THE LEADER WHO LIED
( AND DESTROYED HIS MINISTRY)
Dave Wiedis
Our ruling passions will“ rule our pulpit”— meaning, they will dictate how we live, do ministry, and relate to our family, staff, elders, and congregants. They will strongly influence, if not control, virtually every aspect of our leadership, culture, values, schedule, programs, counseling, sermon preparation, administrative tasks, evangelism, spiritual disciplines, relationships, and even interpretation of Scripture and preaching. If our ruling passion is to be in control, we will relate to our staff and congregants in a controlling manner. If our ruling passion is to be a peacemaker, we will avoid conflict at all costs, even when confrontation is loving, appropriate, and required. If we have ruling passions to impress others, to not be lonely, to receive affirmation, or to gain a sense of significance, we will manipulate our congregants to respond in ways that correspond to our needs. Unless we know our ruling passions, we have great potential to sabotage our ministry and run the risk of hurting the very people over whom we exercise spiritual care.
This is particularly true in the multiple ministerial roles and services we provide, whether that’ s preaching, teaching, visitation, administration, or counseling, because they are situations where we risk harming others by abusing our power. The relationship between ministry leaders and their congregants carries“ inherent spiritual authority,” and our position creates a power differential. 1 Pastors, counselors and other leaders, are in positions
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