When Power Moves Go Rogue
Let’s take a walk to the other side of the pulpit—where the robes are pressed, the words sound holy, and the leadership moves? Well… sometimes they’re shakier than a deal going down in a Brooklyn alley behind a pizza joint.
Now, leadership in the Kingdom is a beautiful thing. It’s an honor. A high calling. But it was never meant to look like a spiritual mob hit. When pastors start acting more like made men than humble servants, we’ve drifted from Jesus and straight into mob movie territory.
So let’s talk about some of those unhealthy power moves—not to shame, but to shed light. Because the pulpit doesn’t need more power plays. It needs more pastoral hearts. This isn’t a hit job—it’s a health check.
Cue the Godfather theme… softly, of course.
1. The “Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed” Defense
This one’s a classic. Mention a concern? Ask a question? Boom—out comes the holy Uno reverse card. Suddenly you’re the problem, not the pattern.
🚩 Truth bomb: Being “anointed” doesn’t mean being above correction. It means you’re called to lead with accountability, not away from it.
2. The Micromanaging Don
If you’ve ever heard, “No one does it right but me,” you’ve likely met this guy. He runs the sanctuary, the sound booth, the parking lot, and the communion cups.
📎 Leadership tip: Even Jesus had a team. And the last time someone tried to do it all themselves… well, they got very tired in the wilderness.
3. The Guilt Trip Hitman
You skipped Sunday and suddenly it's, "Guess the Lord isn't a priority anymore." Or you’re not on three volunteer teams and now you’re “grieving the Spirit.”
🚫 Let’s be clear: Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s job. Guilt trips are just spiritual gaslighting with a Bible verse.
4. The Pulpit Drive-By
You know this one. Instead of having a loving convo in private, someone gets roasted in a sermon under the guise of “the Lord laid this on my heart.”
💔 Reminder: The pulpit is not a hit list—it’s a place of healing. Don’t turn ministry into mob justice.
5. The Platform Godfather
In this version, mentoring comes with strings. You preach under him? You owe him. You grow in ministry? He takes credit. You leave? He questions your loyalty.
🕊️ Healthy leadership releases—it doesn’t possess. Jesus didn’t say, “Stay loyal to me or else.” He said, “Go and make disciples.”
6. The Holy Scarface Complex
This leader’s convinced he’s the only one preaching truth. Everyone else? Lukewarm, soft, or heretical.
🥶 Reality check: If you’re the only voice of truth left in the church age… you’re either Elijah or you need a nap.
Final Word from the Spiritual FBI
Leadership matters. Influence is powerful. And the pulpit? It's sacred space. But when power goes unchecked, and charisma isn’t backed by character, things get messy—fast.
So if you’re in a position of leadership, or you’re simply someone who loves the Church, ask yourself:
Am I leading like a servant?
Or flexing like a spiritual godfather?
Because at the end of the day, Jesus didn’t build His Church on manipulation or mob tactics. He built it on love, grace, truth, and humility.
Your Turn at the Table 🍝
Ever seen one of these power plays in action? Survived a pulpit drive-by? Got your own “Godfather moment” (names changed for safety, of course)? We’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments. 👀
And if this hit home—or hit a nerve—share it with a friend, your small group, or someone in leadership who’s walking that line between called and controlling.
Let’s keep the pulpit clean, the power holy, and the shepherds servant-hearted.
