Church leadership, according to the Bible.

So, let’s start here. About six weeks ago, I experienced a horrible church hurt—I’m still working through it. I do better when I can communicate my feelings without my voice breaking and feeling under pressure. Although I will be anonymous for now, if the Biblical playbook I am trying to follow is met with continued resistance, I believe the church at- large has the right and responsibility to know.

Let me also say that I believe the modern-day Church is still applicable today. I know that each of us in a church is a fallible human. So, I’m going to start with the Biblical principles of a church. First, it’s always used as a group of believers (i.e., Christians). In Corinthians 1:2, it’s referred to as a local congregation; in Ephesians 1, it’s referred to as the entirety of the people of God, when Jesus was referred to as “the head over all things to the church, which is his body.”

Roles in the leadership of the church. Jesus is the founder, chairman of the board, executive officer, managing partner, etc. The Bible was written under his authority. He made the rules. Pastors are the tenders of the flock, the shepherds, the teachers.

I personally love the Amplified version of the Bible – to me, it’s a great place to start my research, then I like going to the NKJV, and finally the ESV. Here is what the amplified says about Elders

“This is a faithful and trustworthy saying: if any man [eagerly] seeks the office of ^[a]overseer (bishop, superintendent), he desires an excellent task. ² Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine, not ^[b]a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power—financially ethical]. ⁴ He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved] ⁵ (for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?). ⁶ and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride]. ⁷ And he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside the church, so that he will not be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap.”

I Timothy 3

And here’s what it says about deacons

^8 [c]Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, ⁹ but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity]. ¹⁰ These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons. ^11 [d]Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things. ¹² Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:8-13

What happens when leadership has a failure? It’s not a moral failure per se, but what happens when leadership is bullyish, tells half-truths, is a respecter of persons, or plays favorites? What is the average church attendee’s recourse?