It’s striking that Doug Winnail speaks about power plays, jockeying for position, and chasing paychecks, yet urges members to cultivate humility and a servant’s heart. Shouldn’t this start at the top? Shouldn’t LCG and other COG leaders exemplify profound humility and servant leadership? Ideally, yes, but in Armstrongism, this has rarely been the case. Jealousy, power struggles, backstabbing, and a craving for prominence have long defined COG leadership. Look at figures like Bob Thiel, Dave Pack, Gerald Weston, Ron Weinland, Vic Kubik, and Gerald Flurry—they set a gold standard for hypocrisy in these traits, often rebelling against the very church government they claim to uphold, engaging in power plays and betrayal. This behavior traces back to Herbert Armstrong, the most egregious example in COG history.
Many church members, however, naturally embody humility and servant leadership. Sadly, these individuals often don’t last long, as jealous elders and fellow members undermine them.
Until COG leaders model integrity and true servant leadership with genuine humility, the church will stagnate, and its witness will fall on deaf ears.
Many church members, however, naturally embody humility and servant leadership. Sadly, these individuals often don’t last long, as jealous elders and fellow members undermine them.
Until COG leaders model integrity and true servant leadership with genuine humility, the church will stagnate, and its witness will fall on deaf ears.
What Motivates You? Many people are motivated by a desire for position, power, pleasure—or a paycheck. However, failure to achieve these goals can lead to frustration and problems—especially when individuals jostle for positions and seek to be noticed. This can happen in the workplace and even in our congregations. Jesus noted this tendency among the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:1–12), but He advised His disciples, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:25–28). Christians are advised to avoid self-seeking motives and focus on ways to serve others (1 Timothy 6:3–5; 1 Peter 5:1–4). Let’s strive to develop the attitudes of humility and service that Jesus exhibited so we can be instruments in His hands.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
1 comment:
"Motivated by a paycheck"? A minister earning more than $100,000 per year, with a lavish expense account and ministerial perks for doing very little real work at all, has the nerve to criticize hard-working LCG members who prefer to support their families instead of working for free? Ridiculous! How much work do you think Winnail would do for LCG if he wasn't being paid? I guess Winnail isn't much of a Bible reader, otherwise he would be familiar with the teaching that the laborer is worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7).
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