Dealing with a Domineering Pastor

III John 1:11-14

Some pastors and churches today teach that it is the Christian’s responsibility to do whatever the pastor tells him. People who do not, for what ever reason are treated as inferior, have positions they have served in taken away, are accused of trying to split the church or of rebellion. Some pastors rebuke them from the pulpit or otherwise stir up opposition to them to force them to either comply or to leave the church.

Gaius had apparently been put into this position. John’s compliments have been given to remind him that he was still doing what the Lord had commanded and to encourage him to continue to do so even though the pastor opposed it. It was going to be necessary for John to take action about Diotrophes’ behavior when he came, because it was definitely wrong. Until John can come, Gaius needs to know how to deal with the problem. John has written this letter to enable Gaius, and us, to know how to deal with such a situation.

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (III John 1:11)

Some pastors have abused their positions. Some have demanded sexual favors from ladies in the church, that a person donates a certain amount, that they meet his standards of dress or celebrate or not celebrate certain holidays. They encourage others to snub or shun those who fail to do so. And forbid contact. Much of I John is devoted to the matter of demonstrating our love as evidence of our Christianity. Even those who are clearly in overt sin, we are to demonstrate that love. II Thessalonians 3:14-15 commands, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” By ‘shunning’ them, we reject God’s command, going too far, teaching man’s command instead.

Neither the pastor or the church has authority to set aside any of God’s commands. As the Apostles said in Acts 5:29, “…We ought to obey God rather than men.” While the pastor must give account for our souls, as to what he has led us to do, we have to account for our own actions as Romans 14:12 declares. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” What a relief it is to see those who you’ve taught doing what is right, because it confirms that you have done your job properly, as Hebrews 13:17 instructs. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Obedience to the leaders must never supersede obedience to God.

We need to listen to and follow leaders who are following God, whether they are in the forefront or not. Gaius needed to find and associate with those who were less concerned with their own position and more concerned with what God wanted, and such a man was there.

“Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” (III John 1:12)

Ones spiritual life and growth is too important to allow it to be hindered or circumvented by a false teacher, or self willed church leader. Find someone who is there to serve God, whether by finding a changing the church leadership, or by finding a different church. Don’t allow a hypocrite to get between you and God. If you do, he is closer to God than you are. Go around him or push him out of the way if you have to. Best of all try to get him to go with you.

“I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.” (III John 1:13)