Expose of Today’s Church — Our Elders

From One Broken Elder to Another...

Before I say another word about what’s wrong with the Church, I need to confess what’s wrong with me. I have contributed to the problem.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

My silence. My fear. My pride. My wounds. My insecurities. My ambitions. They’ve all had a seat at the table. And yet, by the grace of God, I know I am also part of the solution.

Hosea 6:1 “Come, let’s return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us.”

Getting the right diagnosis is never easy. It’s painful. It’s humbling. But it’s the only way forward. Before healing comes, we must tell the truth. Before reformation comes, repentance must run deep.

Isaiah 57:15 “For this is what the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, says: ‘I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

This is the rhythm of real revival: Confess. Repent. Surrender. Return. Repeat. We are not beyond redemption. We are not too far gone. But we must start here—face down, heart open, ready to be made whole. Let’s come back together, one broken man/woman/child at a time.

Joel 2:13 “And tear your heart and not merely your garments.” Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in mercy, And relenting of catastrophe.”

Judgment Begins with the House of God

The Church in America is not collapsing because of culture, politics, or persecution. It is imploding in part because its spiritual gatekeepers—its Elders—we have forsaken our post. The body of Christ, entrusted to shepherds and overseers, is bleeding internally, not from external attack but from internal compromise. The disease is not just moral failure; it is our leadership failure.

Ezekiel 34:2-4 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should the shepherds not feed the flock? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you searched for the lost; but with force and violence you have dominated them.”’

Judgment begins with the house of God, and that judgment starts with us, its leaders.

1 Peter 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

This is not a message of condemnation. This is a call to confess and return.

Acts 20:28-30 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.”

Jesus Christ, the King of both Heaven and Earth, is calling His true Elders to awaken, arise, and restore the foundations laid by His blood, His Word, and His Spirit. It is time for the true shepherds to separate themselves from the false. It is time to SPEAK UP and return to the Bible—not in theory but in action, in structure, in culture, and in leadership.

Isaiah 30:15 “For this is what the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.”

What we are about to explore is not theory. It is reality. Two Elders. Two spirits. Two outcomes. And one Bride to prepare.

Joel 2:12-13 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and tear your heart and not merely your garments.” Now return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and relenting of catastrophe.”

Jesus - Our First and Final

Jesus is the original Elder–our example to follow. He said, “FOLLOW ME!” He said, I am the truth, the life, and THE WAY, the only way to the Father. Let’s FOLLOW HIM!

Ephesians 1:20-23 “He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion... And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Jesus did not wear a title. He washed feet. Jesus did not build a building. He built people. Jesus did not surround Himself with sycophants. He raised up servants who would lay down their lives.

2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean, And I will welcome you.”

Jesus called disciples to follow Him. He trained them to disciple others. He warned them of wolves. He entrusted them with His authority. And Jesus showed them how to suffer for the sake of the Bride and the Glory of our Father.

James 1:22 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”

Jesus trained eleven GOOD Elders. One betrayed Him.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”

But even in betrayal, Jesus loved. He served Judas. He washed Judas’s feet. Jesus gave Judas the bread. Jesus modeled the divine standard. So, Elders, fall on your Face and ask Jesus to transform you to love like Christ, serve like Christ, and, if necessary, suffer like Christ.

Matthew 25:1-2 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.”

He is not just our Savior. He is our model. He is our Rabbi. He is our High Priest who has entered the heavenly sanctuary and sprinkled His blood on the mercy seat for us all. And now, He calls His Elders to be living sacrifices, to rise up in righteousness and prepare the Bride for the King.

Hebrews 9:11-12 “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things having come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the Holy Place once for all time, having obtained eternal redemption.”

Every Elder today will be judged by Jesus' standard. Not their resume. Not their popularity. Not their business acumen. Not their budget. But by their obedience to Christ. Elders, listen! Only Jesus can transform you into the image of our Father, from the inside out, by Grace working through His love. Surrender!

Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

Anthony and Sharon — The GOOD Elders

Anthony and Sharon are not flashy. They’re not well-known. They don’t seek attention. But you see them everywhere, serving in the background. if you look closely, you’ll see their fingerprints on the lives of dozens—maybe hundreds—of disciples quietly being trained, transformed, and loved. Most people don’t know their name–because it's not about them; it's about BEHOLDING JESUS. They are Christ-like.

Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Anthony is not interested in building a brand. He’s interested in building people. His IDENTITY is secure in Christ, including His suffering. Anthony is a foot-washer. A disciple-maker. A truth-teller. A modern-day Joshua who stands firm even when others waver. A Titus—solid in doctrine, pure in speech. The love of Christ glows around him. He makes me feel loved and accepted.

