Discovering Self-Serving Behavior in Church Revitalization (CR)

After dedicating over twenty years to ministry, I have witnessed the impact of self-serving individuals firsthand. This is not just an abstract concept—it is a reality that has shaped my understanding of human nature and the challenges we face in building God's kingdom as revitalizers. Let me share what I have seen and learned and consider how Jesus might view these situations.

The Information Gatherers

In my early years of ministry, I was often approached by individuals who seemed genuinely interested in our CR work. They'd attend services regularly, volunteer for events, and ask thoughtful questions about our programs and what we are doing. I was always excited to share, believing I nurtured potential leaders or committed members.

However, as time passed, I noticed a pattern. Some individuals would suddenly disappear after gathering enough information about our operations, plans, contacts, and strategies. Later, I'd discover they had used this knowledge to start their ministries or to gain favor with other churches, often competing directly with our efforts.

Jesus taught us to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). While He calls us to love and trust, He also acknowledges the need for discernment. I believe Jesus would encourage us to share openly and be aware of others' intentions, always seeking to protect the flock He's entrusted to our care.

The Role Usurpers

My most painful experiences involve those who joined our ministry team with apparent enthusiasm only to reveal their true ambitions over time. These individuals often started as volunteers or junior staff, eagerly learning the ropes and building relationships with key members and donors.

As their influence grew, so did their ambition. I have seen such people manipulate situations to undermine the authority of long-standing leaders, spread rumors to damage reputations, and even try to split congregations to establish their churches.

Jesus warned us about wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). He would remind us that true leadership in His kingdom is about servanthood, not personal gain. "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

The Connection Grabbers

Over the years, I have built relationships with many wonderful people in ministry—fellow pastors, community leaders, and generous donors. However, it has been disheartening to see how some individuals have tried to exploit these connections for personal gain.

I recall one guy who joined our team for an organization and quickly showed great interest in our donor base. Initially, I thought he was eager to learn about fundraising for ministry. However, he left to start his non-profit within a few years, taking several of our major donors with him. The betrayal hurt us personally and significantly impacted our ability to fund crucial community programs.

Jesus emphasized the importance of genuine relationships and warned against using others for personal gain. He would point to His teachings on honesty and integrity, reminding us that our yes should be yes, and our no should be no (Matthew 5:37). 

The Church-Life Opportunists

In over two decades of ministry, I've seen numerous individuals pass through many doors, using the church as a stepping-stone for personal or professional advancement. They join groups, take on leadership roles, and leverage the church's resources and reputation to build their profiles.

Once they have gained what they need—skills, connections, or credibility—they move on, often leaving crucial ministries understaffed and the congregation feeling abandoned.

Jesus would remind us of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). He expects us to use our gifts and opportunities to further God's kingdom, not our agendas. He might also point to His example of commitment and sacrifice, even in the face of great personal cost.

Preventing Exploitation in Ministry

 Through these experiences, I have learned valuable lessons about protecting our ministry while remaining open and loving:

1. Prioritize Character Over Charisma: Look for consistency in words and actions over time, not just initial enthusiasm.
2. Implement Mentoring and Accountability: Pair new team members with seasoned ministry leaders to provide guidance and see their development.
3. Foster a Culture of Servanthood: Regularly emphasize and model Jesus' teachings on servant leadership.
4. Establish Clear Expectations: Communicate the church's mission, values, and expectations clearly from the outset.
5. Practice Gradual Trust: Allow individuals to earn greater responsibility and access over time as they demonstrate faithfulness.
6. Encourage Transparent Communication: Create safe spaces for open dialogue about motivations, aspirations, and concerns.
7. Pray for Discernment: Regularly seek God's wisdom in evaluating people and situations.

What Would Jesus Think?

I believe Jesus would approach this issue with both compassion and firmness. He would remind us that the church is not just an organization but a family—His family. He would call us to love unconditionally while also being wise stewards of the ministry He's entrusted to us.

Jesus might point to His example of dealing with Judas. He knew Judas' heart yet still included him, loved him, and gave him opportunities to repent. At the same time, Jesus didn't allow Judas' betrayal to derail His mission.

I believe Jesus would encourage us to remain faithful to our calling, love genuinely, forgive readily, and lead with wisdom and discernment. He would remind us that our goal is not to build our kingdoms but to build His faithfully.

In my 20 plus years of ministry, I've learned that while we can't always prevent self-serving behavior, we can respond to it in a way that honors Christ and protects His church. By staying rooted in His love and guided by His wisdom, we can navigate these challenges and continue to be effective witnesses of His grace in a world that desperately needs it.

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