King

 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.
1 Samuel 12:20 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1sa.12.20.ESV

Some churches have a model of leadership where the pastor is like a king with his subjects. That isn't a Biblical model. Even in the old testament, God's people were told they'd done evil by hankering after and asking for a king.

Likewise in the new testament it's abundantly clear that the Lord is King of kings. As you can imagine, God doesn't take kindly to usurpers to His throne. What would God say to those in kingly pastoral churches?

God wouldn't necessarily say to leave a church with poor governance. What he would say is to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. So what is good church governance?

Good church governance involves a plurality of elders, who are under-shepherds of the flock of Christ. Not so glamorous as kings! I'm reminded of Paul warning the Ephesian elders of spiritual wolves. Kingly 'pastors' are most likely wolves in sheep's clothing!

'Good Shepherd of our souls, please help us to be completely faithful to You, whatever our circumstances. For the glory of Your name, amen'

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