A preview from the forthcoming work: 77 Theses for the Modern Church
I am currently working on a multi-volume project titled 77 Theses for the Modern Church, a theological and cultural examination of leadership, power, doctrine, and spiritual authority in contemporary Christianity. What follows is a shortened excerpt from this work in progress. These blog posts are intended as previews—snapshots of the larger arguments that will appear in the forthcoming volumes.
The first volume, Church Culture, Power, and Leadership, will be announced soon.
Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples
Jacopo Tintoretto, c. 1548–1549
Painted during the Italian Renaissance, this work depicts Christ exercising authority through service rather than command. It visually reflects the biblical model of leadership contrasted in Thesis 1—where devotion is directed not toward personality, but toward Christ’s example of humility, stewardship, and sacrificial care.
When Loyalty Shifts, Discipleship Suffers
In many churches today, spiritual maturity is subtly measured by loyalty—not primarily to Christ, but to a leader. Biblical narratives meant to point believers toward faith, courage, and devotion to God are sometimes reframed to encourage unquestioning allegiance to pastoral personalities.
One commonly cited example is the account of King David and his mighty men. Their bravery and willingness to risk their lives are often highlighted as models of faithfulness. While their courage is undeniable, problems arise when such narratives are presented in a way that implies spiritual devotion is best demonstrated through sacrificial loyalty to a human leader.
This shift, though rarely explicit, has consequences. When loyalty to leadership becomes the benchmark of faithfulness, discipleship can quietly move away from Christ-centered maturity toward dependence on personalities.
The Biblical Vision of Leadership
Scripture consistently presents leadership as service, stewardship, and accountability—not ownership or personal devotion. Jesus Himself redefined greatness as servanthood, declaring that He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:26–28).
The apostolic writings reinforce this vision. Church leaders are instructed to shepherd willingly, humbly, and as examples—not as those who dominate or control (1 Peter 5:2–3). Authority in the Church is always derivative and subordinate to Christ, who alone is its Head (Colossians 1:18).
Even the relationship between David and his mighty men reflects mutual responsibility. David honored their lives, restrained his own desires for their sake, and did not treat their devotion as something to be exploited. Scripture never presents a model of leadership that demands sacrifice without reciprocal care.
How the Distortion Develops
Several forces contribute to the rise of personality-centered loyalty in church life. Modern culture elevates charisma and visibility, shaping expectations of leadership. Scripture is sometimes taught selectively, emphasizing obedience while minimizing accountability. In some cases, fear—of dissent, decline, or loss of control—reinforces unhealthy dynamics.
Over time, these patterns can become normalized. What began as commitment slowly turns into dependency, and discernment is replaced with silence.
A Call Back to Christ-Centered Loyalty
Healthy churches do not eliminate respect for leadership; they rightly order it. Leaders serve as stewards, not substitutes for Christ. Members honor leaders without surrendering discernment or conscience. Teaching consistently directs devotion upward—to Christ—rather than inward toward personalities.
This reflection is not written in accusation, but in hope. Reform in the Church begins when leadership and discipleship are realigned with Scripture’s original vision: humble authority, mutual responsibility, and unwavering loyalty to Christ alone.
More excerpts from 77 Theses for the Modern Church will be shared here as the work progresses, along with updates on the release of Volume I and access to related materials.
References
Eva, N., Robin, M., Sendjaya, S., van Dierendonck, D., & Liden, R. C. (2019). Servant leadership: A systematic review and call for future research. The Leadership Quarterly, 30(1), 111–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2018.07.004
Sun, P. Y. T., & Shang, S. (2019). Personality traits and personal values of servant leaders. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 40(2), 177–192. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-11-2018-0406
Canavesi, A., & Minelli, E. (2021). Servant leadership and employee engagement. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 34(4), 413–435.
Holy Bible, English Standard Version.