A CALL TO THE ELDERS AND CHURCH LEADERS

A Call to Elders and Church Leaders: Guard the Flock with Integrity and Love

Beloved Elders, Pastors, and Leaders of the Faith,

The Lord has entrusted you with a sacred responsibility: to shepherd His flock with wisdom, integrity, and love. As leaders, you are called to be examples of righteousness, unity, and godly conduct. The Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 5:2-3, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Yet, in these times, we see the subtle creep of division, gossip, and strife even among those who should know better. Titus 1:7-9 warns that an overseer must be “blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”

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PROCLAMATION

A Call to Action for Leaders

1. Guard Your Tongue and Your Heart Gossip and slander have no place in the house of God. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” As leaders, your words carry weight. Speak life, not death; truth, not speculation. Let your conversations be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).
2. Be Peacemakers, Not Dividers Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” It is your duty to mediate, reconcile, and foster unity. Do not entertain rumors or allow them to spread under your watch. Address conflicts with wisdom and love, always pointing people back to Christ.
3. Lead with Humility and Accountability James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” You are accountable to God for how you lead. Walk in humility, seeking His guidance in all things. If you stumble, repent and seek restoration.
4. Teach Sound Doctrine False teachings and idle talk can destroy faith. 2 Timothy 4:2-3 commands, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.” Stand firm in the truth and equip the saints to do the same.
5. Pray for Discernment and Protection The enemy seeks to divide and conquer. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Cover your congregation in prayer. Ask God for discernment to recognize and stop the works of the devil.

A Warning and an Encouragement

To those who have allowed gossip or division to take root: repent and turn back to God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, including “a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” You are called to higher standards. Let this be a moment of reflection and renewal.

To those who stand firm in righteousness: keep going. Your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Final Exhortation

As we prepare for the upcoming 21-day fast and prayer (March 16–April 5, 2026), let us unite in seeking God’s face. Let us pray for purity, unity, and revival in our churches. Let us be the leaders God has called us to be—faithful, fearless, and full of His Spirit.

Psalm 133:1 declares, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Let us strive for that unity, for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

May the Lord bless you, keep you, and empower you to lead with integrity and love.

In Christ’s service, Godfrey Gregg