• Home
  • Our Articles
  • Various Authors
  • Podcasts

Done with Religion

Done with Religion … Not Done with God

Feeds:
Posts
Comments
« Let Me Prove It To You
Pastors, Church and Loving Others »

Christian Leadership

November 21, 2015 by DoneWithReligion

I grew up in the traditional, organized church. I was always taught that the pastor was head of the church and he had all the answers and so much more knowledge than anyone else in the church. I mention the pastor as a ‘he’ because when I was young and growing up in the church it was unheard of to have a woman pastor.

I remember scheduling meetings with the pastor so I could ask him questions and find out all the answers to Christian living. It almost floored me one time when I asked the pastor a question and he actually said he did not know the answer.

Looking back, I can see that I certainly looked to the pastor rather than looking to the Spirit. I was putting my hope in a man who I thought could tell me everything about God, yet I was not seeking to know God himself.

Next in line were the board of elders. Each of them were so much more holy than I or anyone else in the church, or else they would not be in that position of authority. At least that is what I thought at the time. I have a friend who thinks prayers have more authority when she goes to the board of elders and has them pray.

Questioning Christian Leadership

The longer I was in the church, the more I began to wonder about things. Of course I did not dare ask the questions I had, since people would be questioning my faith or think I was questioning the pastor.

When I read that Christ was the head of His church, I wondered why the pastor seemed to get credit for that position.

I read that we should call no one father (or pastor) other than God, and I again wondered why people in position of leadership and authority in the church wanted to be called pastor or apostle or elder.

We are told that the Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher, and we do not need anyone other than him. Yet, we look to the pastor or an elder, or some big name evangelist to find all the answers to our questions.

I began getting dissatisfied with having these questions and not letting them surface enough to come out and be asked. I began to realize I had more and more questions, and less and less answers.

I finally started coming across books and websites of people who seemed to be in the same boat. They were wondering and questioning and being open with their questions. Some of them seemed to actually come up with some answers that made sense to me.

The more I thought, questioned and read the more I began to realize that our traditional church system is really not what God intended for the church. I also realized that questioning is not a lack of faith. God can handle our questioning, in fact, most of the time Jesus taught more with questions than answers. He wanted people to question and reason over things.

True Christian Leadership

The true Church that Jesus is building is not a brick and mortar place. The head of the Church that Jesus is building is not a pastor, pope, elder or apostle. In fact, the head is not a man or woman at all.

Leadership in the Church of Jesus is not what we have always thought of either. When we realize Christ is the head and leader of his Church, we begin to realize that man has no business demanding or expecting people to follow them and put them in the place of Christ.

Body of Christ

True Christian leadership is not an office of authority. It is not a place for only a few who are specially trained at a man-made Bible school. True Christian leadership is for all of us who are members of the Church of Christ. We are all kings and priests, we are all holy and righteous because of Christ. To be clear, when I say Church of Christ I’m not talking about any denomination or physical building. The true Church is a community of people who are following Christ, and He is our head. All the rest of us, men and women alike, are equally functioning body parts of his Church.

No person has a place of authority over another. That is the world’s way of doing things. That is the business way of doing things. Needless to say, there are a lot of churches and religious organizations that are acting like big business with their presidents and CEO’s, but that is not how it should be.

Christian Leadership as God intended is the Spirit working through the different body parts, leading by example. Leaders are those who encourage and teach from a place of love and experience, not a place of authority and power. Each of us are leaders at one time or another in the sense of leading by example, experience and love. We come in contact with those who need encouragement or a little guidance, not from someone who thinks they know it all, but from someone who has been there. A person who, out of love, wants to see the best for everyone.

True Christian leaders will not demand your loyalty. They will not want your allegiance to them. They will not rule over you with authority and expect you to follow them no matter what. True leaders will want to lead you to the head and true leader of the Church, Jesus. It is time we stop looking to men and women as our main guides and leaders, and look to Jesus. We need to listen for the leading, guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit who is actually God within us, rather than seeking the knowledge and wisdom of mere men.

Rate this:

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Blogger
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted in christian living, The church | Tagged apostles, bible school, board of elders, church, denominations, elders, Holy Spirit, leaders, leadership, pastor, pope | 21 Comments

21 Responses

  1. on November 25, 2015 at 12:31 PM Marion Wiley (@marion5117)

    “True Christian leaders will not demand your loyalty. They will not want your allegiance to them. They will not rule over you with authority and expect you to follow them no matter what. True leaders will want to lead you to the head and true leader of the Church, Jesus. It is time we stop looking to men and women as our main guides and leaders, and look to Jesus. We need to listen for the leading, guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit who is actually God within us, rather than seeking the knowledge and wisdom of mere men.”

