Orphans In the Pulpit .

We have a serious ministry problem, worse today than it’s ever been. Fake ministers. Fake love. Fake faith. Superficiality and a lack of transparency.

My heart breaks and weeps when I see how some got this way.

Through abuse, rejection, forms of pride, disappointment, and lack of validation many leaders/ministers project an image they want others to see – an image of a strong and confident leader who knows the Word of God. Often their resume contains a list of accomplishments and achievements that belie the real truth of who they are.

Some ministers and leaders need constant validation and affirmation. Their peers must know how great they are. Their peers must honor and respect their gifts and ministry. If not, they will exalt themselves in self-aggrandizement to hide the real issues, insecurities, and fears of their own hearts. They are spiritual orphans in our pulpits.

These orphans can never be wrong. They can never admit their mistakes. It is difficult for them to receive correction. Their leadership or personal life can never be challenged even by friends. They defend their right to be who they are, and justify their actions. To me, more often than not, these are symptoms of orphan hearts.

I was one, so I know of what I speak. In 2002 the Lord delivered me after I surrendered all. In an inward vision I was looking up through a glass ceiling at all the things I wanted in ministry – power, anointing, favor, significance, influence, etc. but the Lord directed me to the floor and my foundation. He spoke to me at length about my character saying such things as:

“The reason I have not opened the doors you’ve wanted me to open to you in ministry is because if I did, you would have ceased to be a man after my own heart.”

I broke down and wept when I realized He was keeping me from greater ministry opportunities, power, and influence because of His love and protection for me.

He also said this:

“Take away ‘ministry’ over the last 17 years and what do you have?  Your character has not been sufficiently dealt the death blows that it will take to properly develop it to where I can impart to you the mind of Christ. You need more mortification to receive the mind of Christ.”

When I heard this I realized He was requiring crucifixion and death to what I perceived I wanted and return to Him as my first love.

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4).

Let me ask you a question: Is Jesus enough for you? If you didn’t have a ministry, a vision from God, an esteemed occupation and reputation, a list of achievements you’re proud of, riches and possessions, how would it be with you? And if you don’t have those things why are you so desperately reaching for them? Have you found your fulfillment in Him alone? And how would you know if you have?