Anchored on the Rock in Real Storms

Leadership meets its truest test in high winds. Jesus’ promise stands firm for those who not only hear but do His words: “yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock” (Matthew 7:25). The wise path in turbulent days is not novel strategy but simple obedience.

Scripture does not blink at trouble. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And Scripture is sufficient for the whole task of leadership: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Reading the Winds Without Losing the Way

Storms and division are not new. From Corinth’s factions to Galatia’s confusion, God’s people have weathered this before. The Lord uses even the blast of opposition to prove faith and purify motives (1 Peter 1:6–7; Romans 8:28).

Common sources of division often look like:

- Pride, jealousy, and fleshly rivalry (1 Corinthians 3:3; James 4:1).

- False teaching and deceptive voices (2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:29–30).

- Cultural pressures that nudge compromise (Romans 12:2).

- Unresolved offenses and gossip (Proverbs 26:20; Matthew 18:15–17).

A Leader’s First Work: Stay Near to the Lord

Before addressing the storm outside, settle the storm within through prayer, fasting, and the Word. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Ask for wisdom constantly. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Like Jehoshaphat, lead by confessing dependence: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

Guard the Flock and the Gospel

Shepherds watch the horizon and the sheep. “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Sound doctrine steadies hearts, rebukes error, and builds unity (Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Sin spreads if left unchecked. “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Lead with firm clarity and tender care, aligning discipline with restoration (2 Corinthians 2:6–8).

Pursue Unity Without Surrendering Truth

Unity is commanded. “Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Truth is nonnegotiable. “Contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). Biblical unity lives where love and truth embrace (Ephesians 4:15).

A helpful triage during conflict:

- Essentials to die for: the gospel, the authority of Scripture, the deity and lordship of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Galatians 1:6–9).

- Convictions to defend with charity: church order, sacraments, spiritual gifts, gender and office, eschatology (Romans 14:1–9; 2 Thessalonians 2:15).

- Preferences to hold loosely: style, timing, methods, nonbinding traditions (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).

Speak Wisely, Listen Deeply

Speech can douse fires or feed them. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Leaders move slowly toward words and quickly toward listening. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19).

Gather facts fairly. “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). Keep communication gracious and clear. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).

A Clear Path for Conflict

Conflict handled biblically restores people and protects the witness of the church. Aim for repentance, reconciliation, and renewed mission.

Follow a simple, scriptural process:

1) Private conversation for personal offenses (Matthew 18:15).

2) Bring one or two with you for confirmation and counsel (Matthew 18:16; Deuteronomy 19:15).

3) Involve the church only when necessary and with careful oversight (Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 5:19–20).

4) Warn the stubborn; if necessary, separate for the sake of the flock. “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition” (Titus 3:10; see also Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).

Courage for Wolves and Winds

False teachers must be identified and resisted with biblical precision and pastoral courage (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). Shepherds must not confuse peacemaking with appeasement when the gospel is at stake (Galatians 1:6–9; Acts 20:29–31).

Correction must be firm and hopeful. Teach sound doctrine, refute error, and invite repentance, trusting the Lord to grant change (2 Timothy 2:24–26; 4:1–5). Protect the weak, confront the unruly, and help the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Keep the Mission Central

Storms tempt churches to turn inward. Christ sends us outward. He still authorizes and accompanies the Great Commission to make disciples, baptize, and teach all He commanded (Matthew 28:18–20). Keep the pulpit clear, the gospel central, and the saints equipped (2 Timothy 4:2; Ephesians 4:11–16).

Healthy mission realigns distracted hearts. Strive together with one mind for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27). Evangelism and discipleship are not paused by storms; they are refined in them.

Hope That Outlasts the Tempest

Christ still stills storms. “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm” (Mark 4:39). He will steady you as you steady others.

Suffering will not have the last word. “The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Practical Steps for the Next 90 Days

Purposeful action helps truth take root. Small, faithful steps bring large, lasting fruit.

- Establish a weekly elder prayer-and-fast rhythm for wisdom (Acts 13:2–3; James 1:5).

- Clarify doctrinal essentials and a conflict-communication plan, then share them plainly (Ephesians 4:3; Proverbs 15:22).

