Leading Like Christ: With Humility and Service

The problem of spiritual abuse is a real one.

Consider this week’s news about the Archbishop of Canterbury § Justin Welby, the titular head of the Anglican Communion of Churches, resigned on Tuesday, days after a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church of England. § Archbishop Welby has not been charged with wrongdoing but felt he needed to take responsibility for the failure of the church to address the problem of safeguarding individuals from toxic clergy.

Spiritual abuse can take many forms:

· controlling behaviour

· manipulation

· exploitation of power

· coercive teaching

Spiritual leaders are meant to point others to Christ, not to manipulate, exploit, or crush their spirits.

The recent case of Bishop Todd Atkinson is another example. § He was recently removed as a Bishop in the ACNA after former congregants came forward to share stories of toxic behaviour, manipulation, and spiritual abuse within the church’s leadership. § Many felt spiritually gaslit as if questioning the leadership was equivalent to questioning God himself.

The consequences of toxic leadership are far-reaching. Spiritual abuse can leave deep emotional and psychological scars.

· Victims often struggle with feelings of betrayal, confusion, and loss.

· Their trust in their leaders and the Church is shattered.

· Some walk away from their faith altogether, unable to reconcile a leader's actions with the gospel's message.

We concluded last week’s teaching with Peter’s warning that “judgment begins with the house of God”; 1 Peter 5 indicates that within the house of God, judgment begins with the clergy.

1 Peter 5:1–2 ESV 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you….

Audience: “elders” (Gk. Presbyteros)

· modified in Germon to priester

· and then into English as “priest”

Basic message: Leaders should Lead the way Christ lead

Strategy: Makes three NOT “this” BUT “this” statements

1. “NOT under compulsion, BUT willingly”

· Not doing the job simply out of obligation or because ‘someone has to do it’

· The willingness is based on a conviction that this is God’s will: “as God would have you” (v2).

There is a parish in our diocese whose website makes you think it is permanently closed, and someone forgot to take the website down. § It advertises the upcoming Christmas Even service for Dec 24, 2022. § There is nothing listed under coming events or news. § The church is still there, but the priest mentally checked out five years ago. § Sadly, he is there under compulsion, not willingly.

2. “NOT for shameful gain, BUT eagerly”

§ Not a prohibition against compensation, but “shameful gain” (i.e., with greedy or selfish motives or by dishonest or unfair practices).

Like the… § Crooked televangelists selling miracle water from the Jordan River § mega-church pastors with their $55 million jets and $4,000 sneakers

§ these bad apples get all the media attention

§ Thankfully, most pastors are in the ministry because, they, like Peter, are eager to serve the Lord

3. “NOT domineering…..BUT being examples”

There are multiple ways those in spiritual authority can dominate the flock: § By micromanaging personal decisions: Insisting that members follow their advice on relationships, career choices, or financial matters, claiming it is "God’s will." § By limiting access to external influences: Discouraging or forbidding members from reading books, listening to certain teachers, or associating with people not aligned with the pastor's views in the name of “protecting their spiritual well-being.” § By playing on emotions to extract loyalty or resources: Preaching that God will punish or withdraw blessings from anyone who doesn't fully support the pastor’s vision or goals. § By creating a sense of spiritual dependency: Encouraging members to rely solely on the pastor for spiritual insight, guidance, and direction.

Peter advocates a different view of authority based on humility rather than self-promotion.

This call to humility is not just for priests but extends to all of God’s people.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another

· etymology

· tying a towel around ones’ waste – putting on a serving towel

This harkens back to Peter, Jesus and the towel (John 13:4, 5, 14)

The reason:

1 Peter 5:5 ESV “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The promise: the humble will be exalted

1 Peter 5:6 ESV Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

What does serving with humility look like?

1. Volunteering in the Background That is humility because the focus is on the task at hand, not personal accolades. 2. Listening More Than Speaking That is humility because you prioritize the other person’s voice and needs, rather than showcasing your own knowledge or wisdom. 3. Supporting Without Expectations That is humility because our actions are motivated by a desire to be of service, not to gain something in return. 4. Taking on Unnoticed Tasks That is humility because you contribute to the collective effort without concern for recognition or prestige. 5. Serving Without Judgment Like assisting someone who does not deserve your help or might not be able to repay it. 6. Filling in When Others Are Overwhelmed This humility because you put the needs of the team or individual ahead of your own comfort or pride, working quietly behind the scenes. 7. Accepting Criticism Gracefully That is humility because you show that you're willing to learn, grow, and change, without letting your pride get in the way of self-improvement.

In all of these examples, humility is key—it’s about serving with a quiet, selfless heart, without drawing attention to oneself or expecting anything in return. The act of service itself is the reward.

In conclusion

· Spiritual abuse is a serious issue that can deeply harm individuals and damage the reputation of the Church.

· The recent cases of Archbishop Justin Welby and Bishop Todd Atkinson remind us of the importance of accountability and humility in leadership.

· As Peter writes in 1 Peter 5, leaders are called to shepherd with selflessness, not for personal gain or control, but to set an example for others.

· True humility—serving others without seeking recognition or power—should be the foundation of both leadership and our relationships within the Church.

· In embracing this humility, we reflect the heart of the gospel, trusting that God will exalt the humble in due time.