“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord. Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them.”
Jeremiah 23:1-2 NLT
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to My flock. I will take away their right to feed the flock, and I will stop them from feeding themselves. I will rescue My flock from their mouths; the sheep will no longer be their prey.”
Ezekiel 34:10 NLT
In these two chapters the Lord was addressing the pastors whom He had entrusted with caring for the congregation, His shep. They had sought to take care of their own interests whilst preying on God’s people. I have been very disheartened recently to learn of Pastors who have abused the trust that members of their congregation had in them. They have preyed on the unsuspecting and vulnerable women in their care. Under the guise of being concerned, they have violated their trust.
Pastors who use their office and authority to prey on the women in their care, are no different than violent sex offenders in the world. Their lust for power and control has warped their spiritual consciences. They’re without shame or remorse. They will never admit to having a problem, but are quick to point out the speck in the lives of others through well played sermons, Hiding their guilt beneath their crisp robes. These victims are left stunned, shocked, confused and betrayed. Having no one to turn to, they suffer the disappointment in silence and secrecy. Some are even afraid to share the violation with the spouses of the offender, or even close friends.
The shame that this offense brings is a weight God does not intend for us to bear. Some are afraid of what sharing the offense will bring to the church and the tarnishing of the Precious Name of Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself said everything done in the dark will come to the light. The Holy Spirit deals with every child of God in private concerning our sin, our refusal of His private chastening, will eventually lead to public disgrace. His Name will forever be held in high esteem. The sooner we adhere the better.
“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.”
Luke 8:16-17 NLT
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”
Matthew 6:22-23 NLT
Both of these passages are dealing with personal light and personal darkness. If the light in us is hidden because of sin, then sin will eventually permeate every facet of our lives, plunging us into deeper darkness. Whichever is dominant in you will always show itself. The intended purpose of light is to dispel darkness, but if your light/witness has been compromised then only shame will follow. The other scripture speaks of the eyes being the lamp that lights the entire body. But in order for the brilliance of the light to shine forth, the eyes must be healthy. What Jesus is implying here is that we need to guard or shield our eyes from anything that will create spiritual darkness. Lust is a danger to clear vision. It’s like spiritual cataracts. Pastors who prey have lost their luster, their light has been given over to darkness. They have been slowly losing their focus but have refused to heed the alarm going off in their souls because of pride. They have lied to themselves that they are in control of the situation.
Vulnerable women who are under the leadership of preying pastors, are often complimented about their appearance, accomplishments or even encouraged to seek them out for any questions, assistance or financial support they may have, under the guise of concern for their well-being. Singles, be aware of pastors, whether married or single, who give you their personal phone numbers, and ask for yours, be discerning of the ones who want to know about every move you make, who invite themselves to your homes unannounced, who want you spending time or sleeping over at their homes. Familiarity will eventually breed contempt. I believe that there needs to be a level of separation between congregants and pastors, male or female. The respect for the office must never be compromised or breached by either party.
This behavior always starts with “ I’m doing this because I care for you” or “you can always confide in me.” No pastor, male or female, should ever meet with members of the opposite sex who are not their spouse, in private settings. The Bible teaches us to shun the very appearance of anything that can be misinterpreted. We should be vigilant about protecting the Name of Christ. Always pray for discernment. Flesh is still flesh, no matter what covering it wears. Satan doesn’t discriminate. As women of God, we need to make Jesus our everything. No man, no matter how well intended, is able to do for us what only Jesus can do. We’re playing with fire, when we allow ourselves to be captivated by charisma and charm. The Church is made up of many parts, when a single individual controls everything and everyone that’s a cultists mentality and a sign of insecurity in that leader. They look for and sniff out people who are like themselves. Then, like a predator, they worm their way into your hearts and before you know it, they have become your god. You hang on to their every word, they can do no wrong. I’ve met people who have fallen under their spell. It’s very sad to watch.
This is what causes people to walk away from the things of God. Never put humans on a pedestal. Never give to humans what only belongs to God. God is the only One who can promise to never leave or forsake you, to supply all your need, to heal your brokenness and bind up your wounds. And all without you losing a sense of who you are as an individual. Your self worth should never be found in a fallible human. All you need is found in Christ Jesus alone. If He uses anyone to assist you, then they will never prey on your weaknesses, but will work towards you needing them less and Jesus more. Preying leaders, whether in the pulpit or the boardroom, are to be exposed and avoided. Never believe the lie that they’re too powerful to fall, or that no one will believe you. Don’t keep their secret. If you’re being preyed upon, do the right thing. You may just be saving others from going through what you’ve experienced, or help to give other victims a voice to come forward.
The writer of James rightfully makes this statement:
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.”
James 1:14-15 NLT
Secret sins lead to public disgrace. This is why we’re encouraged by James to:
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16 NLT
And by John the apostle with these words:
“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
1 John 1:9 NLT
The sin of pride conceals the problem in the predator. Most predators are weak insecure power hungry imposters. Wolves in sheep's clothing. But there are others who have just allowed themselves to grow lazy in their own personal fellowship with God. They have allowed disappointments in their ministry to fester. They have not sought godly counsel but have tried to handle it on their own. Satan knows that a lack of accountability and secrecy will eventually lead to lapses in good judgment. Finding another vulnerable individual who shares their personal weaknesses empowers the insecure. This is what eventually leads to their downfall. Blinded by their own need for help, they tell their victims that they’re the only one who understands what they’re going through. And the clincher, “ I’ve gone through the same thing.” The victim leaves thinking they have found a soul mate, someone finally gets them. I wish I was making this stuff up. But unfortunately I’m not!
I know that we’re supposed to be able to trust our pastors. And to be fair -not all are reprobates. There are some great God-fearing men and women of character in the pulpit. But we must remember that they are fallible human beings. Never put them on a pedestal. That’s too much pressure. God is the only one who can handle praise and worship. Why? It belongs to Him alone. It doesn’t change His character. He is all powerful yet never overbearing. Love without condition, but never demanding. Forgiving and merciful But never seeking to be compensated. He never holds a grudge. He’s all knowing. Yet never asks us to keep secrets that will harm us or others. That’s why He’s God. Don’t ever give to man the part of you that belongs to God alone. Total trust, total submission, total allegiance belongs to the One who keeps His Word. He’ll never abuse your trust in Him. Run like Joseph from any Pastor who presents him or herself as your answer. It will only lead to heartbreak for not just you, but the entire body of Christ.
Father in the Name of Jesus
I pray for those who have been hurt by pastors who have abused their authority. Pastors who have preyed on the vulnerabilities of the men and women who have been entrusted to their care. I pray for healing for the victims, and for those responsible to be exposed if they refuse to repent. Protect the hearts of Your people that they will run to You and not depart from the faith, knowing that You will never leave them but comfort and restore them. In Jesus Name.🙏
“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
“They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.”
2 Timothy 3:5-6 NLT
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant