highest ranks) from what I have studied the TOP PERSONS do NOT occult accuse or name people ‘witches, church hoppers, as the more authoritarians seem to do, and famous groups are not responsible for that ‘persons do out in the far off local areas..(yet they ought to and I am trying to advise to MAKE SURE that they license stable, moral and no false doctrine, ‘abusive ministers) for the latter was what I experienced and encounter 20-30 other females, one quiet man, all white whom whom they had targeted in their (hindsight) Big Shot WELP ministry,  evil eye “women are wicked” appearing pastor’s  group—who were (for far the opposite of their top founder headquarters recognized minister. being Word of Faith and CI (Christian International) and patriarchal Old Time AG —their emphasis was on hierarchical submission. NOTE I repeat many of those 3 famous associations would be shocked, disturbed and horrified to know others of their own ‘version of Christian ministry ” do when they are out on their own, BUT WE ALL KNOW for we have suffer with it and maybe be accused as ‘charismatic witches,harlots, and many times called “a Jezebel”

THIS IS USA in the  speaking in tongues, hillbilly descendency or even imported from a foreign colonial nation (South Africa or anywhere) TO BE AWARE not to despair, just know YOUR THEOLOGY , AUTHORITY local church beliefs and then know YOUR OWN RIGHTS according Phil 2:12 to NOT GO THERE.

They wanted to know if everyone was under a local pastor, had a spiritual father, or were covered by someone. I knew this was not biblical. Because I didn’t conform, I was attacked, falsely accused, and negatively rumored about—along with many others, especially women. These leaders were primarily white.

So Sister Taveau asks Chat GPT
Can you provide a deep scriptural analysis of this issue? How does authoritarian control in ministry compare to biblical leadership? How does it align (or conflict) with Jesus’ relational approach? Could this hierarchical control be linked to the same issues I’ve raised regarding witch-watching, false authority, and misusing discernment?

Chat GPT replies

The Issue of Authoritarian Ministry and Control in Christian Leadership

The experience you’ve described in encountering authoritarian Christian leaders and their systems of control is not uncommon in certain circles. Many leaders, particularly those who lean into Levitical Patriarchism, may use power structures that ultimately dominate, rather than empower. This often involves demanding submission to authority figures such as a “spiritual father” or the local pastor, with little or no room for questioning or healthy dissent.

Biblical Teaching on Authority and Control

The scriptures are clear about the role of authority and leadership within the church, but they also distinguish between godly authority and abusive control.

1. Jesus’ Approach to Authority: Relational, Not Authoritarian

Matthew 23:8-12 gives a clear contrast between the authority of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time and the authority He intended for His followers:

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12, KJV)

Key Points:

• Relational Leadership: Jesus emphasized servant leadership, where the greatest among them must serve.
• No Elevated Titles: Jesus directly rebuked the idea of taking titles like “Rabbi,” “Father,” or “Master” that could elevate one person above another, reinforcing humility and equality in Christ.
• Humility vs. Pride: Authority in Jesus’ ministry came from humble service, not from controlling others or elevating oneself above others.

In contrast, authoritarian ministries often distort these principles, elevating specific individuals (the pastor, apostle, or spiritual father) to a position of unquestioned control, claiming they are “covered” by a higher authority. The language of “covering” is often used as a mechanism for manipulating followers into submission. Jesus never used the concept of covering in the way some modern ministries do; He emphasized relationship and discipleship, not domination.

2. Paul’s Model of Leadership: Empowering, Not Controlling

1 Corinthians 11:3 is often quoted in the context of authority structures in the church, but it’s crucial to understand it in light of Paul’s broader teachings on leadership.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3, KJV)

Key Points:

• Christ as the Head: Paul starts by emphasizing that Christ is the ultimate head of every believer, male and female. This reinforces that all Christian leaders should submit to Christ’s authority first, not their own.
• Equal Submission to Christ: While this passage discusses gender roles, it doesn’t imply an authoritarian structure where one human (a pastor, husband, or spiritual father) has ultimate control over others. It simply reflects the order in which God has designed authority: Christ is the head, and everyone submits to Him.

Paul’s letters to the churches show that his leadership was more empowering and less controlling. He wasn’t about forcing people into submission; he was about raising up mature disciples. In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul writes:

“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15, KJV)

This verse shows that while Paul spiritually fathered the Corinthians, he didn’t demand blind obedience; he encouraged them to grow in their own relationship with God and become leaders themselves.

3. The Abuse of Spiritual Authority: The Nicolaitans and False Control

In Revelation 2:6, 2:15, Jesus rebukes the Nicolaitans for their doctrine, which some scholars believe involved controlling people through hierarchical authority.

