Is a church leader, by nature of the office he holds, the "Lord's anointed" as David calls King Saul in 2 Samuel 1:14? 

One of the hardest things for someone to hear when going through a particularly difficult trial is, "Consider it joy! It will make you stronger." Yes, the Bible tells me so. But it so often seems so callous for someone to remind me of it. There might even be a smile that goes with it that makes me angry. So, how do we counsel victims?

Biblical repentance is difficult to understand. The word is used freely as though everyone gets it. But identifying the actual repentant heart is not so easy. Restitution is an important part of the Old Testament law. Just saying you are sorry doesn't cut it when it comes to repentance. If there is to be reconciliation, restitution is imperative.

Bad leaders are held to account by the Lord and His people are called to hold them accountable for their failures where they have that ability.

“Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” [Herod the Great] Sounds great...but we know the truth.

Having spent nearly a decade working for a mission college in Africa, I have a keen interest in African leadership. When I spoke with Praise (not his real name), he shared his own experience with leadership abuse in the African nation in which he grew up.

Generally, positive stories about how the church responds to abuse are far and few between. But, Janice's is different.

One particular result (and technique) of abuse is isolation. It is deeply hurtful. And it is almost always, in my experience, a result of or intentional tool in the abusive individual's kit.

Those who are honored to hear an abuse victim's story need to hear Job's story. They need to hear his words . . . and they need to hear his friends' words.

Emily joined the African mission work because it "sounded good. It was the way we should be helping." But all that glitters is not gold...