It’s early in the morning, and the Lord awakened me with a burden on His Heart. It is the Body of Christ’s attitude toward fallen Christian leaders. He reminded me of a specific couple who worked selflessly and tirelessly for this city, and because of some wrong turns and negative situations, today their life is like a ship crashed upon the rocks. No rescue has gone out for them, and only a few close friends even stay in contact. Why is it His people generally are the most critical, unthankful, and unforgiving bunch when it comes to one of their own falling?
Where are the quote “Bishops” & “Apostles” of this city and who are restoring this couple back to health? The sad truth is that this project is not one of those things that will add to anyone’s popularity. Someone needs to step up and say as Paul did with Onesimus in the book of Philemon.
Philem 17 & 18 “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” NKJV
The Lord reminded me of the code of the Marines, and how they will never leave another Marine behind. No questions are asked, and no blame is assigned even if the wounded Marine did not follow his instructions. At all costs he must not be left behind!
The Lord also reminded me of the excellent non-profit, based here in Jacksonville Florida, they are called the Wounded Warrior Project. They reach out to service personnel that were wounded and are now going through post traumatic situations. I have read Wounded Warriors materials and flyers, and I have never read about how they first question them to make sure it was not their fault. Again, no questions are asked, and no blame is assigned. The simple fact that they were wounded while serving this country is sufficient reason to extend help to them.
Even most animals who were not formed in the image of God return to help their wounded.
How we handle Fallen Church Leaders
Only Christians shoot their own wounded!
What about those who served the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ? What about those who have lost their homes, their marriages, and have even been estranged from their children as a result of doing what they thought was Christian Ministry? Is there any compassion available to those who did what they thought was right? Can we extend the same forgiveness that was extended to us?
When most Christians go through a rough patch, they just simply switch congregations. Many I know have changed who they fellowship with no less than ten times since I have known them. They know that a new congregation is a new beginning because no one knows their past.
Not so with fallen Church leaders, whose life becomes the juicy gossip at Starbucks and Panera’s. It doesn’t matter whether what is being shared is true or not! This is a plaque and an infirmity among us, and it has to stop. If you have no compassion because you were also wounded as a result of their fall, at least obey the word of God for your own good when it says;
James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. NKJV
Until the world sees something different in us than the usual religious Sunday morning fare, they will never believe in our Jesus. I am convinced we need less evangelistic outreaches and instead need to begin to model true New Testament Christianity.
God is love, and if we are His followers, then love must come forth from us.
About that couple I shared about at the beginning of the article, I am going to make contact with them today and see what I can do to help them be restored in health to the Body.
I challenge you to begin 2013 giving out mercy! Call that brother that wronged you. Initiate in the Spirit of your Father the restoration that is needed. Do as the Holy Spirit would lead you to do. May His Kingdom shine through you as you extend Mercy to those who need it.
Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. NKJV
Your comments are welcomed below,
For the love of His Name,
Jose L. Bosque
Jose Bosque is Editor in Chief and founder of Viral Cast Media which oversees GodsLeader, JaxChristian now ViralChrist and 15 other websites. He has ministered in Jacksonville since 1987 and served the city since 1992 as a citywide servant leader. Jose is considered a resource and a spiritual father to many leaders in the city and in the 54 nations where the Lord has sent him to serve. Originally born in Cuba, Jose has resided in Jacksonville since 1966. Contact Him at: www.RevivalPartners.net or ForRevival@aol.com Editors Note: Please help us continue to get this word out for free- No amount is too small- Thanks for your generosity! DONATE CLICK HERE
Copyright 2012 Jose L. Bosque www.JaxChristian.com. Permission is granted to copy, forward, or distribute this article for non-commercial use only, as long as this copyright byline, in totality, is maintained in all duplications, copies, and link references. For reprint permission for any commercial use, in any form of media, please contact JaxChristian1@aol.com
Thank you for this article. I am a fallen leader in the body of Christ and have experienced the coldness and attitude of others that say they love the Lord. This has given me hope.
Wow🤯! Thank you! In the little time that I have been serving in the name of Christ, my eyes have been opened to this. Wether it be brethren or leadership. I was confused because I believe in forgiveness but saw more outcasting and judgment instead. So thank you for the story and scriptures that opens my spiritual eyes and ears about judgement. And not only renew my faith in forgiveness and mercy but will allow me to share with others how important it is for us to hold each other up against a world set to destroy our message of Christ’s redemption.
Your welcome my sister. May you continue to be blessed as you read.
Much love Jose