Actually these are concerns for every Christian.
Paul is defending his lengthy writing around his apostleship. He is anticipating the church thinking he was just trying to vindicate himself. He wasn’t. This wasn’t his main concern there were others.
“Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
2 Corinthians 12:19-21
Paul’s main concerns and what should be for every Christian but especially leaders are these:-
- Constructing the church. “for your strengthening” – the word means to build/construct. That has to be one of the greatest concerns. Is how we are speaking and acting encouraging the church?
- Corruption. “Selfish ambition”. Some were using the church for their own benefits and for the needs of others.
- Communication. “Discord” etc. Some churches have rifts that last years and then wonder why they’re not growing. Slander and gossip whispered through the atmosphere of the church.
- Compromise. “Have not repented”. The boundaries between church and culture have become blurred.
- Calling. “may not find you as I want you to be” One of the major concerns should always be that the church’s members are fulfilling their calling and that applies to the leader of the church also. Pastors (or whatever title) need to know they are being true to their calling. Their effectiveness is directly linked to the church’s spiritual health and do naturally they are rightly concerned. Which leads nicely to the final element. “you may not find me as you want me to be” is Paul saying his effectiveness is linked to their spiritual health.
- Condition of the people’s heart. “I will be grieved.” The ministry is done with tears. There is an emotional investment that isn’t easily put down or distance created from it.
Paul was right to be concerned. This was healthy concern. We need hearts that will break over the condition of our churches.
Missions Paul 