    Now that’s a profound statement. It was a cultish, abusive church with that kind of leadership that pulled me out of traditional church altogether. I saw my fill of a demand for loyalty and complete submission to authority crammed down our throats practically every Sunday. It’s so very important to learn to hear from God, from the Holy Spirit for ourselves.and as you say, quit looking to men (and women). Amen, brother!!

    LikeLike


    • on November 25, 2015 at 1:27 PM DonewithReligion

      Thanks Marion, I appreciate your comment.

      LikeLike


  2. on November 22, 2015 at 1:40 PM usafbeth

    So, Jim, as a pastor, I would like to say that I agree with you 100%. I upset MANY people (including those in my “chain of command) because I don’t care if no one calls me “Pastor” – and I usually don’t call them “pastor” either. I see my job as that of leading people to Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit clean them up. I get criticized for not pointing out people’s sin and breathing fire and brimstone. I don’t believe anyone needs me to point out their sin or that it IS sin. I think satan does a pretty good job of that already. I get that God sets up apostles and prophets and pastors and teachers, but those are offices with responsibilities and (here’s the biggie!) those are foundational offices. “Foundation” means they’re at the bottom, not the top. If “to minister” is defined as “to serve”, why do these folks seem to think everyone else is supposed to serve them? I guess they cut out the scripures that the Son of Man came to serve, not to be served and a servant is not greater than his master. For the record, I am apparently a horrible pastor because I don’t play by the rules…

    LikeLike


    • on November 22, 2015 at 1:45 PM DonewithReligion

      Good words. You certainly have the meaning of leader down good. Most don’t see it that way and those usually want to respect and power so many are familiar with. Glad to hear there are those like you out there. Thanks for the comment.

      LikeLiked by 1 person


    • on November 22, 2015 at 3:54 PM tonycutty

      Whoever told you you are a ‘horrible pastor’ does not deserve to be allowed to express an opinion – unfortunately there is such a thing as free speech! 😉 Sounds to me as if you should not lend any credence to those who do not see how brilliant you are, bro.

      LikeLike


      • on November 23, 2015 at 12:33 PM usafbeth

        Dear Tony, while I appreciate being considered a “bro”, “sis” would have been a little more appropriate. lol That’s also a sore point with some folks, but they just need to get over it. God chooses whom He will and I’m just doing what He tells me. I’m just sayin’…

        LikeLike


        • on November 23, 2015 at 3:20 PM tonycutty

          Oops sorry Beth – but the comment stands: you’re still great! 🙂 Keep it up – sis!

          LikeLiked by 1 person


  3. on November 22, 2015 at 12:31 PM tonycutty

    Superb article. I do think, though, that for specialist churches like mine, where it’s a CofE Church that works with the homeless, we need a strong leader who has set guidelines (and I hate Rules, believe me) but this is for the good of the addicts we get in. He always points people to Jesus, but there are certain people who have to know who is ‘in charge’ on a human level.

    Believe me, I don’t follow leaders lightly, and I certainly don’t buy into big-name ministries. But in this instance, I feel it’s important to have a strong leader. I don’t agree with him on everything, but that’s ok, both ways. However, if a leader does insist on full compliance with Church doctrine, that to me is a danger sign and would have me running a mile immediately!

    LikeLike


    • on November 22, 2015 at 12:45 PM DonewithReligion

      Hi Tony, I agree, there are exceptions to about everything and I understand what you are saying. Thanks for the comment.

      LikeLike


  4. on November 21, 2015 at 10:53 PM Becky Johnson

    A few weeks back, after a whole string of things leasing up to it, I chucked all my devotionals, quit listening to pastors (Andrew Farley was my weekly go to guy) and unfollowed, as well as hid, all Christian Facebook pages. I simply wanted to shut out all the noise, and there’s A LOT of noise. I didn’t want my spirit to be numb to His Voice. For the first time I am reading the Bible via a Bible Survey via Plain Truth Ministries (closing in on Leviticus/Hebrews and Romans, as I felt led to begin there), along with a commentary and an old book on the Holy Spirit.

    It has been really incredible! I don’t miss all the other, and am having things revealed to me that deepen and widen and enrich the gospel narrative.

    I do not attend church, but cut out the middle man of all that I had been using. Certainly there is much good out there, truth being preached (like I believe Andrew Farley does). But I was ready or drawn into seeking straight from the Source. And, so, this post speaks volumes and I appreciate it very much!

    LikeLike


    • on November 21, 2015 at 11:14 PM DonewithReligion

      Thank you Becky. I agree, I’m getting so fed up with all the different views, opinions and arguing. I think you are onto something good. Thanks for commenting.

