Faith: May 2023 Archives

Scott Sauls, author and Nashville pastor, placed on indefinite leave of absence

"In a video message to the congregation, Sauls apologized for an unhealthy leadership style that harmed the people who worked for him and the church.

"'I verbalized insensitive and verbal criticism of others' work,' he said, according to a recording of the meeting shared with Religion News Service. 'I've used social media and the pulpit to quiet dissenting viewpoints. I've manipulated facts to support paths that I desire.'"

This is what happens when ruling elders don't rule. Sauls is part of a generation of PCA pastors that has been taught to crush any resistance to change among the laity, to look at long-time members and leaders as obstacles to be steamrolled, not partners to be persuaded, much less sources of prudence. The small-p presbyterian (elder-led) form of government is supposed to act as a check on pastoral ego, but too often lay ruling elders are selected for their submissiveness to the pastor's will.