Its Not My Fault.

I hear this a lot today, no one takes the responsibility for their actions, or the results of decisions made.  We have leadership in all segments of society who never come out and tell the truth, "I messed up, I made a bad decision, and I am sorry." The only time people come to admit wrong doing is when they get caught in an activity that is either immoral or illegal. I remember a few years ago, Pastor Bill Hybels from Willow Creek Church outside of Chicago came to a realization that some of the thinking and teaching that he and others promoted at Willow was wrong. He actually admitted, 'We were wrong."  Wow, that was not characteristic of what is normally seen in the church.  Rarely will anyone admit fault, and confess that decisions were based upon ego, pride, and self centeredness. Here is a statement you won't hear too often in our Christian circles, but it is true. There are many non-profit ministries that are run more like private personal businesses than they are ministries governed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. All the ministries I have been affiliated with over the years will claim to be Christ centered, but in many cases, when you press in to see about how the ministry makes decisions, or crafts a vision you find its more about ego, pride and personal preferences than it is about being Biblical or Christ centered. Sound harsh?  Sure it does, but it's true. The larger the organization, the more this is masked, but in smaller ministries it's really about the person leading the ministry. Is that all bad?  No, leadership takes guts, fortitude, and perseverance today, and that can be seen as ego and pride. However, when a leader goes unchecked, or is ever questioned on attitude, ministry decisions, foundational theology, or style of leadership,  then I think the organization has a problem. 

God uses our natural talents, experience and spiritual gifting to further His work, but when it becomes anything less than 100% about Jesus Christ, then we are making idols based upon ourselves, and the work we do. 

Too many leaders have used spiritual authority, prophetic concepts, and twisted Biblical teaching to manipulate their agenda on a group of people. Many have invented their own gospel, as in the case of those who teach that the church will take dominion over the earth and prepare it for the return of Jesus Christ.  It is true we go into all the world and teach the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that is a different kind of concept than what is often portrayed through a dominion theology.  Now I am not here to debate all the craziness that is passed off as truth in the Body of Christ today, but I am here to ask leaders to be honest about whose agenda they are following? As a leader do you ever make theological mistakes, or bad decisions about the ministry you lead?  If yes, then why don't we hear more honesty from you about those mistakes?  When leadership is being lead by the Holy Spirit, they will not only admit to fault, they will admit that their human intervention has caused some flawed decisions they passed off as "God is leading us to...." 

And why don't we admit to more fault?  Because fault means I could be wrong about a lot of things, and if that were to be known what kind of following would I have?  Oh, I see, we are worried that our followers/supporters won't trust us anymore, is that it?  Well, here again if honesty prevailed, are we suppose to have followers? (only allowed on Twitter)

Following someone means they have something worthwhile to follow after, and the truth of the matter, no ministry has anything a part from Christ worth following. The only value in my life or in the life of the ministry I serve is Christ, and Him alone....period.

Bottom line for me: Ministries that function for the sake of the ministry itself is an idol, and leaders who run those ministries in that fashion should repent, or be replaced.

Harsh?  Really? If you think I am harsh then check out Revelation chapters 2 and 3, and see what Jesus said about ministries who were not willing to admit fault. 

Keeping it honest and truthful.....K

I know our memories are short, and we forget quite easily. So here was a great moment in the life a church.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMVtUWH4MxY