Francis Chan: "God Might Kill You If You Criticize Church Leaders"

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

How do you properly criticize the leaders of the church.

This is a topic that Jesus and Paul covered.

Gossip is condemned.

Accusations against an elder are only to be received if there are at least 2 or preferably 3 witnesses.

Cowardice is also condemned. Rather than talk behind someone's back you should approach that person privately (Matt 18), if they won't hear you then take 2 or 3 more, again privately (Matt 18), only if these efforts fail and you have consensus among 3 or 4 responsible brothers (don't have to be elders or deacons, but shouldn't be novices or new converts) should you then tell it to the church (make it public).

Lawsuits are condemned and prohibited. It is better to simply take a loss and follow the Lord outside the camp.

Know this, your walk, your judgement, standing before the Lord is up to you, not anyone else. "It was pleasing to WL" is not going to be a valid justification for your actions at the judgement seat of Christ. Do not fear those that can cast you out of the assembly, rather fear God who can cast your soul into eternal torment.

All great points. Thanks.

[Cal]

In general, we should respect people, and leaders should be given (and be worthy of) double honor. Respect leaders while they are your leaders, i.e. while you are a member of their group. If you leave the group, they are no longer your leaders.

However, good sense says there must be a point where you can and even should speak up about another person's bad behavior. Leaders who use fear of judgment from God to force members to submit to them do not deserve followers, nor respect.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

In general, we should respect people, and leaders should be given (and be worthy of) double honor. Respect leaders while they are your leaders, i.e. while you are a member of their group. If you leave the group, they are no longer your leaders.

However, good sense says there must be a point where you can and even should speak up about another person's bad behavior.

The OT says if we see someone sin and do not speak up then we also will be guilty of that sin. That to me is the point where you should speak up. Is there a sin that I do not want held to my account? If so, speak up. But, follow the proper procedure. You can be right about speaking up, but sin in the way in which you do that.