The Under Cover Deception

Countless experiences shape us, both positive and negative. I recall a particular moment while I was part of a church staff that has lingered in my memory, a moment that encapsulated the complexities of leadership, authority, and the often murky waters of faith.

Let me clarify what this isn’t about: it’s not about rebellion or defying authority, nor is it solely focused on the book itself that sparked this reflection. This book employs significant Biblical principles to support its arguments, and while those principles are indeed valuable, the essence of this post lies in a more troubling observation: how church leadership can sometimes manipulate the divine for control, compelling staff and congregation members to conform in the name of God.

Reflecting on that staff meeting, I found myself amidst leaders who had faced betrayal and hurt from previous team members over the years. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken grievances and a palpable tension that seemed to hang in the air. As discussions unfolded, it became clear that fear and mistrust had taken root, shaping the way decisions were made and how voices were heard. Without delving into specifics, I eventually spoke up, asking, “If that approach won’t work, then what will?” My question was not just a challenge to the status quo; it was a plea for clarity and a call for a more constructive dialogue.

The following morning, I was in my office when someone entered and placed a book on my desk. “What’s this?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. The reply was simple yet loaded: “Have you read it?” I confirmed that I had, and then the person insisted, “I think you should read it again.” Confusion washed over me as I processed this unexpected exchange. It dawned on me that my comments from the previous day’s meeting might have been misconstrued as a sign of my unwillingness to submit to the established authority.

But was that truly the case?

While this book has undoubtedly enlightened many about the Biblical truths it contains, it was now being wielded as a tool for control. It felt so misleading. The very principles that were meant to inspire and guide us were being twisted into a means of enforcing compliance. Yes, we should respect authority and align ourselves with our leaders, but that authority should not be used to silence us.

In this journey, I realized that true leadership is not about exerting control or demanding compliance; it is about serving others, fostering growth, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. It is about recognizing that authority should not be synonymous with dominance but rather with responsibility and humility.