“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Revelation 2:6, KJV)
“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” (Revelation 2:15, KJV)

Key Points:

• Abusive Authority: The Nicolaitans were likely a sect that abused power and authority to manipulate and control believers, much like what you’ve described with Levitical Patriarchism.
• Jesus Hates Abusive Control: Jesus expresses His hatred for systems that exploit people for personal gain or control. This type of hierarchy is dangerous and divisive.

4. Women in Authority: Equal Value in Christ

In the context of authoritarian leadership, the question often arises: “Are all men over all women?” The biblical answer is no.

• Galatians 3:28 states clearly:
  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, KJV)

• Acts 2:17-18 speaks of women prophesying in the last days, which shows that women, as well as men, can be leaders and ministers in the kingdom of God. This isn’t a cultural construct; it’s a biblical truth.

Jesus often elevated women in a culture that marginalized them, whether it was the woman at the well (John 4), Mary Magdalene (who was the first to see the resurrected Christ), or the women who financially supported His ministry.

In Christ’s Kingdom, the leadership structure is not based on gender, race, or societal status. Authority is not about being a man over a woman but rather about servant leadership that empowers everyone.

5. The Dangers of “Covering” and “Spiritual Fatherhood” in Authoritarian Systems

The term “covering” as used in many authoritarian movements is not biblical in the way it is often presented. This concept is usually employed by authoritarian leaders to create a sense of spiritual safety by requiring individuals to submit to their authority, often without personal relationship or proper accountability.

• 1 Peter 5:1-4 gives an example of how to lead in a biblical manner:

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3, KJV)

This passage emphasizes the importance of leading by example and service rather than through compulsion or domination.

Conclusion: Biblical Authority vs. Abusive Authority

From the examples of Jesus, Paul, the Nicolaitans, and 1 Peter, we see that godly authority is about service, empowerment, and humility, not control and domination.

• Authoritarian leadership based on control, domination, and fear contradicts the relational, servant-based leadership modeled by Christ and demonstrated by Paul’s letters.
• The concept of covering, when used to demand submission to a leader without mutual relationship or accountability, is not scriptural in the way it is often portrayed.
• Gender equality in leadership is clearly stated in Galatians 3:28, where there is no room for dominance over others based on gender.

If spiritual authority is to be effective, it must be used for the edification of the body of Christ, not for the exploitation of individuals.

Taveau asks Chat GPT

Please break down and further explore how these biblical principles of authority and leadership apply to modern Christian communities, particularly in light of the experiences I’ve  described.

Chat GPT replies

1. Jesus’ Model of Authority: Servant Leadership

As we discussed earlier, Jesus emphasized that leadership in His Kingdom is not about control but about serving others. This is foundational for understanding the danger of authoritarian models within the church.

• Relational Leadership: Jesus did not force people to follow Him. Instead, He invited them into relationship and empowered them to make decisions. His model of leadership focused on love and respect, and He often encouraged His disciples to serve others.
• Application Today: In churches where there is control through authoritative leadership or pressure to submit to a “spiritual father,” leaders must be reminded that their role is to serve others, not control them. This means listening to the congregation, encouraging personal growth, and empowering others to lead.

2. Paul’s Empowering Leadership

Paul’s leadership was not about controlling people through fear or manipulation. Instead, he taught gentle correction, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth. He often called the churches he wrote to as “co-laborers” (Romans 16:3), implying equality and mutual respect in the body of Christ.

• Empowering Leaders: Paul encouraged leaders to train others to take responsibility for their spiritual growth, rather than creating a dependency on their own authority. He demonstrated the importance of teaching and encouraging others to serve in their God-given gifts.
• Application Today: In many authoritarian systems, people are often discouraged from developing their own gifts or questioning the leader’s authority. This is contrary to Paul’s example, which encourages each member of the body to grow and mature. Leaders should be mentors, not controllers, guiding others to recognize and step into their calling.

3. Nicolaitans and False Authority

The Nicolaitans in Revelation are often considered to be an example of false leaders who abused their position for personal gain. This is especially significant when we consider ministries that employ tactics of manipulation and control, similar to the ones you’ve witnessed.

• Application Today: When authority is used to enforce submission and maintain control, it leads to an unhealthy and unbiblical power dynamic. Leadership that uses fear, manipulation, and isolation to control others is more reflective of the Nicolaitan spirit than the Holy Spirit. Modern churches must watch out for this by ensuring open communication, accountability, and personal empowerment.