      LikeLiked by 2 people


  5. on November 21, 2015 at 10:11 PM Kingdomchild

    well written, very clear explanation of how it is to be, between and us and HIM !!!!!! thank you…….living in the love of an awesome father…….mary

    LikeLike


    • on November 22, 2015 at 11:49 AM DonewithReligion

      Thank you Mary. I appreciate your kind remarks.

      LikeLike


  6. on November 21, 2015 at 9:50 PM Carol

    May I ask your name? I might have missed it along the way. I think this post explains this verse a little better for me: Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and act under their authority. They are watching over you, because they are responsible for your souls. Obey them so that they will do this work with joy, not sadness. It will not help you to make their work hard.

    This verse was always hard to swallow for me. It rubbed me the wrong way. I never understood how another human being could watch over my soul. I could only see Jesus doing that. As you said, each of us are leaders at one time or another. When I was in organized religion, I only looked at church leaders or pastors as being leaders. Some of the authority was abusive. Never liked the manmade word “covering ” either.
    Enjoyed reading your post. Always happy to see an email from you in my inbox.

    LikeLike


    • on November 22, 2015 at 10:25 AM DonewithReligion

      Hi Carol, I go by Jim Gordon, a pen name used for two reasons. 1. I have many friends still in traditional religion who would be offended with some of my articles. 2. Most of these friends would either drop me as a friend or bombard me with comments about me being a backslider and walking away from God (neither of which are true). I appreciate your comment. I think there are many verses that are confusing and misinterpreted. I think seeking the leading of the Spirit within is better than always seeking opinions of man. Thanks for reading and commenting on this article.

      LikeLiked by 1 person


      • on November 22, 2015 at 11:38 AM Michael

        Yes, my brother, you encapsulated everything that the Lord has been showing me about my relationship with Him as my Head and why men have no business taking HIS place in our lives. Sooner or later if we are alive in Christ we will kick the slats out of our cribs in the church nursery and climb out and start feeding ourselves from HIS table and no longer in the mess halls of religion. Thanks! ⭐

        LikeLiked by 1 person


        • on November 22, 2015 at 11:42 AM DonewithReligion

          Hi Michael, thanks for your comment. You took the words right out of my mouth, lol.

          LikeLike


          • on November 22, 2015 at 11:44 AM Michael

            It was great to eat from His table with the two of you while you were here! Stay in tough, my brother.

            LikeLike


          • on November 22, 2015 at 11:46 AM DonewithReligion

            We enjoyed it very much and still take about our time with you guys. Always glad to hear from you.

            LikeLike


  7. on November 21, 2015 at 12:20 PM Helen Rolf

    Do you post this on Facebook? I wanted to share it on there.Thank you. Helen M. Rolf    From: Done with Religion To: hmrolf@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2015 11:34 AM Subject: [New post] Christian Leadership #yiv9467223003 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv9467223003 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv9467223003 a.yiv9467223003primaryactionlink:link, #yiv9467223003 a.yiv9467223003primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv9467223003 a.yiv9467223003primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv9467223003 a.yiv9467223003primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv9467223003 WordPress.com | DonewithReligion posted: “I grew up in the traditional, organized church. I was always taught that the pastor was head of the church and he had all the answers and so much more knowledge than anyone else in the church. I mention the pastor as a ‘he’ because when I was young and gr” | |

    LikeLike


    • on November 21, 2015 at 12:37 PM DonewithReligion

      Yes, this article was posted on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DonewithReligion/. Feel free to share it also. Thanks for reading the article.

      LikeLike



Comments are closed.

  • Unchurching – TED Talk

    https://youtu.be/FEkFgCFSKMg
  • Email Us

    Send email to Done with Religion
  • Revolution Church – Podcast

    Listen to Done with Religion writer Rocky Glenn as he talks with Jay and Caleb from Revolution Church

    Meet Your Congregation: Rocky Glenn

  • RIP Medical Debt

    RIP Medical Debt empowers donors to forgive billions in oppressive medical debt. We are dedicated to removing the burden of medical debt for individuals and families and veterans across America. Click HERE to donate now.

