THE DANGER OF DISRESPECTING CHURCH LEADERSHIP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 13:17
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Numbers 12:1-10, 1 Samuel 24:6, Jude 1:8
INTRODUCTION:
Church leadership is ordained by God for the growth, order, and spiritual oversight of the body of Christ. Disrespecting church leaders is not just a social offence — it is a spiritual error that has serious consequences. God places men and women in positions of authority within the church to guide His flock and administer His will.
In today’s generation, the spirit of rebellion and dishonour is on the rise, even among believers. Many speak against pastors, slander ministers, and disregard divine instructions. This attitude not only disrupts church unity, but it also attracts judgment from God who instituted spiritual authority.
This Bible study aims to expose the dangers of dishonouring church leadership. We will see from Scripture how God views those who rebel against His ordained servants, and how we must position ourselves in humility, honour, and submission for divine blessings and spiritual maturity.
1. CHURCH LEADERS ARE GOD’S APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVES
Disrespecting spiritual leaders is essentially disrespecting the God who appointed them.
a) God calls and equips leaders: Ephesians 4:11-12 shows that pastors, teachers, and other leaders are gifts from Christ for building up the Church.
b) They serve under divine authority: When you honour them, you honour the Lord (1 Samuel 8:7).
c) They watch over your soul: Hebrews 13:17 commands believers to obey and submit because leaders give account to God for the flock.
d) Disrespect attracts judgment: God defends His servants against rebellion and disrespect (Psalm 105:15).
Biblical Example:
When Korah and others challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16), God responded with swift judgment by opening the earth to swallow the rebels.
2. DISHONOUR HINDERS SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND BLESSING
Those who despise leadership cut themselves off from the flow of divine instruction and grace.
a) Familiarity breeds contempt: Mark 6:4-5 shows that Jesus could not do many miracles in His hometown because the people dishonoured Him.
b) Honour releases blessings: Matthew 10:41 says whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.
c) Rebellion invites spiritual dryness: Jude 1:8 warns of those who speak evil of dignitaries and defile authority.
d) Submission brings alignment with God’s order: 1 Peter 5:5 encourages younger believers to submit to elders in humility.
Biblical Example:
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses out of jealousy and familiarity, and God struck Miriam with leprosy (Numbers 12:1-10). Her dishonour led to divine punishment.
3. DISRESPECT BREEDS DIVISION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
When believers rebel against leadership, it causes disunity, confusion, and the weakening of spiritual authority in the church.
a) Satan uses offence to scatter the flock: Acts 20:30 warns of those who rise up to draw disciples after themselves.
b) Grumbling and gossip cause unrest: Proverbs 16:28 says a whisperer separates close friends.
c) Strife quenches the move of God: James 3:16 says where envy and strife exist, there is confusion and every evil work.
d) Unity is sustained by honour and respect: Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Biblical Example:
Absalom disrespected and rebelled against his father David’s leadership, causing a civil war in Israel and eventually leading to his own destruction (2 Samuel 15–18).
4. RESPECTING LEADERSHIP BRINGS DIVINE COVERING AND ORDER
Honour is not about personality — it’s about recognising God’s structure and receiving the grace that flows through it.
a) Leadership provides covering and direction: 1 Corinthians 11:3 speaks of the divine order of headship.
b) Submission attracts divine grace: James 4:6-7 shows that God gives grace to the humble.
c) God fights for His anointed servants: Isaiah 54:17 promises that every tongue raised in judgment against God’s servant will be condemned.
d) Honour leads to multiplication and peace: Philippians 2:29-30 teaches us to honour those who labour for the Gospel with joy and unity.
Biblical Example:
David refused to harm King Saul, even when he had the chance, saying, “I will not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6). His honour preserved him and established his future throne.
CONCLUSION:
Disrespecting church leadership is not a light matter. It is a violation of divine order and a hindrance to personal and corporate progress in the body of Christ. While leaders are human and may have weaknesses, they are still God’s vessels and must be honoured as such. God takes dishonour seriously, and so should we.
As believers, we must cultivate a culture of honour, submission, and respect for those God has placed over us. By doing so, we open ourselves to divine favour, guidance, and spiritual growth. Honour does not worship men — it simply recognises the authority of God operating through His appointed servants.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, forgive me for every way I have spoken or acted dishonourably towards spiritual leaders.
2. Father, give me a humble heart that honours Your divine order.
3. Lord, help me to always recognise and respect spiritual authority in my life.
4. O God, protect my heart from rebellion and offence against church leadership.
5. Father, bless and strengthen all genuine church leaders who labour for Your people.
