Church Pirates

Pirates are not cool! I read a recent blog post by my friend Ed Young about pirates in the local church that steal away folks and start a new church down the street. His post got lots of attention. Folks all over were chiming in agreement or taking shots. I think Ed was on to something, but I think the problem is not just with the rogue staff member but with folks in the church who are holding it captive for their own selfishness.
In recent days I have had several conservations with leaders who want to honor God and move the church forward but they are being held captive by narrow minded mean spirited people who want church to cater to their needs. I call them pirates. If the church in North America is going to turn around leaders are going to have to face the pirates. Here are some thoughts about facing them…
• Be a leader who walks with God. This is a spiritual war and pirates are working for the devil. Pray, fast and saturate yourself with God’s word. Pirate wars are bloody and long.
• Expose the selfishness of pirate behavior. Be kind to the pirates but do not be kind to their evil behavior. Expect attacks. They will not be kind to you. Kindness is not softness. We are in a raging battle for the souls of lost folks and pirate behavior is keeping people away from Jesus. The goal is to see the Lord rule and reign. It is not about your agenda but God’s. if you chose to take the high road in civility you will build confidence in those who are exposed to the pirates evil behavior and win them over. Even if you have to stand alone be a man or woman of honor. Don’t sink to pirate levels.
• Cut off their networks. In every pirate movement they will raise the “skull and cross bones” to draw the weak and easily lead into their camp. You cut off their influence by over informing and exposing their sinful behavior. I have seen pirates send e-mails, make phone calls and spread lies without remorse.
• Enlist other Godly leaders to stand with you. Several years ago I had a pirate attack me with all kinds of evil. He went so far to accuse me of adultery. I discovered who would stand with me during those days. Some guys I had in leadership bailed. When the pirate was defeated I made sure the guys who refused to step up were no longer in leadership. Leading a church is hard and you can afford to have the uncourageous in leadership.
• Don’t run. Running leaves the pirates to continue their evil control. I have talked with pastors who are facing pirates who are the children and grandchildren of the founding pirate. If a leader had the courage to face the original pirate it would have saved countless folks from their evil influence. It takes great courage to face this kind of evil but pirates are cowards at heart.
• Don’t negotiate. The only solution is total defeat of pirates. If you give in they win!
• You can’t make a pirate your pet. What pirates need is salvation. A person who is so against God’s movement and the church is most likely lost. There is a big difference with being churched and being saved. If they are saved then the Lord will lead them to repentance when confronted. If they repent get them into a pirate twelve step program!
• Pirates will fight over music, style, structure, dress, and control of money. The bottom line is control. Pirates want to run things for their comfort and convenience.
• God calls the pastor to lead the church not pirates! Remember we are called by God, be strong and courageous. Find other pastors and form a small group and face the pirates together.
That is enough for today. If you are a leader I would love to hear you stories about pirate wars in your church or life. If we can understand their behavior maybe we can be used by God to lower the “skull and cross bones” that fly over most churches!