We declare and decree in the mighty name of Jesus Christ that leadership in God’s Church is a divine calling that demands unity, humility, and unwavering allegiance to the Lord.
As leaders, we are commanded to uphold one another, not fight or compete against each other, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
We recognize that leaders fall when they are cut off from the presence of the Lord, when heaven is shut, when they lose the favor of God, when they incur divine displeasure, and when they enter into habitual sin.
We acknowledge the evidence of falling and the root causes summarized in the mnemonic “DISGRACE”:
• Disobedience: Just as Adam and Eve fell by disobedience (Genesis 3:6-7, 16-19), and Saul failed through disobedience (1 Samuel 13:12-14; 15:13-23), we declare that obedience to God’s Word and Spirit is foundational for enduring leadership.
• Idolatry: Forsaking God and serving other gods leads to defeat and ruin (Judges 10:13-14; Leviticus 26:17, 37-38). Leaders must keep God alone as their highest authority.
• Selfishness and Pride: Like King Nebuchadnezzar who exalted himself and lost his kingdom (Daniel 4:30-31) and like those who neglect God’s temple (Haggai 1:4-6), we reject all forms of pride and selfish ambition that cause downfall.
• Greed and Covetousness: Gehazi’s greed brought leprosy (2 Kings 5:21-27), and Achan’s covetousness brought disaster (Joshua 7:20-26).
Leaders are called to be stewards, not takers.
• Reclusion: Isolation leads to destruction (Proverbs 18:1), but togetherness in leadership brings strength and blessing (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
• Absence of Jehoiada: A leader must surround themselves with righteous counsel and accountability, as Joash’s righteousness was upheld by Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:2).
• Competition: There is no place for rivalry in God’s kingdom (2 Samuel 18:19-23; Acts 4:34-35). We are one body with many parts, called to support and build each other up.
• Envy: Envy leads to bitterness and destruction, as seen in Saul against David (1 Samuel 18:7-9), Cain against Abel (Genesis 4:4-8), and Haman against Mordecai (Esther 5:13-14).
We renounce envy and celebrate the successes of our brethren.
Therefore, we decree that every leader in God’s Church shall walk in humility, obedience, and unity, recognizing that our strength lies in mutual support and reliance on the Lord.
We reject all forms of discord, selfish ambition, and rivalry, proclaiming that a fallen leader’s path is marked by DISGRACE, but the faithful leader’s path is marked by the favor and presence of God.
Let all leaders arise with one heart, one mind, and one purpose—to glorify God and shepherd His people with wisdom, love, and integrity.
So let it be, in Jesus’ name. Amen.