DISRESPECTFUL AND REBELLIOUS CHURCH MEMBERS

DISRESPECTFUL AND REBELLIOUS CHURCH MEMBERS

Scripture: Numbers 16:1-3

Topic: Disrespectful and Rebellious Church Members

Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took action, and they rose up before Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown. They assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the L ord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord ?” 

                                                                                                                                 Numbers 16:1-3 - NASB

As long as you are a pastor, you will have to deal with disrespectful and rebellious church members. Because of this you will need other loyal, and discerning leaders, shepherds, and pastors to be able to do this.

“And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses… Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? HATH HE NOT SPOKEN ALSO BY US?”

                                                                                                                                               Numbers 12:1-2

You always need people on the ground to deal with church members who make light of pastors. There are people who think their money and status in the secular world gives them a right to say and do anything in the church.

Miriam and Aaron (the closest assistants and closest relatives) spoke against Moses. They most probably said things like, "God also speaks by us" and "Are you the only one God uses?” With time, familiarity creeps in and arrogant people now consider you as an equal. They tend to think, "We can all do it. What's the big deal? You are no different from us!"

“This is unfortunate, but real. People easily take you for granted. They murmur and complain against you, forgetting all that you have done for them. When some church members lose their temper, they will speak to you as though you are a little child.

    "You Remind Me of My Father"

One church member approached her pastor after Sunday service. The pastor thought she was about to compliment him for the powerful sermon he had just preached. She started, "Pastor, you know something? I felt I should tell you that you remind me of my father." "Oh really?" the pastor responded. He thought he reminded her of some good traits in her father. She continued, "He was so full of himself and so are you!" The pastor was taken aback but had to smile and continue as though he had received a compliment. This church member was telling the pastor exactly what she thought of him. Moses also experienced rebels who thought he was “too big” for his shoes. Moses also had people who wanted to cut him down to size. That is why Moses had to share the burden with seventy other elders.

“Now Korah...and Dathan…and Abiram…and On…rose up before Moses...and said...wherefore then lift ye up yourselves [Moses and Aaron] above the congregation of the Lord?”

                                                                                                                                              Numbers 16:1-3

Credit: Excerpt From

LAIKOS Laymen, Lay People, Lay Pastors, Volunteers

Bishop Dag Heward-Mills