Today’s conversation with a friend left my heart heavy. She shared her experience working in a church office, and I was shocked — though sadly, not entirely surprised — by her words: bullying, manipulation, dishonour, disrespect, control.

Elders — entrusted to shepherd God’s people — were instead using their authority to intimidate. She’s afraid to voice her disapproval of how they are treating her pastor, fearing that if she speaks up, her job will be on the line.

I’ve been watching this situation with our acting senior pastor unfold for the past two years, and it grieves me. The way they speak to him, the lack of love and humility… where is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

This is not the first time I’ve heard such testimonies. Another dear friend left her church role years ago for similar reasons. Sadly, hypocrisy has no trouble finding its way into church offices, and it damages more than reputations — it wounds hearts.

Yet my faith is unshaken in this: vengeance belongs to the Lord. Pastor David will learn what God has for him in this trial. As for those sowing discord and dishonour, they will reap as they have sown. God sees. He knows. He will act in His perfect time.