This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. Titus 1:5-9

Several years ago, a self-professing apostle took to the airwaves and conducted a 6am prayer call. According to this apostle, the prayer call had been a labor of love for four years. However, this particular morning took a bad turn when the apostle began to express frustration and anger at those who exited the call when the subject of money and sowing arose. This leader went on for several minutes to rebuke those listening for their poverty spirit and their stinginess. There were accusations made that people were coming on the call and spiritually cursing this individual and polluting the prayer call. The harshness presented on this particular morning was said to be from lack of sleep and boldness was claimed to offend so as to encourage those who were offended that they needed to “sow a big seed to break the back of offense.”

Several months ago, a pastor took the stage in a church tent meeting. At one point during the service, the pastor recounted an incident having taken place shortly before the service. He alleged to have cast demons out of a young woman new to his congregation. He described the incident and told how the demon divulged names to him of six witches in the church. He went on to state a few of them were in the service that very day. Once this was stated, his demeanor drastically shifted with shouting and threats to those alleged to be witches, stating they were going to be asked to leave and if they “so much as coughed wrong” he would expose them right there. One may question if taking counsel or insight from alleged demons is sound and Biblical, let alone making accusations against other professing believers in a local church.

These are but a couple among the many examples having occurred in the hyper charismatic/ NAR church. There are many more caught on video in sermons and online ministry, and it is safe to say there are numerous other examples behind closed doors. Why does this matter? It matters because of Scripture and God’s standard He has established through His Word for overseers/elders of the church. It is not to demand perfection, but rather to point to God’s standards for church leaders and their conduct.

There are two specific passages pertaining to the qualifications of an overseer in God’s church. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 says, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.  Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. Above reproach is an important trait for such men. This means that “the overseer’s life is free from sinful habits or behaviors that would impede his setting the highest Christian standard and model for the church to emulate…No one can honestly bring a charge or accusation against him (Acts 25:7; 1 Peter 3:16).”

We also read in this passage as well as Titus 1:5-9 what is expected of a leader in the church. There are words jumping out from the pages of Scripture such as gentleness, not arrogant, and disciplined. Though I understand there are leaders in these movements not embodying the antithesis of what Scripture outlines for a church leader relating to conduct, attitudes and behaviors contrary to Scripture from self-professing apostles, prophets, and pastors are not uncommon. When seeing and hearing these types of interactions and behaviors, the actions are not pointing back to Christ. They point back to self. They point back to sensationalism and charisma without good fruit. The church is to have Godly men who lead the flock in the way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

In addition to the conduct of leaders is the recognition of God’s instruction for all believers. The high standard of conduct is not reserved for leadership, but we as lay people are to act in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Romans 12:9-21 tells us the marks of a true Christian. One thing to keep in mind is that just as these leaders are responsible for their own actions, so are who hold no official position. This does not excuse unBiblical leadership. Having said that, one thing I can attest to having been a part of this movement is that what I sat under had an influence on me whether I realized it or not. The result was similar behavior not honoring Jesus Christ or demonstrating fruit of the Spirit, for which I repent.

We each have to take responsibility for our own actions. It is important that we each take inventory of our own actions and conduct to make sure we are glorifying Christ and demonstrating fruit in accordance with His Spirit. It is important we understand the marks of a Godly leader and who is obeying God’s Word and those who are not. God found it necessary to have these details and requirements included in Scripture, and they matter.

Listen to this episode of The Lovesick Scribe podcast as we look at the examples in this movement of conduct and test them in accordance with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1: Conduct Unbecoming an Apostle – The Lovesick Scribe Podcast | Podcast on Spotify