Reflections on Church Leadership: A Journey of Faith, Healing, and Authority

IIn my journey through various expressions of church life, I have seen firsthand the complexities of leadership and the importance of remaining rooted in Christ’s authority. My experiences span from independent charismatic churches to mainline institutions, each offering valuable lessons about faith, accountability, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Early on, I was involved with an independent charismatic congregation, which later became part of a broader movement. I believed that true accountability came from a central authority, looking to mainline churches as models of stability and oversight. However, I soon realized that genuine accountability isn’t merely about organizational structure—it’s about submitting to the ultimate Head of the Church—Jesus Christ Himself.

I was eager to witness the power of God at work through healing and miracles. Yet, I encountered a surprising contradiction: the leadership of the centre I joined, as a Board Member, held a cessationist view—that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing, had ceased after the Apostolic Age. This was deeply disappointing, as the very heart of healing ministry is rooted in faith in God’s ongoing power to heal today.

This experience served as a stark reminder that leadership must align with the Word of God, and that faith in the supernatural gifts is vital for a church or ministry committed to healing. When leadership dismisses these gifts, it limits what God can do through His people and His Spirit.

I recall a moment of tension during the planning of one of the ministry’s properties. The new leadership insisted on control over decisions, warning us that opposition would lead to conflict. This highlighted how human authority can sometimes overshadow divine calling, underscoring the importance of believers standing firm in faith and the authority of Christ.

This particular healing ministry  was founded by faithful believers who raised the funds to house it and who also trusted in God's power to heal. Their work was a testament to the truth that healing is part of the Gospel message—available to all who believe. Yet, when leadership dismisses the supernatural giftings, it can hinder the very purpose of such ministries. The new leadership, as they were secessionists, would have preferred to shut it down completely. The only concession for them was the increased membership that it brought to the church itself, and the offerings gleaned. 

Despite these challenges, I am reminded of Jesus’ words: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). This is the foundation of our faith—our authority is rooted in Christ, and His power is available through faith.

As I reflect on these experiences, I see that true leadership in the church is not about titles or structures, but about faithfulness to Christ’s calling—to love, to serve, and to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives through discipleship, healing and miracles.

Let us remember: it is by faith that we access divine power. It is by trusting in Jesus’ authority that we see the sick healed, the oppressed set free, and lives changed by the Spirit of God.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

This verse beautifully captures the heart of Christ’s ministry—walking in love, empowered by faith, and led by the Holy Spirit. When we operate in this divine love and faith, we witness the fullness of God's healing power released in our communities.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17

Let us stand firm in the authority of Christ, knowing that His power is available today, and through faith, we can see His great gift of repentance, salvation, healing and love manifest in our lives and communities.