In a recent podcast discussing his life Emmanuel Acho (NFL Commentator and former player) used the phrase Denial D E N I A L Don’t even know I am lying.  This provides such a good definition of what is happening for us when we deny what is actually going on in our lives, and what is going on around us.  The  prophet Jeremiah  provides us with an even better understanding of this experience:

Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

If we have a biblical understanding of our sinful nature, we will know that we are very good at seeing the good in ourselves and the evil in others, we are very good at seeking out what is best for ourselves.  We are very good at spin, spinning the experience of life so that what we do is the right thing and what things have done to us is the wrong thing.  Even if we somewhat reluctantly believe that this could be true, we have to acknowledge that there could be times in life when our actions though justified to ourselves could be harmful to others?  It is reasonable to consider that most people who find themselves in Christian leadership are there because their goal is to do a good thing for God, for those they serve, for the broader community they find themselves in. 

If someone makes a complaint against us and we have already decided that what we did was the right thing to do, and then it happens again.  When do we ask the question, do I have a problem here?  Have I surrounded myself with a group of people who think the way I think, and are content with my leadership, do we shut down anyone who thnks there might be a problem with the way that I do things? 

When do I consider the possibility that there is a problem, and who would we ask the question of anyway, how do I remain a strong leader while speaking to those under me about my flaws, and if I speak to those above me in the chain of command (Bishop, Elder) what will that do for my position in the hierarchy if it is true? 

Over the past two years, we have seen some Christian Giants fall from grace as their repeated sins have been exposed, and seen some very different responses to their falls.  The Acts 29 leader Steve Timmis was removed in 2020, following accusations of abusive leadership, unfortunately accusations had been being made for years before hand and ignored, or at least some accusers had been fired and placed under Non-Disclosure Agreements.  So the story was not told and the behaviour continued, people continued to be hurt by the leadership, and ultimately the keeping it quiet has led to far greater damage done to the world view of Christianity than if it had been dealt with earlier. 

In recent weeks we have read of Ravi Zacharias’ repeated sexual abuse of a number of women over a long period of time up until his death in 2020.  Zacharias was world renowned as an evangelist, and wrote many best selling books.  When allegations of sexual abuse were first brought Zacharias  completely rejected the allegations, and then only following his death has the truly horrific behaviour been exposed.  Ravi Zacharias International Ministries have repented and sought to care for the abused, in a very ‘Christian’ response to sin, while also acknowledging their previous actions in rejecting allegations had done further damage to abused parties. 

There are more cases and there will be more, so what do we learn from these situations, for those who are every day Christian leaders who want to glorify God, how do you make sure that you continue to glorify God?  Well one of the obvious ways is find someone to talk to about your ministry.  Find someone to share your ministry life with, to share the struggles, to talk about the relationships you are finding difficult.  If there is behaviour that you need to repent of, why not talk to someone who can help you to deal with it before the situation is beyond repair. 

Engaging an independent Professional Supervisor provides the opportunity, to share what is going on, to consider whether you are behaving in a way that goes against your ethical framework when no one else will call you on it.  A professional supervisor is on your side but will help you to be the best you in the role that God has given you.  A professional supervisor can listen to the issues and help you to find what is really going on and what possible solutions might be. 

Simon Elliott