Why God Does Not Call Leaders

American Christianity is fertile soil for diverse idolatries. Idolatry is man’s reliance upon the creature, or man-made elements of the world, to deliver him from meaninglessness and insignificance. In the world of pseudo-religion: Jews love their rabbis; Roman Catholics love their fathers; and Evangelicals love their leaders (Mt 23:9–10).

True Christianity is foolishness to the world and to the pseudo-church of Jesus Christ. God made sure of this foolishness, so no man could glory in His presence. Those who are elect, redeemed, and called out of the mass of humanity are numerically a remnant (Rom 11:5). These saints (holy ones) are set apart from the ways of man (1 Pet 1:16). They do not trust in men, hence, the organizations of men (Ps 118:8). Their trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone warrants their faith (Ps 118:9), in the marketplace of imposters.

Jesus promised His disciples that He would build His church (Mt 16:18). One who studies his Bible, learns there is only one means for this being accomplished: Spirit-filled men of God, preaching the inspired Word of God (Rom 1:16–17; 10:17; 15:19; 1 Cor 2:1–4; 1 Pet 1:12). Everything else is hoopla.

Interestingly, Jesus Himself is the church’s one foundation (1 Cor 3:11), and its very cornerstone (Is 28:16; Eph 2:20). The Word of God is Jesus (Jn 1:1, 14), and in written form, its all about Jesus (not your leadership development!). The superstructure of Christ’s enterprise is made up of spiritual stones (elect believers), being fitted to Himself, as the Living Stone (Eph 2:20–22; 1 Pet 2:4). Men who will not follow Jesus (many of whom we speak claim to follow Him), reject His building project, in favor of their own projects, in His name, of course.

The church growth movement has a lucrative economy for empire builders. Leaders proselytize protege leaders, promising a gospel that claims, “God loves you and has a wonderful leadership position He is calling you to fulfill.” So-called church leaders and even church congregations, cut from this man-made fabric, are in constant rivalry with other churches (Eccl 4:4).

When Gods’ people pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth more laborers, we are praying for God to send preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Jn 4:35; Lk 10:2). We are not praying for leaders that can numerically grow our religious corporation, or enhance our corporate image to attract more consumers of religion.

Pastors have little flocks, who they know, individually, by name (Jn 10:3, 27). They care for the souls of their local church family, as men of God who must give an account of the condition of their flock (2 Tim 2:15; Heb 13:17). Pastor/elders are held to a higher standard of judgment, not for their leadership skills, but for their faithfulness to sound doctrine, entrusted to them by God (Titus 1:9).

The Lord knows those who are His (2 Tim 2:19), and His maxim is not, “Bigger is better.” God’s remnant, little flock, is found in the midst of the carnival frenzy of commercial activity by mega-competitors (and also mini-wannabes). The marketplace of pseudo-Christianity can easily be detected by their disinterest in Christ and the Bible. That’s why you usually find them hocking some product or service.

Preaching another Jesus (2 Cor 11:4), the one who can help you reach your human potential and leadership goals, is a prosperous venture for those who succeed in the game of spiritual survival of the fittest (Ezek 34). The reason Christ, the Bible and true Christianity take a back seat to fake Christianity is because the Bible is offensive to people (Jn 5:42; 8:47; Rom 8:9). Simply put, preaching the Bible is bad for the church growth leader and his business.

Christians have one leader, that is, Christ (read that again and again until it sinks in). Jesus Christ preached, “And do not be called, ‘leaders,’ for One is your Leader, that is, Christ (Mt 23:10).” Yes, not only is God not calling you to be a leader, He is warning you not to be called, “leader.” If you are a so-called Christian leader, there is only one recourse: repent of your rivalry with Christ Jesus, our Lord and Leader.

The church has one Head, Christ Jesus (Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 1:18), who alone leads us, guides us, teaches us, and directs our steps to the good works prepared for us from beforehand (Eph 2:10). Those good works are many and varied in kind, but leadership is not one of them. Come out of your leader-led, man-made organizations, and join yourself to Christ and His church, that is, His body (1 Cor 12:12, 27; Eph 3:6; 4:12; 5:23; Col 1:24). He is the Head and the sole Leader of His people. Follow Him.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

November 11, 2021