
Cassidy Martin Philips
January 18, 2025
1 Peter 5:2-4 TPT
“Be compassionate shepherds who tenderly care for God’s flock and who feed them well, for you have the responsibility to guide, protect, and oversee. Consider it a joyous pleasure and not merely a religious duty. Lead from the heart under God’s leadership; not as a way to gain finances dishonestly, but as a way to eagerly and cheerfully serve. Don’t be controlling tyrants, but lead others by your beautiful examples to the flock. And when the Shepherd King appears, you will win the victor’s crown of glory that never fades away.”
Two Things Can Be True At Once:
My life was forever changed at a Christian ministry. I met the true Jesus for the first time in my life. I was a prodigal who was set free from homosexuality, suicidal thoughts, drunkenness, witchcraft, and much more. I have changed and made a new creation.
I went to school there for two years and even did an internship. I got out what I put in when it came to the classes, morning prayer, mission trips, and even getting the honor to share what Jesus did for me in a testimony at a conference. I prayed for others who struggled with the same things I did.
I met the people I now call my best friends and even built several lifelong friendships. I also met the love of my life there. We have been married for six and a half years with two children. I will always be grateful for the time there because it truly helped shape who I am today.
God truly does move in that place.
On the other hand, there were also unfortunate and disheartening things that happened to me and others during my time there as a student, an intern, a church member, and a teacher of the academy run by the ministry. No, they were not biblical corrections that produced offense, nor any theological argument; nothing pertaining to that because I know some would like to assume that’s all this is for justification. I may share stories later if necessary– or if I ever get a release from the Holy Spirit, However, there’s something more important that needs to be shared now.
All to say this: It wasn’t the ministry that saved me. It was not the building or the person speaking that changed me. It was all Jesus and only Jesus. And we tend to get so caught up in how much a place is being used by God that we find ourselves glorifying and idolizing the leaders and atmosphere. Not just this place, but it’s everywhere. Leaders and pastors are not to be put on a pedestal.
They didn’t die on the cross for you. They didn’t take away your sin. They can never, for they are flawed humans like all of us.
If you think that a ministry is immune to accountability because of all the good that it’s done and the lives it’s helped lead to Christ, that’s enabling. That’s like saying if a pastor who has led many to Christ, but sexually abused a handful of women, he shouldn’t be held accountable because of all the souls he led to Christ. No ministry should be enabled. No ministry should be too good to serve the community they reside in. No ministry should be idolized, and none should be above accountability.
And this goes for every ministry, pastor, and leader out there! Not just one in particular!
A tree shouldn’t be blamed for a few bad apples, but when those apples are never confronted and addressed, then the tree needs to be held accountable.
When there’s a call for accountability, there also needs to be a desire to see them grow, improve, and walk in the will of the Father!
I am not on either side. I am on the side of the way, the truth, and the life. My Savior. My Lord. Nobody else. That’s how it’s supposed to be.