Handling disgruntled and offended people.

I can’t tell you how many times over the years as a pastor folks have come to me complaining about another pastor and leader. It happens regularly. Of course, the story always goes about how they were completely innocent and the other pastor or leader did something that was wrong and awful. People always see from their view and through the lens of their experiences.

The challenge is, yes, there has been a lot of abuse and awful things that have happened in the name of “church” over the years, and so it is important to use discernment over each situation. If something has happened that is wrong, it will come out. God sees and knows all things.

What I do not do is attack the other person or believe everything that people say about them. We have to consider the full context of the situation and also look at the credibility of the person making the accusation. My policy is to not believe anything until I have solid evidence and proof. I also don’t badmouth other pastors and leaders regardless. It’s not my job to do that. I understand the battle we are in. It’s gotten more and more difficult as there is a rise in the spirit of antichrist in this late hour.

I have seen the good, bad, and ugly in my own experiences in the Body. Yet, I remember when God spoke to me in my prayer time about making sure that I don’t build up walls and think that everyone out there is corrupt and evil. He said that I need to trust that there are true believers who have a heart for God and who are not compromised. To align with those people. God warned us there would be wolves and there are.

The vitriol online may be at an all-time high right now. I’ve never seen such bashing and so many people calling others out. While again, some of this is God exposing things and it needs to be addressed, others have taken this opportunity to push their own agenda or be used by the enemy to accuse people of God. We know that’s one of Satan’s biggest attributes. He is the “accuser” of the brethren.

So here’s the deal…

A way to thwart the plans of the enemy is to go to the person and see if they are willing to discuss the matter. Two true believers should be willing to find an area of agreement or agree to disagree in a way that still brings glory to God. They should be willing to be transparent and honest about whatever is happening.

Or, take it to prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and insight about the situation. Don’t just jump on someone without hearing their side.

We have an open door policy at this ministry meaning if someone is truly willing to be kind and talk something out, we are always willing to. When we are not is when someone is mean-spirited and accusatory in a disrespectful way. There has to be the fruit of the Spirit present in the meeting, otherwise it could be worse than not meeting at all with the person. Some people are literally demonized and are not willing to try and make it right.

Many people are also offended. They walk in a spirit of offense. Many are also pushing what they want and trying to push an agenda or control a pastor or leader. Others are actually witches, warlocks, and others seeking to infiltrate the church and accuse people who are making a Kingdom impact. Be aware of all of this.

Now, I believe we are even dealing with other types of infiltration and psychological warfare type of attacks in the Body to purposely seek to discredit and attack people who have influence. Wouldn’t that make sense that they would come after the only instrument that could truly take down the wickedness in this hour? The Blood Bought Church.

We need to be wise. We need to discern. Don’t believe everything you hear.
We need to seek motives and character. To understand there is usually more to the story.

If you question something, pray, research, pray, ask the person, pray, look at their fruit, and do what is biblically correct. Handle it in an above-the-board way that keeps your own integrity.

The last thing we need to hear doing right now is infighting. We have to understand the complexity of the battle we are in and who the players are.

Please be slow to speak and gather facts and truth before doing something that hinders the work of God. Much of what is going on online is being watched by many people. Believers, and nonbelievers alike. Be a light.

If someone is above the board, they will have no problem with speaking about the matter and sharing their side of the story.

And woah to those who are leaders in the Body of Christ who just listen to what the offended and angry person says without going to the pastor or leader and getting their side of the story. That’s an assumption and the enemy uses that to cause confusion and division.