4. The Dangers of Covering and Spiritual Fatherhood

The concept of covering, especially when misapplied, can stifle growth and lead to abusive authority. It places undue power in the hands of one leader, creating an unhealthy dependency that can be manipulative. Similarly, spiritual fatherhood can be used to enforce a one-way submission without mutual growth or accountability.

• Scriptural Misuse of Covering: The concept of “covering” has often been distorted by leaders who demand that others submit to them without accountability or transparency. In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter calls leaders to care for the flock not by force but as examples. This implies mutual trust and mutual submission under Christ, not the forced submission of others to an individual leader.
• Application Today: Leaders need to focus on empowering others and modeling the behavior of Christ. Leaders who try to impose a blanket covering over people may be engaging in abusive leadership. Christian leaders should serve as mentors and guides, not overseers who control every aspect of a person’s life. Covering, in the way it is sometimes practiced, becomes an overreach of authority, taking away the personal relationship people should have with Christ.

5. Women in Authority

A common issue in authoritarian ministries is the marginalization of women in leadership roles, even though Scripture affirms their equal value in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Historically, many patriarchal systems have either sidelined women or given them only limited roles, typically those that support male authority.

• Biblical Example of Women in Leadership: The Bible provides multiple examples of women in leadership roles, such as Deborah (Judges 4), who served as a prophetess and judge over Israel. She was called by God to lead and judge the people, a role that would have been highly significant in that culture. Similarly, Priscilla (Acts 18:26) was a key leader in the early church who, along with her husband Aquila, mentored Apollos, a prominent preacher.
• Application Today: In many authoritarian settings, women are expected to remain in supportive roles rather than take leadership positions. However, in the New Testament, women served alongside men in ministry. Leaders must recognize that God equips both men and women for leadership, and no leader should be limited based on their gender

• 6. Conclusion: Moving from Authoritarianism to Empowering Leadership

  Authoritarianism in ministry is dangerous because it focuses on control, manipulation, and fear, rather than love, empowerment, and mutual submission. The scriptural model for leadership is based on servant leadership: leaders should be there to serve and equip others for the work of ministry, not to control or manipulate.

  Key Principles for Modern Leadership:

  • Humility over Control: Jesus calls leaders to serve, not dominate (Matthew 23:8-12). Leaders who seek power for the sake of control have missed the heart of the Gospel.
  • Empowering Others: Like Paul, leaders should seek to equip and mentor others, helping them to grow and mature in their faith (Ephesians 4:11-12).
  • Mutual Submission: The body of Christ is meant to function in mutual submission to one another under the Lordship of Christ (Ephesians 5:21). True leadership in Christ is about encouraging one another, not forcing compliance.
  • Inclusivity of All Believers: As the Scriptures show, both men and women have the potential to lead and serve in the body of Christ. It is essential to empower everyone to take part in ministry regardless of gender, race, or background.

  In closing, the experience you’ve had around authoritarian ministries—whether in Levitical Patriarchism, the Word of Faith, or Charismatic circles—highlights the need for biblical accountability and respectful leadership that is not based on control but on the loving empowerment of all believers.

Taveau speakly raises the major point for the Grass Roots local Christians

QUESTIONS ABOUT PASTORS MYOB, NOSY FALSE AUTHORITY,  CHURCH HOPPING, AUTHORITY ABUSE**

Please address, Chat GPT

The behavior you’ve described from certain authoritarian Levitical patriarchs in ministry—whether nosy, demanding submission, dismissing others as church hoppers, or emphasizing “covering” and control—requires careful biblical analysis. These actions reveal a leadership style that is often more about control and manipulation than about servant leadership as exemplified in Scripture.

Let’s break this down point by point, using biblical principles to contrast true vs. false authority.

1. Nosiness, Control, and Invasive Questions

• Behavior: These leaders often demand to know private details of others’ lives, particularly asking who they are “covered by” or under the authority of. They focus on control rather than relationship.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Jesus modeled relational leadership, where He knows His sheep but does not impose control. John 10:14 says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” Jesus never demanded to know details to control His followers but engaged with them relationally.
  • Paul, in his letters, focused on the fruit of the Spirit rather than on controlling or investigating personal affairs. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Paul encourages believers to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business.” His teaching stresses personal responsibility and respect for others’ autonomy, not control.
  • False Authority: The leaders you’ve described seem to impose a false sense of control under the guise of care or accountability, but their actions more resemble overbearing scrutiny and a desire for power. True authority, according to Scripture, is not about knowing people’s business to control them, but about guiding them into freedom and spiritual growth.

