Superficially a good answer.... (sorry Ito_^, do not mean to
nitpick)
My take?
1. Every self-proclaimed Christian WILL CHECK with the Bible. The
problem is not the checking, but the interpretation. No self
respecting church leader will say that Satan will win. I have heard
too many leades proclaim a verse as a revelation (and mandate) for
them to embark on a programme only to see the programme falling
flat in the face within 2 yrs.
2. Depending on the church. Seems the the new-age churches' leaders
follow their pastors to the word, as oppose to, say, my church
where pastors can be wrong, and can be outvoted by the lay-leaders.
If the church leaders and their pastors sing the same song ALL (or
most of) THE TIME, it is likely to be a personality cult.
Especially when the pastor concern is always perceived to
do-no-wrong.
3. Refer to point 1. No self-respecting Christian leader will avoid
this phrase - let's pray about it. Substantially, where does that
lead us? It will still lead to point 2.... a darn vicious
cycle.
My own yardstick?
A tree will be known by the fruits it produces.
I am in a ministry, my ministry flourishes, there is a constant
supply of workers, the people that I am reaching out to are
benefitting, the church is benefitting from the efforts and places
priority to support it.... and lastly, I, as the ministry leader IS
NOT glorified by it and I am willling to reliquish it anytime to
allow for a better leader to take over.
God did not speak to me (using the traditional understanding), but
I feel God has used me in a way I thought not possible.
I saw a need, I addressed the need trusting God's providence.
Having said all that, my approach may not be suitable to all. To
those who feel that falling on their knees work for them, it's fine
with me.
