These individuals are often men who sometimes lead relatively large churches but usually no larger than 25 to 60 people. Despite their modest congregations, they are often surrounded by various bodyguards. When they need to preach, they are escorted to the pulpit and stand there, protected, as if they were the President of the United States. They go by titles such as Chief, Master, King, the Prophet, Major, or “the Men of God,” and sometimes have multiple titles before their names. Some are young, yet they refer to themselves as spiritual fathers.
They also refer to their wives as the ‘First Lady of the House’ and emphasize the importance of honouring her; failing to do so can lead to trouble. Frequently, the church operates akin to a family business, where key positions and titles are given to relatives. They occupy nice leather seats while their congregation sits on small, hard wooden or plastic chairs. In some cases, their pictures are displayed on banners, even on the platform, presenting themselves as the oracle of God. People may even bow to them, and they allow it to happen, believing that all of the aforementioned aspects signify success.
While they may claim that Jesus is at the centre, their actions often tell a different story. The true nature of a tree is revealed by its fruits, and this principle applies here. They may argue that these expressions are cultural, but in the kingdom of God, leaders are not meant to become ‘American idols,’ ‘African kings,’ ‘Dutch bosses,’ or ‘Kingdom mafioso.’
Don’t misunderstand; I believe in leadership, order, and honour within the house of God. However, we must be cautious that honouring doesn’t turn into worship and that leaders don’t become the centre because that place is reserved for Jesus alone.
Revelation 19:9 “…And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
The Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus, not men. When leaders become the focus, it often signifies the operation of a spirit of divination, attempting to lead the ministry into deception and idolatry.
Acts 16:16-18 “And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed by a spirit of divination met us. She had brought her masters much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”
It is therefore important for leaders to close the door for the works and the spirit of the Nicolaitans.
Revelation 2:6 “…But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
The name “Nicolaitans” comes from the Greek word nikolaos, a compound of the words nikos and laos. The word nikos is the Greek word that means to conquer or to subdue. The word laos is the Greek word for the people. It is also where we get the word laity. When these two words are compounded into one, they form the name Nicolas, which literally means one who conquers and subdues the people. It seems to suggest that the Nicolaitans were somehow conquering and subduing the people.
Ruling over people is absolutely not in line with God’s will. However, this does not mean that there is no aspect of authority when it comes to leadership, because there certainly is. This authority is related to overseeing and leading God’s house, casting vision and strategies and to disciple, mentor and equipping Gods people!
1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well….”
That is why leaders are more than just servants. They also play the roles of fathers and mothers, and fathers and mothers possess a certain authority. However, this authority is not to be used for own gain or constructing our own kingdoms but for building God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 5:2-4 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
Yes, be a leader, be strong and powerful but do it with the heart of father/mother and in the spirit of a sheperd. Yes leaders lead but they also serve!
King Loewi or King Jesus? Fruit will tell us!