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

Anthony is another Timothy—young in heart, mature in character, entrusted with the King's message, and burdened with the King's mission.

2 Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”

Sharon, Anthony’s wife, is his partner in the field. She hosts, encourages, listens, and prays with tears. Sharon acts and behaves like Christ–authentically and naturally. Like Priscilla, she has helped correct false doctrine in love, living out the Scriptures with power and humility. Together, they disciple both men and women into spiritual maturity.

Ephesians 4:12-13 “...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God…”

Anthony and Sharon are the five-talented servants of Matthew 25: they were entrusted with much, and they have multiplied it. Their oil flasks are full. Their lamps are burning.

Matthew 25:20-21 “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave...’”

They are among the wise virgins, prepared for the Bridegroom’s return (Matthew 25:1-13).

John 13:14-15 “So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you.”

Their strength is not in their status. Their authority is not derived from a board. Their fruit is not measured by their online following.

2 Timothy 2:12 “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us…”

Their anointing is recognized in heaven because they are conformed to the image of Christ through suffering, surrender, and sacrifice.

Titus 2:7-8 “...in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach…”

They confess their sins daily. They repent quickly. They listen before they speak. They judge righteously, not hypocritically. When attacked, they bless. When betrayed, they forgive. When wronged, they pray. When the Bride is wounded, they carry her.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Anthony and Sharon are not perfect. But they are obedient. They seek the will of the Father above all else. They manifest the GOODNESS of God in their city through their intercession, hospitality, and faithful discipleship.

Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints.”

They’ve been overlooked, underappreciated, and misjudged. But heaven knows their name.

Matthew 25:4 “...but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps.”

Anthony and Sharon are the Elders who reign with Christ.

Matthew 25:10 “And while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.”

Micah and Charity — The BAD Elders

Micah is the hip guy. Everyone loves him. He’s the guy who knows the latest trends, flashes the biggest smile, and always has the best gear–He’s your BRO!

Matthew 23:5 “And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”

Micah’s social media is polished, his events are full, and his followers are many. But he has no disciples. None. Lot’s of bromances, but no disciples. Many outside the church do not know he is Christian.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”

He buried his one talent, not in fear, but in arrogance. He didn’t want the accountability. He didn’t want the burden of real shepherding.

Matthew 25:24-26, 30 “Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man...’ But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave...’ ...‘Throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”

Micah wants the platform without the risk and pain, the title without the towel and feet, the attention without the cross and the death to self.

Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”

Micah is not a shepherd. He is a showman. He promotes himself, protects his image, and avoids real conflict unless it threatens his popularity.

Matthew 23:6-7 “And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.”

His motto? "Yo, Bro! Let's hang." His doctrine? Shallow. His wisdom? Borrowed. His heart? Unbroken.

John 10:12-13 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd... sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees—and the wolf snatches and scatters them.”

And Charity? She plays her part well. Behind her smile is manipulation.

Revelation 2:20 “But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray...”

She flatters with charm and strikes with slander. Jezebel in disguise.

1 Kings 21:25 “There certainly was no one like Ahab who gave himself over to do evil in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife incited him.”

She feeds Micah's ambition while tearing down those who oppose their rise. They are Ahab and Jezebel in modern clothes—appealing, attractive, and utterly toxic.

2 Timothy 3:5 “...holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.”

Their leadership is built on fear, not faith. On charm, not character. On convenience, not conviction.

Titus 3:10 “Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning…”

When the real work of the ministry arises—discipling the broken, caring for the poor, confronting sin—they vanish.

Proverbs 16:28 “A perverse person spreads strife, and a slanderer separates close friends.”

They gossip, divide, and undermine. And when challenged, they retaliate.

Luke 22:3-4 “And Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot... and he left and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he would betray Him to them.”

Like Judas, Micah will sell out anyone—even Jesus—if it benefits his network or secures his influence.

Acts 5:1-3 “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property... But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit...?’”

Like Ananias and Sapphira, they conspire in secret. Like the Pharisees, they smile in public but condemn in private.

They are lukewarm, entitled, and dangerous. Wolves in shepherd's clothing. How did Micah become an Elder? Bromanship. Seriously, the best yes man ever!

Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs... outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

They will not wash feet. They will not carry crosses. They will not bow the knee to King Jesus.

Revelation 3:16-17 “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,’ and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...”

They must be exposed.

Philippians 2:10-11 “...so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...”

They must be removed.

Ephesians 5:11 “Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.”

And unless they repent, they will be judged by the One whose eyes are like flames of fire

Revelation 1:14 “His head and His hair were white like wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.”

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