Simple Words on Trust, Responsibility, and Faith
There’s something unsettling when Christian leaders—the people many look up to for hope and guidance—go off track. Whether it’s politics, religion, issues of race, or big questions about America, their words and actions matter. Why? Because leaders shape the way people think, feel, and treat each other. Let’s talk about this in simple terms, and why it’s so important to speak up when things go wrong.
Trust Comes With Responsibility
When someone steps up as a Christian leader, they’re supposed to encourage kindness, honesty, and unity. People trust them, believing they have wisdom and goodness to share. So when leaders use that trust to divide people, fuel anger, or chase their own gain—especially when it’s about hot topics like politics or race—it’s not just disappointing. It’s a betrayal of the trust people have given them.
The Impact of Misleading Messages
Here’s the thing: when a leader speaks, people listen. If they twist words or push their own agenda, it can cause real harm. It can lead folks to judge each other unfairly, encourage hatred, or make us feel like we’re on different “teams.” That’s not what faith is about. Jesus taught us to love, help each other, and build peace—not to split up into sides or pass judgment.
Faith Should Bring Light—Not Darkness
Faith is meant to help us grow, be more compassionate, and see the good in others. When leaders encourage negative thinking about someone because of their politics, beliefs, skin color, or views on America, they’re missing the point of Christianity. Instead of bringing light, they spread darkness. That’s not the way it should be.
Why Accountability Matters
Everybody makes mistakes. But leaders have a bigger responsibility because more people are watching. If a leader goes the wrong way and brings others with them, it’s important for people to speak out. This isn’t about shaming just to shame—it’s about making sure leaders do better. Real leadership means admitting when you’re wrong and trying to set things right.
Scripture backs this up. James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” In other words, those who teach and lead in the church are held to a higher standard. Their words and actions carry more weight, so their mistakes can hurt more people.
First Timothy 3:2–10 explains what God expects from leaders: they need to be able to teach, live well, and set a good example. Elders and teachers aren’t just chosen for their knowledge—they’re picked because their lives show what faith looks like in action.
The Consequences of Misusing Power
The Bible warns that those who teach with selfish motives or use their position to manipulate others will face strict judgment. It’s not enough to talk about faith—leaders must show it through their actions. If a teacher seeks personal gain or spreads lies, their reward is just in the moment. On judgment day, their true motives will be revealed, and they’ll stand empty-handed before God.
False teachers—those who use faith as a way to get rich or become famous—are especially at risk. Paul talks about this in 1 Timothy 6:5, warning against those who see godliness as a way to gain power or money. God will judge them not just for what they did, but for the people they led astray.
Setting a Higher Standard
God has blessed the church with many teachers, and He expects them to use their gifts to help others. Good teachers know that they’re called to a higher standard and check themselves regularly. Galatians 5:13 says, “Through love serve one another.” That means putting others first and being willing to give up some personal freedoms to set a good example. If someone isn’t ready to do that, maybe they shouldn’t be leading.
Moving Forward—Together
Faith should bring people together, not split them apart. We should expect leaders to guide us toward understanding and love—not prejudice or superiority. If a leader fails to do this, it’s okay—even necessary—to speak up and ask for change. Speaking out keeps our communities healthy and helps faith stay meaningful.
In the end, Christian teachers and leaders are held to a higher standard. Their words and actions matter more because they reach more people. Those who lead well will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But those who lead others astray will answer for it. If you see a leader losing their way, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s about protecting the trust, the faith, and the community we all share.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 