The Church today is passing through a very difficult time. She is struggling to demonstrate the reality of the Kingdom of God to the world and to prove that the Word of God is true and not a collection of fallacious statements. The activities of many Church leaders, especially within the African context, have become evidence to the world that the Word of God, that is the Scriptures, can no longer be trusted, and that there is little to gain from the Church. As a result, the Church is bleeding due to her disobedience and her failure to adhere to the instructions given by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Concerning leadership in the Church, Jesus Christ foresaw the challenges that would arise. To prevent this, He demonstrated to His disciples the true model of leadership, as recorded in John 13:3 – 5 “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” He then explained further in John 13:13 – 15 “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

On other occasions, when His disciples contended for positions of leadership, He corrected them, as seen in Matthew 20:25 – 27 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” In this, Jesus established the principle of servant leadership. He also used a child as an example of humility, teaching that true leadership must be marked by meekness, simplicity, and a pure heart.

Furthermore, Jesus warned against hypocritical leadership, likening such attitudes to that of the scribes and Pharisees, as mentioned in Matthew 23:11 – 12 “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.”

However, over time, many Church leaders departed from these divine instructions. They embraced worldly patterns of leadership, drawn by the allure of fame, power, and material gain, thereby repeating the error of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Although some argue that the early Church operated in its infancy and has now matured under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in John 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,” the present condition of the Church reflects otherwise. It resembles the Laodicean Church described in Revelation 3:15 – 16 “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

The Church ought to have adhered to clear scriptural instructions such as 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” James 4:4 “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” 1 John 2:15 – 16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,” and 1 John 4:1 “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” The Scripture also warns in 2 Corinthians 11:14 “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”

By neglecting these truths, the Church entered into error and now struggles to recover. Jesus Christ remains the perfect example. During His earthly ministry, He associated with sinners but did not adopt their ways. Likewise, the Church must relate with the world without conforming to it. As He prayed in John 17:15 – 16 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil… They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

The failure of the Church to obey has weakened her influence. She is no longer able to effectively fulfil her mandate, as the world now sees her as an extension of itself. This disobedience has produced several negative effects.

Many Church leaders have become proud and arrogant, demanding honour rather than serving with humility. Others have formed elite circles, embracing worldly standards of appearance and lifestyle instead of reflecting Christ. Some now depend on human security systems, projecting a lack of confidence in divine protection. Others seek personal glory through titles and recognition, shifting attention away from Christ. There are also those who burden others through selfish preferences and exploitative practices, contrary to the simplicity of Christ’s instructions. In extreme cases, some resort to ungodly means to maintain influence, bringing reproach upon the body of Christ. Many display a Pharisaic attitude, creating distance between themselves and the people, thereby losing the grace to impact lives.

These deviations have also affected Church members. Many now aspire to leadership positions for personal gain rather than for service. The Church has become increasingly materialistic, focusing more on earthly gain than eternal purpose, as seen in Matthew 15:8 – 9 “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth… but their heart is far from me.” Presumptuous faith has replaced genuine faith, fulfilling the concern of Jesus in Luke 18:8 “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”

Rather than modelling Christ, many believers now imitate their leaders. The Christlike nature expected of believers has diminished, and the Church has become a mixture of true believers and worldly influences. Teachings have shifted towards prosperity and self interest, with little emphasis on righteousness and the Kingdom of God.

All these are strategies of the enemy to weaken and corrupt the Church. There are many more consequences, but the call remains clear. The Church must return to the pattern established by Jesus Christ. Leaders and members alike must repent and realign with His teachings. The earthly ministry of Christ must once again become the standard.

May the Lord restore His Church and guide her back to truth and righteousness.

To be continued in the subsequent posts…..

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