2. Church Hopping: Judgment and Demeaning Attitudes

• Behavior: Leaders who label individuals as “church hoppers” in a demeaning tone are often trying to establish ownership over members, as if a person’s commitment to a specific church should be dictated by the leader, not by the individual’s personal conviction or the Holy Spirit’s leading.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Paul urges in Romans 14:4 that each person should be accountable to God for their actions: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall.” This speaks to the individual responsibility before God. Paul also talks about unity in the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), not forcing conformity to one ministry or another.
  • Jesus, in Matthew 23:11-12, said, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Here, He contrasts servant leadership with self-exaltation. The “church hopper” label is often an example of self-exaltation in leadership, where leaders use demeaning terms to control individuals and assume their power over them.
  • False Authority: Judging someone as a “church hopper” based on the perception that they should stay within the control of one ministry or one leader is incorrect. It’s presumptive and denies that the Holy Spirit might be leading someone to move to another place of spiritual growth or to seek God’s calling in a new direction.

3. Covering and Submission: Demanding Spiritual Authority

• Behavior: This involves demanding that people be “covered” by a leader or local pastor, making a claim that only through this covering can someone be spiritually safe or legitimate. It establishes control by fostering a fear-based system where people are forced to seek “covering” from specific individuals, reinforcing a hierarchical structure.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Covering is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible in the way it’s sometimes presented today. While submission to authority is mentioned (Hebrews 13:17), this submission is always in the context of servant leadership and mutual accountability, not control or domination.
  • In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter addresses elders, saying, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
  • Jesus repeatedly warned against authoritarian leadership (Matthew 23:8-12), where those in power lord it over others. True covering is a relational concept—leaders are responsible for protecting, guiding, and equipping others, not for controlling them or making their spiritual status dependent on human authority.
  • False Authority: When someone demands to know if you’re “covered,” this is often a tactic to exert control over your spiritual decisions. True Christian leadership should support and empower people to grow in their relationship with God, not make them feel dependent on a human leader for validation or protection.

4. Power Dynamics and Demeaning Attitudes

• Behavior: Demeaning attitudes, such as talking down about others (e.g., calling them “church hoppers” or criticizing others’ decisions), are often a tactic of those who wish to maintain a superior position. In these cases, authority is often used to degrade others and make them feel inferior or subservient.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Jesus condemned such behaviors in Matthew 23:12, stating, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus’ approach to leadership was humble and servant-oriented, where He associated with the marginalized and did not put Himself above others. His leadership was based on love, not arrogance or superiority.
  • Paul practiced this humility in his ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:19, he wrote, “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Paul took on the role of a servant leader, demonstrating his authority through love, service, and humility, not through condemnation or superiority.
  • False Authority: When a leader demeans others, they are abusing their position of authority. They are making their power about control and exclusion rather than service, as modeled by Jesus.

5. Micro and Macro Impacts of Authoritarian Leadership

• Behavior: The micro level behavior of authoritarian leaders—controlling individuals and micro-managing details of their lives—also plays out on a larger scale in mega-church environments, where high levels of control and organizational hierarchy often exist. These environments can become toxic as they focus more on appearances, power dynamics, and enforcing loyalty to one leader or one doctrine.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Paul addresses this issue in 1 Corinthians 3:3-4, saying, “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” Paul emphasized the importance of unity in the body of Christ, not dividing people based on leadership loyalty.
  • Jesus’ Model: Jesus’ example was not about building mega-churches or establishing personal dynasties. His ministry was relational and personal. He invested in His disciples, and the early church focused on community rather than rigid control or hierarchies.

Conclusion: True vs. False Leadership

In contrast to the authoritarian models you’ve described, true Christian leadership is rooted in servant-heartedness, humility, and empowerment rather than in domination, control, or the demand for submission to human authority.

• True Authority is characterized by humility (Philippians 2:3-4), servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45), and a focus on empowering others (Ephesians 4:11-13).
• False Authority often stems from pride, control, and manipulation. It seeks to establish hierarchical systems where leaders dominate and demand submission without relationship or accountability.

Jesus’ model invites us to lead with love, servanthood, and grace, building up the body of Christ, not lording it over others.

It’s deeply troubling to hear about the practices of accusation without confrontation, gossip, and the labeling of individuals, especially within charismatic circles. The situation you’re describing—where a Christian group resorts to public accusations, witch-hunting tactics, and false discernment—is both unbiblical and damaging to the unity of the body of Christ.

