Explore why God allows some leaders to rise over others in the church. Understanding this can empower your spiritual growth. Find steps to boost your faith and tackle tough leadership challenges with confidence.

Today, I learned of a dispute among the church community leaders. The dispute, which centered around [specific issue], was brought to my attention when it went viral.

Bishop Clarence McClendon and Bishop Paul Morton are well-known in the Christian community. They have had a public feud. In 2015, Bishop McClendon received an invitation to meet Donald Trump, but Bishop Morton declined,

Citing concerns about Trump’s respect for people. He criticized those who chose to attend. Bishop McClendon clarified that he sought dialogue, not endorsement. He stressed the need to engage with diverse views.

On Oct. 11, Bishop Paul Morton tweeted a response to a viral clip of Bishop Clarence McClendon. The clip showed Bishop McClendon discussing Kamala Harris with his congregation, a topic that has been a point of contention in the church community.

@BishopPMorton

“As a Black man, I cannot support Donald Trump. He often insults and degrades Black people, especially Black women. You disrespect them; you disrespect me.”

This is part of Clarence’s response!

Spiritual Empowerment Insights

Such disputes among church leaders can be disheartening for congregants and observers alike. But we must recognize that leaders are human. They have personal beliefs and views. The Bible shows that disagreements can occur among the devout. The contention between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41 demonstrates this.

God’s ways are often beyond human understanding. So, we can’t know why He allows some people to lead the church. Scripture indicates that God appoints leaders according to His divine purpose and wisdom. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the verse states, “The Lord does not look at the things that people look at.” People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This suggests that God’s choice of leaders is beyond human understanding. It often serves to fulfill specific roles or teach church lessons.

Diverse leaders can challenge the faith community, encourage growth, and deepen understanding. As believers, we must handle such situations with grace. We should seek unity and understanding. And we must trust in God’s plan for His church.

Why Does God Allow Certain Leaders Over Others within the Church?

The church’s leadership has long been of interest and has mattered to many. In a fast-changing world, spiritual communities seek guidance. So, why some leaders rise over others is more relevant than ever.

Recent studies show that over 80% of U.S. religious groups have changed their leaders in the past decade, Highlighting the ongoing evolution of spiritual leadership. Yet, this question goes beyond statistics. It touches on the mysteries of faith and divine purpose.

As we often find ourselves pondering why God allows some leaders to rise, this exploration becomes a vital part of our understanding of the church’s divine design. It’s not just about struggling with current leaders or reflecting on the past, but also about our significant role as believers in these spiritual dynamics.

This article is a journey to understand why God allows some leaders to rise above others within the church. We’ll delve into the themes of divine purpose, testing, and responsibility, and unravel God’s mysterious ways. But our primary focus is to empower your spiritual journey, despite any leadership issues you may face. Let’s embark on this journey together, inspiring you to take charge of your spiritual growth.

So, Why Does God Allow Certain Leaders Over Others?

It is a profound question. It touches on divine sovereignty, free will, and the complexities of history. It asks why God allows confident leaders to rise to power over others. Religious traditions and theologies offer different answers. But some topics are often explored:

1. Divine Appointment and Calling

God’s sovereignty is critical to understanding why some leaders rise over others. In the church, people see leadership as a divine calling, not a human choice. This view holds that God appoints leaders for specific purposes. These are to guide, correct, or lead a community through challenges. This can help us see that every leader has a role in God’s more excellent plan, even those who seem unfit.

• God’s Sovereignty & Plan: Many believe God controls everything, including the rise and fall of leaders. From this view, God allows some leaders to gain power. Their rise may serve a higher purpose beyond human understanding, linked to a divine plan.

God has a plan. It includes all creation, including its leaders. Some leaders may rise because they serve a purpose in that grand design. It may guide, correct, or fulfill a role in history.

Many religions believe God is sovereign over nations and their leaders. This means that every leader, good or bad, is part of a broader divine purpose. Faith teaches that, though we may not always know why, every leadership role has a purpose.

2. Testing and Refining the Church

Church leadership is not about guidance. It is also about testing and refining the faith community. God may allow some leaders to rise and challenge the congregation. This could spur spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on faith. These tests can act as a mirror. They reveal where the church must grow or return to its core biblical teachings. This challenging process of refinement is vital for the church’s spiritual growth.

• Testing Faith & Integrity: Some believe God lets confident leaders test people’s faith. They might ask them to grow in character or to stand up for what is right. Some leaders may test people’s integrity. Brutal leadership can force people to confront their beliefs. They may seek justice or rely on their faith.
• Growth Through Adversity: Adverse leadership can sometimes lead to societal or spiritual growth. Challenges from some leaders might boost the community and renew values. They might also clarify justice and mercy.
• Refinement Through Adversity: Adversity often leads to growth. Leaders who challenge the status quo can refine a nation’s character. They may create a stronger, more unified society.

