Hebrews 13:17

If we are going to have confidence in our leaders, then we must be very careful in picking our leaders. In verse nine, the writer of Hebrews warns against strange teachings. An incompetent leader cannot lead any of us astray if we are not willing to follow. It would be wonderful if every leader in the Church were theologically sound and emotionally mature.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. An emotionally or spiritually immature leader can lead young Christians astray. Leaders are accountable to God for those they lead, and therefore good leaders watch carefully over their followers. If you are not confident in your leaders, do not undermine their leadership, but rather do one of two things. 1) If you can, help your leaders to be more competent. Give your leaders the support and tools they need to earn your confidence. 2) If there is no way they can earn your trust, then find yourself new leaders. Find a new leader in a righteous way; be loving, and gentle. Do not bad-mouth or gossip about your leader. Be the type of follower that is a joy to lead. Leaders that find their followers pleasant to be around and appreciative of their efforts will continually work to improve.

Many people make up a congregation. Most of the congregation will be both leaders and followers at one time or another. A Sunday school teacher will both lead a class and follow a pastor. When we are in the role of followers, we seek to be the type of followers who we would want to lead, and when we are in the role of the leader we seek to be the type of leader we would want to follow. Like the writer of Hebrews, we want a clear conscience and to live honorably in every way. Remember that we are all following Jesus. He is perfect but we are not, however He is perfecting us. The more faithfully we follow Christ the more like him we become.