By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The role of Christian leadership in our ever-changing world has come under increasing scrutiny. While the Church remains the bedrock of spiritual guidance, it is troubling to see how some leaders have deviated from biblical principles to embrace worldly glory. This departure is most evident in the controversial enthronement of women into priesthood offices such as pastors, bishops, and archbishops; practices that contradict the unambiguous teachings of the Bible. As Christians, our standard must always be the Bible, God’s inspired Word. From the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, there is a clear pattern of divine order for spiritual leadership, which must not be compromised for the sake of societal trends or personal gain.
A cursory glance at the Bible reveals that God’s appointments for spiritual leadership have consistently been male. From Adam, the first man, to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and King David, God entrusted leadership responsibilities to men. This was not a reflection of cultural norms but a divine choice. For instance, when God called Abraham, He said, “I will make you the father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4). Abraham’s leadership was pivotal in establishing a covenant that shaped the faith of generations.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ upheld this divine order. When selecting His twelve disciples, He chose men—Peter, James, John, and others—not because women lacked spiritual value but because leadership roles in the Church were designed to align with God’s established order. Even after His resurrection, when Jesus entrusted the great commission, He did so through His male disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).
The Apostle Paul, a towering figure in Christian theology, further affirmed this structure in his epistles. Writing to Timothy, Paul explicitly stated, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet” (1 Timothy 2:12). This directive is often misinterpreted in modern contexts as oppressive, yet Paul’s rationale was rooted in the creation order: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13).
Despite these clear biblical standards, many new-generation church leaders have adopted practices that contradict scripture. Among these is the ordination of women into positions of spiritual authority, such as bishops and pastors. This is often justified as progress or inclusivity, yet a closer examination reveals it is primarily driven by personal ambition and worldly gain. These leaders have turned the sacred Church into a stage for power struggles and self-promotion. Titles like “Bishop” and “Archbishop” have become tools for prestige, while biblical truth is cast aside. Ironically, the same leaders who once criticised orthodox churches for perceived excesses in tradition and ritual now embrace similar practices to boost their public image and financial standing.
Interestingly, some orthodox churches, including parts of the Anglican Communion, Lutheran denominations, and certain branches of the Methodist Church, have embraced the ordination of women into offices such as bishop, priest, and pastor. These developments are often framed as efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity. However, such decisions have sparked significant theological debate, with critics arguing that these practices deviate from traditional biblical teachings and longstanding church doctrines. This shift is viewed by some as a concession to societal pressures rather than adherence to scriptural authority.
This is not to diminish the importance of women in the Church. Women have always played vital roles in God’s work. From Deborah, who judged Israel with wisdom (Judges 4-5), to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Priscilla, who co-laboured in the Gospel with her husband Aquila (Acts 18:26), women have contributed immensely to God’s kingdom. However, their roles were complementary, not authoritative over the congregation. In Paul’s epistle to the Romans, he commends Phoebe as a “servant of the church” (Romans 16:1). The Greek word “diakonos” used here is often translated as “deacon,” signifying her significant role in serving the Church. Yet, nowhere in scripture is Phoebe or any other woman described as holding the office of bishop, pastor, or elder.
It is crucial to note that God’s design is not about superiority but about order and purpose. Men and women are equally valuable in God’s sight, yet their roles in the Church are distinct. By disregarding this divine design, modern church leaders have sown confusion and undermined the authority of scripture.
The drift into worldly glory goes beyond the ordination of women. Many new-generation churches have turned the sacred calling of ministry into a business enterprise. Churches are now marketed like brands, with leaders seeking fame, wealth, and influence rather than focusing on the eternal goal of winning souls for Christ. Extravagant church buildings, flashy lifestyles, and excessive titles have taken precedence over humility and servanthood. The very leaders who once criticised the use of traditional liturgical practices now adopt similar or worse methods, driven by material gain. This shift has alienated many young people, who see the Church as no different from secular institutions chasing worldly success.
The words of Jesus should serve as a stark reminder: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Church leaders must return to the simplicity and purity of the Gospel, which calls for self-denial and service, not self-exaltation. The Church exists to glorify God and draw people into His kingdom. This mission transcends earthly titles, accolades, and ambitions. The Apostle Peter reminded believers that they are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), called to declare God’s praises and live in holiness.
Leadership in the Church is not about exercising authority for personal gain but about serving others in humility. Jesus Himself set this example when He washed His disciples’ feet, saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). No earthly title or position can guarantee entrance into the kingdom of God. What matters is faithfulness to His Word and obedience to His commands. Church leaders must resist the temptation to conform to worldly standards and instead uphold the timeless truths of scripture.
The current trajectory of the Church calls for urgent repentance. Christian leaders must evaluate their motives and practices, returning to the biblical standard set by Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles. The ordination of women into positions of spiritual authority, while popularised by societal pressures, is a clear departure from God’s design. Likewise, the commercialisation of ministry must be rejected. The Church’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God, not to build earthly empires. Leaders must remember the solemn charge of the Apostle Paul: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).
The Bible remains the unchanging standard for Christian belief and practice. As followers of Christ, we must have the courage to stand firm in the truth, even when it contradicts cultural trends or personal preferences. Let us be reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
The enthronement of worldly glory in the Church is a dangerous trend that undermines the authority of scripture and compromises the mission of Christ. It is high time Christian leaders set aside personal ambition and returned to the Bible as the ultimate standard for faith and practice. The Church must once again become a beacon of truth, humility, and selfless service. Titles and earthly recognition mean nothing if they do not align with God’s will. The ultimate goal is to win souls for the kingdom of God, for in the end, only obedience to His Word will stand the test of time. Let us heed this call to repentance and renewal, for a stitch in time saves nine. By returning to the principles of the Bible, we can restore the Church’s integrity and fulfil its divine mission to bring light to a darkened world.
