The notion that “words not matching actions is called manipulation, and refusing to be held accountable for it is called gaslighting” is especially pertinent when talking about pastors or church leaders who refuse to take responsibility for their stewardship and are unwilling to share ministry financial reports with other pastors and the congregation.
Leaders of religious organizations must be open, responsible, and truthful in handling the funds entrusted to them. According to the Bible, Luke 16:10 states, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” This verse emphasizes the value of honesty and loyalty in stewardship, irrespective of the extent of accountability.
Proverbs 11:3 further highlights the fact that “the integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Therefore, the integrity and trust in the community may be weakened if church leaders refuse to take responsibility for their stewardship.
Congregational sentiments of betrayal, misunderstanding, and division can result when leaders neglect their duty to be open and accountable. It is imperative that church leaders set a good example, act with transparency and honesty, and be prepared to take responsibility for their actions. In addition to strengthening communal cohesion and trust, this preserves the moral values that are the cornerstone of biblical teachings regarding integrity and righteousness.
If we are not careful, it will not be long and the church in Africa would experience a Protestant Reformation.
We should prepare ourselves to experience a Protestant reformation in the charismatic and Pentecostal churches akin to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, for example, that saw figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli, among others, challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and advocating for reforms in doctrine, church governance, and religious practices. They addressed issues such as the sale of indulgences, the authority of the papacy, and the accessibility of Scripture to the laity.
The moment has come for a post-Covid 21st-century reformer whose work has the potential to bring about fundamental social and theological transformation and a reorientation of church leadership and practices. Their acts will probably lead to movements that highlight the importance of individual faith, the elimination of papaism (Papa), the non-biblical payment of first fruits, tithes, seed sowing, key-man risk, and the wrong belief that church altars can speak for the deliverance of members of a church denomination or the grace/covering upon perceived men of God would bring blessing/protection upon individual lives instead of The Blood of Jesus or fellowship of The Holy Spirit.
The actions as new reformers would also emphasize the Solo-Christos, relying solely on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and not demanding money from the congregation by coercion and deception.
There is the need to address perceived corruption, abuses of power, and theological discrepancies within the Charismatic and Pentecostal church today.
These post-COVID reformers actions would be instrumental in shaping the landscape of Christianity and establishing principles of accountability, transparency, and doctrinal adherence within the church. The legacy of their efforts shall continue to influence the practice and governance of Christian denominations in the future.
E.A. Randolph-Koranteng
A Servant of Christ