  • Mike Adams is a former pastor in the institutional church who has left that environment for a more authentic expression of the Christian faith outside those four walls.

    http://unsunday.libsyn.com/

    Featuring Jim Gordon and Rocky Glenn

    http://unsunday.libsyn.com/leaving-religion-finding-ekklesia-a-conversation-with-rocky-glenn-and-jim-gordon

     

  • Search Articles

  • Subscribe in a reader
  • If you need help click here
    or call the number below

  • Follow Done with Religion on WordPress.com
  • Podcast with Jim Gordon of Done with Religion

    Done with Religion? Unity and living outside institutional religion (featuring Jim Gordon)

  • Recent Posts

    • Divisions in the Body of Christ
    • What Reforms Are Necessary In Christianity?
    • So Many Different Voices
    • Gays, Women, Hell, Non-Christians – What Does God Really Think?
    • Treat Everyone Respectfully
  • Need Help? Click Here
    or call the number listed below

  • Follow us on Twitter

    My Tweets
  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 3,147 other followers

  • Like Us on Facebook

    Like Us on Facebook
  • Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    Click Here to Make a Donation to St Jude Hospital

  • Archives

    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • April 2016
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • January 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
    • October 2015
    • September 2015
    • August 2015
    • July 2015
    • June 2015
    • May 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • February 2015
    • January 2015
    • December 2014
    • November 2014
    • October 2014
    • September 2014
    • August 2014
    • July 2014
    • June 2014
    • May 2014
    • April 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • December 2013
    • November 2013
    • October 2013
    • August 2013
    • July 2013
    • June 2013
    • April 2013
    • March 2013
    • February 2013
    • January 2013
    • December 2012
    • November 2012
    • October 2012
    • September 2012
    • August 2012
    • July 2012
    • June 2012
    • May 2012
    • April 2012
    • March 2012
    • February 2012
    • January 2012
    • December 2011
    • November 2011
    • October 2011
    • September 2011
    • August 2011
    • July 2011
    • February 2011
    • May 2010
  • Wishes are more than just a nice thing A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. This one belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish®. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve. It compels us to be creative in exceeding the expectations of every wish kid. It drives us to make our donated resources go as far as possible. Most of all, it’s the founding principle of our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. Whatever the odds, whatever the obstacles wishes find a way to make the world better. We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. To make a donation click here:

  • If you are in crisis and need support call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386

  • Some of the Blogs We Follow

  • Varioius Posts We Like

  • Follow Us On Instagram

    Divisions in the Body of Christ https://donewithreligion.com/2021/04/14/divisions-in-the-body-of-christ-2/
    So Many Different Voices https://donewithreligion.com/2021/04/07/so-many-different-voices/
    Treat Everyone Respectfully https://donewithreligion.com/2021/03/31/treat-everyone-respectfully/
  • View Other Pages of Our Site

    Guest Bloggers
    https://donewithreligion.com/guest-bloggers/

    Podcasts
    https://donewithreligion.com/podcasts/

  • Doctors Without Borders help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. Help support Doctors Without Borders by making a donation here:

  • Done with Religion on Bloglovin

    Follow our blog with Bloglovin

  • Blog Stats

    • 123,189 hits

Blog at WordPress.com.

WPThemes.


Writer Dylan Morrison

Fascinated by the Nazarene but unimpressed by religion!

Living With Hope

The Knowable Mystery

Follow Your Arrow

Unashamed of who God made us to be, and unapologetic in our pursuit of God and our purpose in His kingdom

Blind Injustice

Injustices we may not be aware of

Sophia's Essays

This is where I post my essays, primarily about LGBTQ+ issues, politics, and Christian theology.

My Journey

Welcome. My blog is a place where readers will find writings of personal experiences, thoughts, and the peace that the Lord provides throughout my walk. I intend to bring inspiration and insight, as well as providing a very personal and transparent view into my life, in order to help others see their own lives in a different perspective. I strongly believe that we all need a different view at times, in order for our own personal growth to take place.

Hazy Divinity

Welcome To The Party

Wet Feet Ministry

Candice Czubernat

A leading voice in the LGBTQ and Christian dialogue

Our Journeys Matter! - Posts

Done with Religion ... Not Done with God

Ally's Notebook

Thoughts To Share

The Grace Cafe Blog

Life of a Prodigal

Searching for Truth outside the church walls

What God May Really Be Like - Misbeliefs About God

To those done with religion but not God and my kids (Click FOLLOW for future Posts; See ABOUT/USING THIS SITE tab to navigate Site)

carolsimmons

Christy Lynne Wood

Looking for the Real God

Confessions of a Recovering Churchboy

What I bought before, I just can't sell

Rogue Millennials

To the Saints Radio

Intermission

Reflections in the midst of life.

Crista Crawford, Christian Author and Speaker

She Seeks Nonfiction

A Skeptic's Quest for Science, Wonder, & Books

The Wild Frontier

The search for infinite Truth and the invincible Love of an incredible God.

Finally Megan

A Wilderness Voice

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts." (Hag 2:9)

What do People Understand by the Word God?

with an 85 year old Questioner

Entering the Promised Land

by walking in the Spirit

TruthForFree.com

New Covenant Grace

Beyond Church Walls

Done with Religion ... Not Done with God

Mick Mooney

Escape to Reality

Exploring the wide open spaces of God's amazing grace

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    <span>%d</span> bloggers like this: