Campus Questions Pt. 3
This week we're diving into yet another difficult topic to discuss: Pastors, church leaders, and moral failings. The reality is that there are many different forms this takes in churches but this week we're going to look at second Peter 2 and take a closer look at the ways that pastors and church leaders can be predators. We've all heard the phrase Wolf in sheep's clothing; well, when Peter writes his second letter, he is concerned about just this kind of behaviour taking root in churches. Sadly, for the past 2000 years this type of behaviour has persisted.
Warning - This week we're dealing with sensitive topics that involve spiritual, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within churches. Some people may find these topics difficult to hear about in the service.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing - Kurt Chang - behance.net
Anchor Texts:
Matthew 18:1-6 NIV - The Lure of Power and the Manipulation of “Little Ones”
James 3:1 NIV - Warning to Teachers
2 Peter 2 NIV - False Teachers (What they are like/They will be punished)
Questions to Ponder:
Read Matthew 18:1-6. Why do you think Jesus includes the warning to His disciples about misleading little ones right after they asked him who will have the most power in his kingdom?
What types of warning signs exist in local churches that something isn't right with the leadership according to Matthew 18:1-6 and 2 Peter 2?
Has the Church (note the captial-C) earned a reputation of being a place where leaders can abuse congregants? Why or why not?
What do you think James means when he says teachers will be judged more strictly? What does being “judged more strictly” look like?
Read 2 Peter 2:14-16 again. Who was Balaam? Look up his story. How do crooked leaders reflect his behaviour today?
Read 2 Peter 2:21-22 again. How serious is the situation for pastors and church leaders who abuse their power? What room is there for healing or reinstatement to their former position based on what we read here?
The Theme in Song:
A band called King Kaleidgescope was formed within a church with an abusive culture than eventually collapsed in upon itself terribly. After the collapse, lead singer Chad Gardener wrote this song about his experience of working within this church led by a deeply compromised leadership.