The way of love: St Paul's answer to leadership failure in the church

When the early church was in a mess, Paul’s radical teaching helped convict leaders of their sin. His words are as relevant today as they’ve ever been, says Lucy Peppiatt

In the last few years, so much abuse and manipulation has been exposed in the Church. For victims, I imagine there is a sense of relief in this, alongside the pain and trauma that may be stirred up by each fresh allegation. Others may have been left reeling by revelation after revelation, with many unanswered questions. 

Sadly, leadership problems in the Church are nothing new. In fact, an entire book of the New Testament is largely devoted to correcting the behaviour of leaders who were arrogant, immoral, bullying and divisive.