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Church leadership often relies on “rock-solid” processes to handle abuse, but these systems can actually silence victims and protect toxic leaders. This article explores the dangers of “process as punishment”, the failure of denominational accountability, and a biblical call for shepherds to truly care for their flock.

There’s an oft-repeated assertion in the church leadership world that the best safety net to abusive leadership is a rock-solid process.

And the best way to get a rock-solid process is to have a rock-solid system, such as a denomination, that is capable of putting a rock-solid process in place. Wanna get rid of those bad shepherds we read about so often? Trust us, we’ve got the system to ensure it.

Once there is a rock-solid process – unlike those flakey non-denom churches in which so much bad behaviour is tolerated from a deeply flawed, but charismatic leader, one whose leadership is protected by the lackeys on his board – the real action can begin.

The Process Is the Punishment

And the real action? It pretty much ends up being a whole lot of inaction disguised by emails, paperwork and reports in a central office.

My experience – and watching the experience of others from up close these past few years within one of the most process-driven denominations I have witnessed – is that the exact opposite is the case.

The process itself – rock solid as it is, after all, is then used to bash complainants over the head. It is perfectly designed to obfuscate the real issues with a bad leader, and parse away the problems with legalese or jargon words.  The process is the punishment!

In the end, those who have been abused by the system suffer the double-abuse of either not being believed, or having their concerns diminished.

Theology Is No Guarantee

And I wish I could say this were true of those theologically wacky types who are way off beam when it comes to the Bible and stuff.

But no. It’s actually true of those who know full well that one day all leadership will stand before the One True Leader and give account for how the sheep entrusted to their care fared. It’s often those who have a robust view of sin, who find themselves perfectly capable of hiding that sin under the almighty rock of process.

I’m going to quote it in English, but I am sure the koine Greek is completely familiar to such types, being well versed theologically and all:

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:  Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;  not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

(1 Peter 5:1-4)

Don’t Upset the Apple Cart

Time and time again, I hear the frustrations of those who have had their jobs derailed – and indeed their mental health derailed – by a toxic leader, that the process itself seems perfectly designed to diminish the problem.

And of course, this is not by accident. If one thing is clear in some of our larger denominations, it’s this: There is plenty of fruit to go around, and we don’t want to upset the apple cart, and we don’t want the gospel to come into disrepute in these difficult times for witness, so perhaps we should let it slide.

Besides, it might be too disruptive to the church members. Yes, yes, we know that a string of leaders have left, bruised and broken, but they’ve all found jobs elsewhere, right? Let’s get on with it and hope and pray there won’t be a next time.

Well, should they hope and pray there won’t be a next time, because surely that’s where those who have known there is a problem but have done nothing, and then allowed that problem to repeat itself, are akin to the watchmen in Ezekiel:

 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’

(Ezekiel 33:6)

Of course, good exegetes, and I am sure leadership types who are good exegetes know that this is not the context that Ezekiel is speaking of. But it’s surely a solid application. In fact, it would seem to be good wisdom for the world in every situation, that if you are a leader/watchman and something bad happens on your watch, and you either cover it up, or parse it away by process, then you’re at fault, whatever happens next. And a price ought to be paid.

The Body Count Racks Up

But, sadly, with such process-driven parsing, the price is being paid by those who suffered the abuse. The process becomes the rock upon which they and their hopes of any actual justice are dashed.

Meanwhile, reports are filed, meetings are minuted, points of order are clarified, and the matter closes over the heads of the abused ex-staff members like the icy Atlantic waters over the Titanic.

The body count racks up. But at least we’ve followed process.

Well, a particular pox on that particular house, and a reminder that one day the Chief Shepherd will appear and when he asks where his sheep are, he better not smell lamb barbecue.

Republished with thanks to Stephen McAlpine. Image from original article.