The dangers of obstinacy among church leaders …

Just about any pastor or elder of a local Christian church will have their own stories about a church member or members who create challenges within the congregation because of their personal obstinance.

But being obstinate isn’t a problem just among the flock, it’s also a very real problem among some church leaders.

A TALE OF LEADERSHIP STUBBORNNESS
Imagine a congregation once thriving, its pews filled with worshippers eager to hear God’s word. The pastor, revered for his eloquence and passion, suddenly finds himself at odds with his flock. His once more collaborative leadership turns rigid, his decisions unyielding. Attendance dwindles, discontent brews, and the church, once a beacon of light, now struggles in the shadows. This isn’t a “church fable” but a reality for many churches where obstinacy among leaders has sown discord and disillusionment.

THE PROBLEM OF OBSTINACY AMONG CHURCH LEADERS
Obstinacy, defined as stubbornness to the point of inflexibility, becomes particularly problematic when it manifests in church leadership. Unlike steadfastness in faith, which is a virtue, obstinacy often signifies an unwillingness to consider appropriate alternate perspectives, adapt to changing circumstances, or admit personal error. This can stymie growth, alienate fellow leaders and church members, and ultimately tarnish the spiritual mission of the church.

One striking example is the case of Pastor Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. Driscoll was known for his powerful preaching and commitment to biblical truth. However, his leadership style became increasingly autocratic and unyielding. Reports from former church members and staff highlighted Driscoll’s resistance to accountability and his harsh treatment of those who disagreed with him on leadership and administrative issues. His obstinacy led to a toxic church environment, causing significant hurt and leading to the eventual dissolution of Mars Hill Church. This story illustrates that while holding fast to biblical truth is essential, a leader’s inflexibility on non-essential matters and failure to show humility and openness can have devastating consequences.

The Frog and the Lizard
Imagine a frog sitting by a pond, waiting for food to come to it. The frog is passive, relying on circumstances to provide sustenance. Now picture a lizard, a creature that actively seeks out its prey. Churches today need to be more like lizards and less like frogs. The call is to go where people live, work, and play with the Good News of Jesus. Obstinate leaders, however, often cling to outdated methods, expecting the lost of the world to come to them. They resist change, oblivious to the cultural shifts around them.

The shift from attractional to attentive leadership
The 1990s marked a significant shift, from a broadcast culture to a digital one. The World Wide Web emerged, and AOL’s iconic “you’ve got mail” became part of our lexicon. But the transformation didn’t stop there. Today, people upload approximately 500 hours of video to YouTube every minute. Never before have we experienced such a constant bombardment of potential distractions. Attentive leadership recognizes this reality and adapts accordingly.

The “attractional church,” crafted for the Baby Boomer generation, has plateaued. Its methods no longer resonate with later generations. We find ourselves in a world we’ve never known, where discernment matters more than trendiness. An important task of leadership is to discern what needs preservation versus what requires change, always anchored in the Word of God and His mission.

The Blue Zone vs. Red Zone Conflict
Conflict is inevitable, but how leaders handle it matters. Two types of conflict exist: mission-focused (Blue Zone) and person-centered (Red Zone). Blue Zone issues focus on church matters, remaining objective and non-personal. Red Zone conflicts, on the other hand, become tangled with personalities and emotions. Wise leaders navigate the Blue Zone, accepting responsibility for their part without playing the victim or rescuer.

BIBLICAL INSIGHTS ON OBSTINACY
The Bible offers numerous teachings that underscore the dangers of obstinacy and the virtues of humility and openness. Proverbs 29:1 warns, “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.” This verse speaks directly to the peril of a hardened heart, suggesting that persistent stubbornness leads to destruction.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus exemplifying the opposite of obstinacy. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prays, “… Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Luke 22:42b). Jesus’ willingness to submit to the Father’s will, even in the face of immense personal suffering, sets a profound example for church leaders. It highlights the importance of humility and the readiness to follow God’s direction, even when it conflicts with personal desires or opinions.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul advises against stubbornness in Romans 2:5, “But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” Here, Paul links obstinacy with a failure to repent, emphasizing that a refusal to change or acknowledge one’s faults is spiritually perilous.

REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS
Another significant example involves the late Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of Liberty University and the Moral Majority. Falwell was a staunch defender of biblical truth and Christian values, and his leadership significantly impacted American evangelicalism. However, there were moments in his ministry when his obstinance, particularly in political and social matters, caused division and controversy. His unwavering stance on certain political issues, while rooted in his understanding of biblical principles, sometimes overshadowed the core mission of the church to spread the Gospel and demonstrate Christ’s love.

Falwell’s story underscores the great need to wisely navigate the tension of firmness in faith with humility and grace in leadership. While holding to the truth of Scripture is non-negotiable, the manner in which a leader engages with others — especially in areas of application and strategy — must be marked by a spirit of humility and openness to dialogue.

Contrast this with the example of Billy Graham, whose approach to ministry was marked by humility and adaptability. Despite facing criticism, Graham remained open to different methods of evangelism and was willing to work across denominational lines to spread the Gospel. His flexibility and openness helped him reach millions, demonstrating that effective leadership often requires a balance between steadfastness in core beliefs and openness to appropriate new ideas.

SCRIPTURAL GUIDANCE REGARDING OBSTINACY
To combat obstinance, church leaders can draw on several biblical principles, among them being:

Humility. James 4:10 urges, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” Church leaders should cultivate humility, recognizing that they are servants of God and the congregation, not authoritarian rulers.

Teachability. Proverbs 12:15 states, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Church leaders should remain open to feedback and willing to learn from others, understanding that wisdom can come from a more collective insight.

Repentance. 1 John 1:9 highlights the importance of repentance, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness is crucial for personal and congregational growth.

A collaborative leadership. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages leaders to work together, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” A collaborative spirit among a plurality of elders fosters unity and strengthens the church.

MOVING FORWARD …
For the church to thrive, its leaders must embrace a spirit of humility and openness, guided by biblical principles. This involves:

Creating a culture of accountability. Regularly seeking and valuing feedback from fellow elders can prevent the entrenchment of obstinate attitudes. The biblical model emphasizes that each local church is led by a plurality of elders who provide diverse perspectives and help each other make sound, biblically-based decisions.

Encouraging continuous learning. Church leaders should be lifelong learners (disciples!), engaging with theological education, contemporary issues, and cultural shifts. This not only enriches their own understanding but also helps them relate more effectively to their congregation.

Modeling Christ-like behavior. Emulating Jesus’ humility, compassion, and willingness to serve others can inspire the same qualities in both fellow leaders and church members. Church leaders should strive to be examples of the virtues they preach.

Promoting a spirit of unity. Fostering an environment where differing opinions are respected and constructive dialogue is encouraged — while holding fast to biblical truth — can strengthen the church’s familial bonds. Church leaders should prioritize the collective mission of the church over personal agendas.

CONCLUSION
Obstinancy among church leaders poses a significant threat to the health and vitality of the church. It creates barriers to growth, fosters division, and detracts from the core mission of spreading the Gospel. By embracing humility, teachability, repentance, and collaboration among a plurality of elders, leaders can overcome these challenges and guide their congregations toward a future marked by unity, growth, and spiritual renewal. The Apostle Peter exhorts church leaders in 1 Peter 5:2-3, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly — not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” Let us heed this call, leading with a heart open to God’s direction and the needs of His people.

Scotty