Trouble on the Altar

The story of a church, built on faith and unity, suddenly descending into turmoil is both heartbreaking and sobering. It reveals the fragile balance between spiritual leadership and human ambition. This post explores the scenario of a church founded with love and dedication, only to be overtaken by selfishness after the founder's passing. We'll also look at biblical principles that should guide the operation and governance of the church to avoid such tragedies.

A Church Built on Unity and Faith

Years ago, a visionary pastor, filled with a burden to win souls and spread the gospel, gathered people in his community to start a church. His faith and passion inspired others, and together, they laid the foundation—not just of a building but of a spiritual family. Members brought their resources, skills, and prayers to see the work of God established.

The church grew, not only in numbers but in its impact on the community. Lives were transformed, families were restored, and the love of Christ was evident in their fellowship. For years, this church stood as a beacon of hope and faith.

The Shift: From God's Work to Man's Ambition

When the founder of the church passed away, a storm began to brew. His firstborn son, seeing the church as part of his inheritance, took control of the building and the ministry. In his eyes, the church was no longer a place of worship but personal property.

He declared himself the owner and began to expel those who had once been co-laborers in the ministry, including elders who had served faithfully. The church, which was built by the collective effort of many, became a tool for personal gain. The altar, once dedicated to God, became a place of division and strife.

Biblical Examples of Church Governance

The tragedy of this story highlights the importance of understanding what the church is and how it should function according to Scripture. The Bible offers clear principles about church leadership and the role of the church in the lives of believers:

• 1. The Church Belongs to Christ: Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). The church is not the property of any man, family, or lineage. It is Christ’s church, built for His glory, not for human control or ownership.

• 2. Servant Leadership: In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus taught that leadership in the kingdom of God is about servanthood, not domination. He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Church leaders are called to serve the body of Christ, not rule over it for personal gain.

• 3. Shared Responsibility: The early church in Acts 6:1-6 demonstrated collective leadership. When the apostles faced challenges, they appointed deacons to share responsibilities, ensuring that the needs of the church were met. This model highlights the importance of involving multiple voices in church governance to prevent power struggles.

• 4. Accountability to God: Hebrews 13:17 reminds leaders that they are accountable to God for the souls entrusted to them. Any leader who treats the church as personal property fails to recognize the sacredness of their calling and the eternal implications of their actions.

Lessons for Today’s Church

This story serves as a warning and a lesson for modern churches:

• Establish Clear Leadership Structures: Churches must have governance systems that prevent power from being concentrated in one individual or family. This includes constitutions, boards, or committees that ensure the church’s vision and resources remain focused on God’s work.

• Focus on the Mission: The mission of the church is to glorify God, disciple believers, and reach the lost. When leaders lose sight of this mission, the church becomes vulnerable to manipulation and division.

• Discernment in Leadership Succession: The transition of leadership should be guided by prayer, discernment, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, not by family ties or personal ambition. In Acts 1:24-26, the apostles prayed for God’s direction before appointing Matthias to replace Judas.

• Remember the True Owner: Church members and leaders must remember that the church belongs to Christ. Decisions should be made with reverence and humility, recognizing that it is His work, not ours.

Healing the Broken Altar

If your church is experiencing “trouble on the altar,” take heart—restoration is possible. Prayer, humility, and a return to biblical principles can rebuild what has been broken. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

May we strive to build churches where Christ reigns, unity prevails, and His Spirit leads. Let us guard the altar of God, ensuring it remains a place of worship, not a battleground for human ambition.