A. Moses: Delegated Authority, Humility, and Limits

Text: Exodus 18; Numbers 12; Numbers 20:7–13

Key Principles:

Delegation of Authority: Moses was advised by Jethro to appoint capable men to share in decision-making (Exodus 18:13–26). This sets a precedent for organized leadership within God’s people and validates the principle of delegated government. God-Ordained Leadership Defended: When Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses’ unique role, God defended Moses (Numbers 12). Legitimate spiritual leadership should not be undermined arbitrarily. Accountability for Abuse: Moses himself was held accountable when he struck the rock rather than speaking as God commanded (Numbers 20:7–13). His failure to sanctify God publicly led to personal consequences—he could not enter the Promised Land.

Relevance:

Church leaders must structure governance wisely and within biblical bounds. Even leaders chosen by God are not exempt from correction when they misuse authority or misrepresent God’s instructions.

B. Samuel: Integrity in Leadership and Accountability

Text: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 12:1–5

Key Principles:

Resistance to Worldly Models: When Israel demanded a king “like the nations,” Samuel warned that human rulers tend to abuse power (1 Samuel 8:10–18). Blameless Leadership: Samuel, when transitioning leadership, asked the people to publicly testify if he had defrauded, oppressed, or taken bribes (1 Samuel 12:3–5). None accused him.

Relevance:

WCG leaders and successors should adopt Samuel’s transparent model—inviting examination of their conduct and avoiding corruption. Integrity in office must be provable, not just professed.

C. Nehemiah: Authority Used to Serve, Not Enrich

Text: Nehemiah 5

Key Principles:

Refusal to Exploit Position: Nehemiah refused to take the governor’s allowance and rebuked nobles who extorted their brethren. Public Repentance Enforced: When rebuked, the nobles agreed to restore lands and forgive debts. The assembly witnessed and confirmed the promise (Nehemiah 5:12–13).

Relevance:

Leaders must use their authority to lift burdens, not impose them. Where financial or administrative abuse has occurred, leaders should follow Nehemiah’s example and facilitate restitution.

D. Paul: Apostolic Authority Balanced by Service

Text: 1 Corinthians 9; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Acts 20:33–35

Key Principles:

Right to Support, Yet Declined: Paul defends his right to material support but willingly declines it to avoid any stumbling block (1 Corinthians 9:12). No Dominion Over Faith: Paul makes clear that leaders are “not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy” (2 Corinthians 1:24). Working With His Hands: Paul highlights that he worked manually to avoid burdening others (Acts 20:33–35).

Relevance:

Church authority is real but must be used in love and discretion. Leadership must not become exploitative or coercive, even when technically “within rights.” Servant leadership must remain the model.

E. Peter: Restoration After Public Sin and Misjudgment

Text: Luke 22:54–62; John 21:15–19; Galatians 2:11–14

Key Principles:

Public Failure, Private Restoration: After Peter’s denial of Christ, he was not discarded but restored with personal correction and commission (John 21). Rebuke of Apostolic Error: Paul publicly rebukes Peter for hypocrisy regarding Gentiles (Galatians 2:11–14). Even apostles can be publicly wrong and require correction.

Relevance:

Restoration after leadership failure is possible, but it requires acknowledgment and sometimes public correction. Offenses that affect the church must be addressed transparently.

F. David: Abuse of Power and Public Confession

Text: 2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51

Key Principles:

Sin in Leadership: David abused his royal position to take another man’s wife and orchestrate his death. Prophetic Confrontation: Nathan confronted David directly, using a parable that made David see his guilt. Genuine Repentance: David confessed, accepted the consequences, and composed a public psalm of contrition (Psalm 51).

Relevance:

Power does not exempt leaders from accountability. Abuses must be confessed, and sincere repentance must follow. David’s transparency offers a model for spiritual restoration.

G. Jesus: Rebuke of Abusive Religious Leadership

Text: Matthew 23; John 10:10–13; Mark 10:42–45

Key Principles:

Woes to Religious Leaders: Jesus denounced religious leaders who “bind heavy burdens” on others while exempting themselves (Matthew 23:4). Hireling vs. Shepherd: A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, while a hireling flees or exploits (John 10). Servant of All: True greatness in the kingdom is found in being a servant, not lording power (Mark 10:42–45).

Relevance:

Christ provides the ultimate standard for leadership. Any form of church authority that mimics worldly power structures risks Christ’s judgment.

H. The Jerusalem Council: Authority Exercised with Restraint

Text: Acts 15

Key Principles:

Deliberation and Consultation: The apostles and elders, in unity with the Holy Spirit, issued binding rulings after hearing all sides. Avoiding Unnecessary Burdens: They explicitly chose not to “trouble those who are turning to God” with excessive requirements (Acts 15:19, 28).

Relevance:

When doctrinal or policy questions arise, leadership must consult widely, include the voices of the affected, and avoid placing undue burdens on the faithful. Doctrinal authority must be accompanied by pastoral sensitivity.

I. Ezekiel: Accountability of Shepherds

Text: Ezekiel 34

Key Principles:

Woe to Abusive Shepherds: God condemns shepherds who feed themselves, fail to heal the wounded, and rule harshly. God Will Rescue the Flock: When human leadership fails, God promises to personally seek out and care for His flock.

Relevance:

When church leaders fail in their duties, God sees, judges, and may remove them. Those who have suffered under harsh or negligent leadership are not forgotten by God.

Conclusion of Appendix

These case studies confirm the two-fold premise of the main white paper:

God Ordains Leadership and Government Among His People. When exercised faithfully, such authority blesses the flock, strengthens the church, and reflects Christ’s character. God Holds Leaders to Account When They Overreach, Exploit, or Harm. Scripture repeatedly affirms that even the greatest of His servants must submit to correction, confess wrongdoing, and make restitution.

The successor churches of the WCG—and indeed, any spiritual body—must study these examples closely. They call us to a balanced fidelity: upholding the truth, but also walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), especially in how we lead and how we respond when our leadership fails.