Throughout history, leadership has carried immense responsibility. Whether in government, business, or the church, those in positions of authority influence countless lives. But what happens when those entrusted with leadership fail to uphold their responsibilities? In the church, this failure is not just a disappointment—it is a serious spiritual issue that affects the body of Christ and brings dishonor to God.
Elders, deacons, and preachers are more than just figureheads; they are shepherds, servants, and teachers tasked with guiding God’s people in righteousness. Their leadership is not about power or prestige but about humility, faithfulness, and a commitment to God’s Word. When they fulfill their duties well, they strengthen the church and bring glory to God. But when they neglect their responsibilities, twist the truth, or fail to uphold God’s standards, they bring reproach upon the church and cause God to be ashamed of them.
At the same time, all Christians are called to live in a way that pleases the Lord. While leaders have specific responsibilities, every believer must guard their heart against the allure of the world. The Bible makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and the world. Yet, many attempt to straddle both, prioritizing earthly pleasures over eternal truth. This leads to compromise, spiritual weakness, and, ultimately, separation from God.
This article explores the high calling of leadership in the church and the dangers of a worldly mindset among all Christians. Whether we hold a leadership role or not, we must ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that makes the Lord proud, or is He ashamed of me? Let’s examine these truths and strive to live in a way that truly honors God.
Elders, Deacons, and Preachers Who Fail in Their Responsibilities
God places high expectations on those who serve as elders, deacons, and preachers. They are to shepherd, lead, and teach according to His Word, serving as examples to the flock. However, when they fail in their responsibilities—whether through neglect, false teaching, or poor leadership—they bring reproach upon the church and can cause God to be ashamed of them.
1. Elders Must Shepherd the Flock Faithfully
1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed, but with eagerness; nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.”
Elders are not merely administrators or decision-makers within the church; they are shepherds, called to guide, nurture, and protect the flock of God. Their role is one of deep responsibility and accountability before the Lord. A faithful elder does not rule with an iron fist but instead leads with love, humility, and a sincere desire to serve.
The image of a shepherd is significant because it emphasizes care, guidance, and protection. Just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, ensuring they are fed, safe, and led in the right direction, elders must ensure that the congregation is spiritually nourished and protected from false doctrine. Neglecting this duty can lead to spiritual decay, confusion, and division within the church.
Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, saying, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Elders are called to imitate Christ in their leadership, demonstrating self-sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the flock. If an elder serves for personal gain, prestige, or out of obligation rather than genuine love for God’s people, he is failing in his role.
Furthermore, elders must teach sound doctrine and protect the church from wolves in sheep’s clothing. Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-30, saying, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Elders who fail to guard the church from false teachings or who compromise biblical truth to avoid conflict are not fulfilling their duty. The consequences of neglect can be devastating, leading members astray and weakening the spiritual foundation of the congregation. An elder must stand firm, even when it is difficult, always upholding the truth of God’s Word.
Finally, elders must lead by example. 1 Timothy 3:2-7 lists the qualifications of an elder, emphasizing that he must be above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, and have a good reputation. If an elder’s personal life is not in order, his leadership will lack credibility, and he will bring dishonor rather than glory to the Lord. A godly elder does not just tell others how to live—he models it in his own life.
2. Deacons Must Hold to the Faith with a Clear Conscience
1 Timothy 3:8-9 – “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to excessive drinking, not greedy for money, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
Deacons are servants of the church, responsible for assisting the elders and ministering to the needs of the congregation. Their role is not about status but about faithful service rooted in integrity and devotion to God.
The Bible emphasizes that a deacon must be a man of dignity—his character must be upright and respectable. A deacon who lacks integrity, who is insincere, or who engages in behavior that contradicts his faith is unfit for this important role. He must be a man whose actions align with his beliefs.
Additionally, deacons must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. This means they must have a firm and unwavering belief in the truth of the gospel, not easily swayed by false doctrine or worldly influences. A deacon who compromises his faith or bends to popular opinions rather than standing on the Word of God is not leading as God intends.
Deacons are also called to serve without greed or selfish ambition. Those who enter into service for personal gain rather than out of a heart for service misuse their role and dishonor God’s church. The responsibility of a deacon is not about recognition but about faithful, humble service to God and His people.
Ultimately, a deacon’s faithfulness in his role sets an example for others in the congregation. 1 Timothy 3:10 states, “These men must also first be tested; then, if they are beyond reproach, let them serve as deacons.” The role of a deacon is not to be taken lightly—it requires deep spiritual maturity, a heart for service, and a commitment to upholding the truth of God’s Word.
3. Preachers Must Teach Sound Doctrine
2 Timothy 4:2-4 – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Preachers are not entertainers, motivational speakers, or public figures seeking approval from the masses. Their responsibility is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, whether it is well-received or not. Too many today are more concerned with telling people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. They dilute Scripture, avoid controversial topics, and cater to cultural trends instead of standing firm in God’s commands.
A faithful preacher is one who preaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), not just the parts that are convenient or appealing. This means confronting sin, calling for repentance, and proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Many today have abandoned this responsibility in favor of messages that are soft, inoffensive, and catered to the desires of their audience. But Paul warned that a time would come when people “will not tolerate sound doctrine” and will seek out teachers who tell them only what they want to hear.
A preacher must be bold in correcting error, rebuking sin, and exhorting believers to faithfulness. He must stand against false teachings, even when it is unpopular, and must never shy away from declaring God’s truth. Titus 2:1 instructs, “But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” The health of the church depends on preachers who remain steadfast in teaching what is right.
Preachers must also lead by example. 1 Timothy 4:12 states, “Let no one look down on your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” A preacher’s message will be ineffective if his life does not align with what he preaches. His character must reflect his commitment to God’s Word.
Furthermore, preaching is not about popularity, but about pleasing God. Paul emphasized this in Galatians 1:10, saying, “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” A true preacher does not adjust his message to gain approval; he remains loyal to Christ, no matter the cost.
The church today needs more preachers who are courageous, unwavering, and fully committed to proclaiming the unfiltered Word of God. Will we stand firm in truth, or will we compromise for comfort?
Conclusion
At the end of our lives, we will all stand before God. Are we living in a way that honors Him? This question is not one to be ignored or taken lightly. God has given us clear instructions on how to live, and He has entrusted church leaders—elders, deacons, and preachers—with the responsibility of guiding others toward faithfulness. Yet, leadership alone is not enough; every Christian is accountable for the way they live and the choices they make.
If we have been negligent in our responsibilities, whether as leaders or as followers of Christ, we must repent and recommit to the path of righteousness. If we have compromised with the world, seeking its approval over God’s, we must turn back before it is too late. Jesus warned that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), and we must decide who we will truly serve.
Imagine standing before the throne of God and hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). There could be no greater joy than knowing that we have lived in a way that pleased our Lord. But the alternative is far more sobering—to be found lacking, to realize too late that we prioritized the temporary over the eternal.
Now is the time to examine ourselves. Have we been faithful stewards of the roles God has given us? Have we stood firm in the truth, or have we sought comfort in compromise? Have we led others to Christ, or have we been silent when we should have spoken?
The choices we make today will determine the response we receive in eternity. Will the Lord be ashamed of you? Or will He proudly claim you as His own?
The time to act is now. Let us strive every day to live in a way that honors God, so that when we stand before Him, we will not be ashamed, but will rejoice in His presence forever.
The Simple Gospel 