Lent 2021 | Leader Abuse, Week 1 (Feb 22-26)

Allowing Leaders to Have Unchecked and Unaccountable Power & Authority

Weekly Prayer

Lord God, today we come before you appealing to your mercy and offering our prayers for the crimes and sins committed by those You have given to us as leaders commissioned to teach Your word and care for your bride. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have fallen short of your glory. We have allowed a system to continue that offers church leaders power and authority that often remains unchecked and without accountability.

We pray for the victims of these crimes and sins, both known and unknown. We repent of not believing them and giving the ones that hurt them the “benefit of the doubt.” We repent for not asking hard questions and requiring accountability. Father, protect those who were hurt and care for them in their distress. Holy Spirit, counsel and console them in their confusion. Jesus, our Great Physician, heal both their mind and body.

We pray for those who have committed these crimes and sins. Draw them into sincere repentance and give them the humility to accept the consequences of their actions.

We pray for those who are responsible for correcting the abuses that have occurred. Give them wisdom, a desire for authentic reform, and courage to carry it out. Help us to humbly hold them accountable as a community of Kingdom citizens. In your good name we pray, Amen.

Adapted from Good Shepherd Church

Feb 21 (Sexual Abuse)

Reading: Psalm 55:20-21 (of those who abuse others, this speaks to grooming & manipulation)

Reflection: In what ways have we embraced a culture that allows for leaders to secretly commit acts of sexual violence and impropriety?

Feb 22 (Misogyny)

Reading: Colossians 3:11

Reflection: There are many verses that reveal Jesus undermining the cultural norm that viewed women as “less than.” With this verse in mind, what does it look like to view women as co-equal heirs in Christ?

Feb 23 (Patriarchal Systems)

Reading: 1 Timothy 3:2-4, 12 & 1 Cor 7:4

Reflection: These verses speak of a husband & wife managing their homes together and having mutual authority over each other, how is this different than what you’ve been taught?

Feb 24 (Women in Ministry)

Reading: Acts 18:26 & Romans 16:1-4

Reflection: These passages mention just two of the women who were instrumental in leading in the early church. How have we dismissed God giving women as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, & Teachers to the church, for the equipping of the Saints? What has this communicated to women & those not in the Church?