TOXIC CHRISTIAN MINISTRY BUBBLES, AND THE PRIDE THAT BUILDS THEM
This is not an easy word to share, as there are many still trying to process recent headlines of exposure among well-known Christian leaders. But without recognizing the spirit at work in the hidden recesses of the heart, these cycles of compromise will only continue. It is time for this strongman to be acknowledged and dealt with…
Ministry bubbles are bursting and a toxic smell is emerging that is shocking many on the outside. Ministries once thought to be healthy and thriving are now carrying a stench. Appearances have been deceiving. Ministry leaders who were once thought to be leading voices in the Body of Christ are being exposed for spiritual malpractice and clergy abuse. Past sins and indiscretions are coming out and inside ministry practices are revealing more of a business enterprise than a spiritual family. We are seeing a growing number of spiritual emperors in the Church with no clothes. It is disheartening and also grievous.
For those wondering how we got here, life on the inside of one of these toxic bubbles is an illusion. Those on the inside don’t always recognize the spiritual poison that has been building because the burn is slow and the leaders are blind to their own ambitions. Control is camouflaged as special authority that has been earned and granted to only a few spiritually elite. Following the rules is considered the proof of one’s loyalty and self sacrifice is deemed the evidence of one’s spirituality. And yet, it is all a mirage. It is all a counterfeit spirituality that carries no life and bears no lasting fruit because it is based on deception and self-serving lies. And it’s usually the same seed that takes root at the start. It is Pride that always goes before destruction.
The unhealthy leaders who feed these toxic spiritual eco-systems have usually become puffed up by their own revelations and convinced of their own greatness. And the deception always starts small. They actually think they’re being visionary and ground-breaking. But left untended, the seeds of self-importance grow into strongholds of spiritual pride and religious arrogance. Eventually, they become untouchable and immune to any serious godly counsel or advice. And though not all large ministries or ministers succumb to this, the present realities are showing a troubling trend.
The apostle Paul spoke of the “surpassing greatness of revelation” that had been given him in his early years of ministry (2 Corinthians 12:7). Knowing how pride could quickly become his downfall, he admits that the Lord needed to humble him. Thankfully, Paul yielded to the Lord’s discipline. But many leaders do not.
It is this seed of perceived spiritual superiority that seems to be a common trait in many fallen leaders. They often start out with an authentic supernatural encounter or life-changing revelation which attracts a crowd. Then they become spiritual gurus to admiring followers who are blinded by their popularity and charisma. Before long, the vision becomes a business and the revelations become law for those who join. That which was birthed by the Spirit is now maintained by the flesh, and it starts to rot from the inside out.