3. Human Responsibility and Free Will

While God is sovereign, human free will also plays a crucial role in leadership dynamics. Often, the leaders who rise reflect the spiritual condition of the congregation. A complacent or undiscerning community may face a leader who tests that complacency. It stresses believers’ duty to be prayerful and discerning in choosing their leaders.

• Human Free Will: Humans have free will. They can choose, including which leaders to select. In democratic systems, the people often determine leaders. Thus, the leaders who rise to power can reflect a society’s collective choices.

Leaders in power often reflect the people’s values and desires. They may even reflect their spiritual state.

A leader’s rise sometimes results from a society’s actions or inactions. This can serve as a lesson or a call for repentance, urging people to return to higher principles and values.

4. Discipline and Correction

Sometimes, God allows confident leaders to rise as a form of discipline or correction. When a church strays from its mission or grows proud, a demanding leader might be a wake-up call. They would urge the congregation to repent and realign with God’s will. This rigid, divine correction is for the church’s good. It guides it back to spiritual health.

5. Consequences of Human Actions

• Reaping What Is Sown: Many religions stress that societies reap what they sow. If a society abandons its morals, poor leaders may rise. The church integrates into society.
• Opportunity for Reflection and Change: It may prompt churches to rethink their values and rules. They may need virtuous leaders. This reflection can lead to significant social and political reform.

6. The Mystery of God’s Plan

Not all aspects of leadership within the church are straightforward to understand. At times, we don’t know why some leaders rise. We must trust God’s wisdom and timing. As believers, we must have faith. God sees the bigger picture. Even the most challenging leaders fit into a larger story. It serves His ultimate purposes. Trusting God’s plan is vital for peace amid leadership challenges. It offers comfort and reassurance.

• God’s will is a mystery, showing that we can’t understand all of God’s actions through reason. For some, accepting the mystery of God’s will is the answer. They trust that a greater good is at work, although it remains unclear.
• Faith in God’s Plan: Humans are not meant to understand all aspects of God’s plan. Despite unclear reasons, it may call for trust in God’s wisdom and timing. This faith calls for patience and trust. It holds that all will work for good and are part of a larger story.

7. Historical and Future Impacts

• Shaping History: A leader’s impact may profoundly affect the future. God might allow some leaders to change history. Their lessons on justice, leadership, and moral decay may resonate for generations.
• Preparing for the Future: Some leaders may set the stage for changes that are part of God’s long-term plan.

God’s allowing some leaders to rule over others is complex. It involves divine sovereignty, human free will, and an unknown purpose. That purpose may only be apparent in hindsight or through faith. We must balance recognizing human responsibility with trusting God’s plan.

5 Actionable Steps to Empower Your Spiritual Journey

Understanding why God allows confident leaders over others is the beginning. Here are five steps to empower your spiritual journey. They apply no matter the leadership dynamics you face.

1. Pray for Discernment: Make it a habit to seek God’s guidance on your church’s leaders. Pray for wisdom to discern His will. Pray for strength to support or challenge leadership as needed.
2. Consider how current leaders affect your spiritual growth: Do you feel tested or challenged in any areas? Use these moments as opportunities to deepen your faith and reliance on God.
3. Foster Unity: Commit to uniting your church despite leadership challenges. Support fellow believers. We work together to maintain a healthy and vibrant faith community.
4. Hold Leaders Accountable with Grace: If leaders stray from God’s will, approach them humbly. We should always exercise accountability with love and respect.
5. Trust in God’s Timing: God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t understand. Trust that He is at work, even when leadership is authoritarian. Be patient and faithful in His timing.

Conclusion

We seek to understand why God allows some leaders and not others. It is a complex link between His purpose, human responsibility, and the mystery of faith. Church leadership is more than a position. It’s a spiritual journey that includes challenges and growth. Knowing these principles and steps will boost your confidence. You can navigate leadership dynamics, which will empower your spiritual journey.

As you reflect, consider how these insights can shape your church leadership. How might God be using current leadership to shape your spiritual growth? What steps will you take today to achieve a closer alignment with His will?

I encourage you to visit my online store at jamielondonclay.com. It has products to inspire and support your self-empowerment and holistic growth journey. Your purchases support my work. I earn a commission that helps this community thrive.

I’m beginning my journey on YouTube, where I’ll share more insights. I request your patience as I continue creating content on my blog and YouTube channel. Let’s go on this journey of whole personal development together!

Your engagement keeps this community alive and growing. Please subscribe to my blog, follow me on social media, and share this article with your network. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—your input is invaluable to this community. Explore more topics like this and join us in living life with more freedom and authenticity.

Let’s empower each other and draw inspiration together.