- Preach a short series on unity, peacemaking, and church discipline with careful application (Ephesians 4; Matthew 18; 1 Corinthians 5).

- Train small-group leaders in Matthew 18 care, rumor-stopping, and basic mediation (Proverbs 26:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).

- Map care for the weary: counseling pathways, deacon support, and elder touchpoints (Galatians 6:2; Acts 6:1–7).

- Identify and address doctrinal confusion early with gentle, firm teaching (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:24–26).

- Keep evangelism visible: testimonies, prayer for the lost, and regular gospel calls (Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2).

The Lord delights to steady leaders who steady their people by His Word and Spirit.

Not all disagreements carry the same weight. Essentials define the boundary of the faith once for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 3). Secondary convictions shape faithful church order. Tertiary matters call for patience and love (Romans 14; Ephesians 4:2–3).

- Guard the core of the gospel with resolve (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Galatians 1:6–9).

- Teach secondary convictions with clarity and charity (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

- Treat preferences as servants, never masters (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).

Allegations, Justice, and Due Process

Truth and love require careful process. Receive accusations against leaders only with witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19; Deuteronomy 19:15). Investigate impartially, document thoroughly, and act righteously (Proverbs 18:17; Luke 12:2).

- Expose works of darkness appropriately (Ephesians 5:11).

- Protect victims, guard the flock, and pursue repentance and restoration where possible (Micah 6:8; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8).

Politics, Conscience, and the Church’s Unity

Form consciences by Scripture, not headlines (Romans 12:2). Honor rulers while fearing God (1 Peter 2:13–17). Where commands conflict, obey God. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

- Teach Romans 14 charity in disputable matters.

- Major on the gospel; minor on party platforms.

Social Media and Digital Storms

Online fires spread fast. The tongue remains a torch. “The tongue is a fire” (James 3:6). Slow the rush to judgment and refuse outrage bait (Proverbs 17:27–28; 18:13).

- Publish a gracious communication covenant.

- Centralize urgent updates; discourage rumor streams (Proverbs 26:20).

When to Separate and When to Stay

Persistent, unrepentant false teaching and factiousness call for separation (Romans 16:17; 2 John 10–11; Titus 3:10). Hard conflicts over conscience often call for patient endurance (Romans 14).

- Seek wise counsel and move deliberately (Proverbs 11:14).

- Prioritize the flock’s safety and the gospel’s clarity (Acts 20:28–31).

Structures that Hold in High Wind

Healthy polity helps. A plurality of qualified elders, diligent deacons, and meaningful membership distribute weight (Acts 14:23; 6:1–7; Hebrews 13:17).

- Keep bylaws clean and aligned with Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:40).

- Schedule regular shepherding visits and member care rhythms (1 Peter 5:2–3).

Care for Weary Leaders and Wounded Saints

Rest, counseling, and shared burdens are not luxuries; they are obedience (Mark 6:31; Galatians 6:2). Normalize lament and hope through the Psalms (Psalm 13; 42; 46).

- Rotate pulpit supply to prevent burnout (Exodus 18:17–23).

- Create trauma-informed care pathways anchored in the gospel (Psalm 147:3).

Church Discipline and Restoration

Discipline protects sheep and honors Christ (1 Corinthians 5). Restoration displays the gospel’s power (2 Corinthians 2:6–8).

- Set clear steps, roles, and timelines.

- Communicate humbly, truthfully, and as publicly as the sin has been public.

Whole-Counsel Preaching in a Fragmented Age

Teach the whole counsel of God to form resilient disciples (Acts 20:27). Alternate exposition with timely topical series that harvest biblical wisdom for present trials (2 Timothy 4:2).

- Catechize the church in core doctrine and practice (2 Timothy 1:13–14).

- Embed Scripture memory that speaks to conflict, fear, and hope (Psalm 119:11).

Suffering as Formation, Not Failure

Suffering produces perseverance and proven character (Romans 5:3–5). “This light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

- Teach believers to read trials through God’s promises, not their feelings.

- Testify often to God’s faithfulness in past storms (Psalm 66:16).

Christ holds His church. He steadies leaders who cling to His Word, love His people, and keep His mission central until the skies clear.