Let’s break this down and address each of the critical points you’ve raised:

1. Accusations Without Confrontation

• Behavior: Accusations made in public or behind a person’s back, especially without any private confrontation, are harmful. This can create a toxic environment where people are falsely labeled as “witches” or “rebellious,” ruining reputations without any biblical foundation.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Matthew 18:15-17 clearly lays out the biblical protocol for confronting sin. Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Only if private confrontation fails should the matter escalate. The principle is restoration, not condemnation. The public accusations you described, where people are labeled and gossiped about without a private discussion, directly violate this biblical instruction.
  • Galatians 6:1 reinforces this, saying, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” This demonstrates that restoration through gentle confrontation is the biblical model, not public shaming, gossip, or exclusion.

• False Authority: In the authoritarian Levitical patriarchal systems you’ve encountered, the lack of accountability and respect for the individual’s dignity leads to broken relationships. Accusations without confrontation do not allow for understanding or correction but foster a culture of fear, suspicion, and manipulation. True authority is based on restoration, not domination or public humiliation.

2. Gossip and Character Assassination

• Behavior: Gossip and character assassination are common in toxic ministries. People are talked about, their reputation is ruined, and suspicion is spread through unverified claims and false discernment (such as labeling someone a “witch” without evidence).

• Scriptural Response:

  • Proverbs 18:8 states, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” Gossip is harmful and divisive. It’s destructive to individuals and to the body of Christ. When leaders engage in gossip, they undermine the credibility and integrity of the entire ministry.
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 gives specific guidance about accusations in the church: “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” This principle establishes the importance of witnesses and accountability before accusations can be accepted.
  • James 1:26 warns, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” Leaders who gossip about their flock or label others without proper due process fail in their responsibility to protect the unity of the body.

• False Authority: The gossiping and character assassination you described comes from leaders who are more focused on maintaining power and control than on preserving the well-being of the body of Christ. True leadership in the church requires honesty, integrity, and a commitment to protecting the reputations and dignity of others.

3. Labeling as “Witches” and False Discernment

• Behavior: The presumption that people are witches or involved in occult activities without any legitimate evidence is a dangerous form of false discernment. These kinds of labels are damaging to individuals and destroy their credibility within the faith community.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 clearly condemns witchcraft and other occult practices, but accusations of witchcraft against individuals must not be made lightly. Scripture emphasizes the need for evidence and truth rather than baseless claims. The misuse of discernment gifts, especially for manipulation, is a serious concern.
  • 1 John 4:1 advises, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Testing the spirits means being discerning and biblically grounded, rather than making snap judgments about people. False discernment often arises when individuals presume to have spiritual authority without following biblical procedures or demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Matthew 7:15-20 warns against false prophets who are known by their fruits: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” False discernment often produces bad fruit—including division, slander, and ungodly accusations.

• False Authority: The practice of labeling people as “witches” or presuming spiritual authority to make judgments without evidence or relationship is rooted in fear-based leadership and manipulation. True spiritual authority is based on discernment of the Spirit and biblical truth, not on exclusivity or control. The gifting of discernment should be used to build up the body of Christ, not to tear people down.

4. Lack of Biblical Protocol for Confrontation

• Behavior: As you’ve observed, these authoritarian leaders avoid personal confrontation and publicly shame others without following biblical protocol (Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1). They avoid directly engaging with individuals and instead spread rumors or accusations.

• Scriptural Response:

  • Matthew 18:15-17 provides a clear and biblical process for confrontation and reconciliation. The steps outlined—starting with a private conversation, escalating to witnesses, and ultimately involving the church—are designed to protect both the person who may have sinned and the person confronting them.
  • Galatians 6:1 encourages gentle restoration, with an attitude of humility, recognizing that we are all susceptible to sin. This approach fosters healing and reconciliation, not punishment or reputation destruction.
  • Ephesians 4:2-3 calls us to live with “humility, gentleness, and patience,” bearing with one another in love and striving for unity in the Spirit. The focus is on restoration and building up rather than on judgment or exclusion.

• False Authority: Leaders who avoid personal confrontation and resort to gossip or public shaming are violating the biblical guidelines for handling sin or conflict. They are more concerned with exerting control or keeping power than with the spiritual health of their congregation. True leadership follows the biblical mandate to handle disagreements with respect, humility, and a focus on restoration.

Conclusion: True vs. False Leadership

The behaviors you’ve described are symptoms of false authority—leaders who exert control by creating fear, manipulating people through gossip and false discernment, and failing to follow the biblical processes for conflict resolution. They are often more focused on maintaining their power than on building up the body of Christ.

True biblical authority, in contrast, is based on humility, gentle confrontation, restoration, and building up others (Ephesians 4:11-12). Leaders who truly follow Christ’s example of servant leadership will model His love and grace, ensuring that their actions align with the principles laid out in Scripture.