GOD’S MESSAGE TO ACCUSED LEADERS

I have been praying for several of the high profile ministers being called out for sins of compromise and abuse. I feel the Lord’s heart for them as well as for the broader Church in this whole process of exposure. I see the hesitation to account for various charges. I see the pain from those who have been personally affected. And I see the larger collateral damage to the Body of Christ amidst the differing narratives. And because I don’t personally know the majority of these leaders, I’ve simply asked the Lord how to pray and how to speak in such a way that might bring greater clarity, resolution, and healing.

Last week I had a very long and detailed dream that involved both a major ministry and one of these high profile ministers. I instinctively knew the dream’s message wasn’t just about one ministry or one minister. I knew they were but a representation of others. The more I prayed into it and sought the Holy Spirit for counsel, it became clear that He was giving some specific directives for all those being charged. The directives are redemptive in nature and clear biblical principles that actually apply to all. And yet, I believe He is sending a message specifically to those who have not yet accounted for the accusations brought against them so that the Body of Christ can find resolution and healing. I also believe these directives will give greater insight for believers to better distinguish between the fruit of the Spirit versus the fruit of the flesh in some of these leaders.

Here is my dream and directives for further consideration and prayer. There were four parts, and four directives:

PART ONE: ASKING FOR THE RECEIPTS
In the dream I was in a large well-known ministry school and seeking direction. I was lost and didn’t know what the plan was, so I went to the office to ask for my class schedule. The officer there was helping someone else and gave them a huge stack of papers to look over. I was hoping my information wasn’t so massive. The officer quickly gathered what was needed, but instead of giving me some papers, he handed me a fistful of receipts. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was clear that they had been collecting my mail and waiting to give it to me.

PART TWO: THERE ARE NO STARS IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
I then found myself interacting with some other students and talking about getting a job outside the school. But it seemed that was looked down upon, as the school was more focused on building up the house and the reputation of the ministry. I was declaring that this was wrong and I began talking about some of the students who were getting known by their gifts and anointing. These “stars” were looked upon to make a name for the ministry and I began to say how it can never be just one or two of these stars to do this. I declared that if there was going to be any move of God that would get the attention of the world, it would need to be a collaboration of everyone working together. I continued declaring this as I watched two of these “stars” practice on a nearby stage and told those listening that it didn’t matter how gifted they were. Until everyone worked together, there wouldn’t be any Kingdom impact or lasting fruit.

PART THREE: THE TRUE TEST OF THOSE WHO ARE PURE OF HEART
It was at that moment that a major ministry leader who has been accused of spiritual abuse approached me. I was sitting on the grass with others and he came directly to me, sat down, and looked me in the eyes. I could see an earnestness and even longing. I had gotten his attention and he was listening. I began to appeal to him and his influence, hoping he would be willing to do the right thing for the greater good. Even though it would likely cost him, personally.

The look in his eyes was piercing and direct. I saw an earnestness and eagerness to listen. In spite of all that was against him, he was still open. I immediately thought of a passage of scripture:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are” (2 Corinthians 7:10-12 NIV).

PART FOUR: LEAVING WITH BLESSING
I then saw myself going back to the ministry setting to pick up a bunch of equipment I had left there. I knew I was leaving and they had already set all my stage equipment at the back door. But as I began to gather it, I saw an assistant from up front come back to greet me. I knew that I couldn’t just slip out the back door, but needed to go back and talk to the leadership up front if I was to leave with God’s blessing (end of dream).

In experiencing the dream the way I did, I gained a better understanding on how various ministers may be perceiving this process. It gives me greater compassion for those still hoping to do the right thing, and provides clarity in finding a way through the roadblocks. I believe each part signifies a specific directive for these ministers who are being asked for an account of suspected wrongdoings:

DIRECTIVE #1: For those sincerely looking for God’s plan and perspective, ask for the receipts. Don’t compare yourselves with others being charged and look at all the information. The Holy Spirit is ready to reveal HIS truth – IF you are willing to ask, look, and learn.

This is one of the first tests of someone who is truly God-fearing and God-anointed. In the dream, I was the one who asked for the receipts. They were there, but until I asked to see them, I was lost and had no clarity. Whether an accusation is true or false, a true minister of the gospel will want to account for any and all charges raised against them. Any worthy follower of Christ must be willing to face their accusers, look at the receipts, and weigh all the evidence with an open mind.  

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV).

DIRECTIVE #2: The star mentality must be broken and replaced with a heart to serve others – even at personal cost.

Any goal of growing a ministry must be replaced with a deep conviction of Kingdom collaboration and a corporate testimony. This doesn’t mean there won’t be those with greater influence or sought-after gifts. It simply means that those God-given gifts are for a greater good. The world needs to see a collaboration of saints, not a competition among platforms.

“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

DIRECTIVE #3: For those being charged with wrongdoing, the purity of your cause will be evidenced by the fruit of your godly sorrow, not your pursuit for personal vindication. It will not be for your own sake, or even for the sake of the injured, but for Jesus Himself. It is your love for the Body of Christ, above the love of your own ministry or reputation, that is being weighed in the balance.

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the Church” (Colossians 1:24).

DIRECTIVE #4: For those who actions will result in leaving a ministry or movement, don’t just sneak out the back door. Face your leaders, resolve your differences, and determine to leave with God’s fullest blessing.

For those who have been found guilty of ministry misconduct, this will be another test. Even if it means stepping away from ministry, the Lord’s invitation to reconciliation will always remain. Ministries will fade away, but our legacy will be determined by how we steward what we’ve been given – even our failures. Relationships among brothers and sisters are forever. We must do whatever we can do to maintain the bond of peace and unity of the Spirit. Without guilt and without shame.