When the God-called leader Moses held up his arms over the valley, the battle went for God’s people (Exodus 17).  Aaron and Hur were not appointed to take over, replace, or even advise Moses in the course of action that he was to take.  They were to help him do what God had ordered him to do.  Their job was supporting the leader’s arms to insure victory for those under his authority.  Unlike many today, Aaron and Hur were quite content to play a supplementary role to Moses.  Because they were satisfied with less than being the leader themselves, the war was won.  Imagine the upset if they, as a committee of two, had decided to set aside the prophet and leader of God’s choice!  Victory was promised, not if Aaron and Hur stretched forth their hands, but only if Moses’ hands were stretched.  See Numbers 12 for a good example of what happens when God’s appointed leader and order are set aside.  Because Aaron and  Miriam presumed to tamper with God’s divine order they were smitten with leprosy.  An example of man-made substitution for the divinely appointed leadership came when Moses was on the mountain.  By popular consent, Aaron took over.  He then constructed the golden calf and permitted the people to lapse into drunken debauchery and idolatry.  His permissiveness is typical of those NOT called by God to be responsible for the flock.  This lapse led to the moral breakdown and the death of many. (Exodus 32) 
 
Korah and his fellow rebels stood against Moses.  Brazenly they accused him of nepotism in setting up the rules for the priesthood.  God exacted a terrible price for their presumption that they knew more than God’s appointed leader.  When they moved to set him and his leadership aside, they ran into a storm of wrath from God which obliterated them and their families (Numbers 16). 
 
They used the standard procedure of accusing Moses of presumption and pride–THEIR SIN.  These people resent and resist the doctrines of God’s Word which teach judgment upon all evil doers.  Jude 11 holds up these evil men up as examples to avoid.  They made the common mistake of failing to understand that God reveals to HIS appointed leaders (fathers, husbands and God-called preachers) special insight and wisdom not given to others. 
 
No human leader is above listening to counsel and weighing it prayerfully.  However, this NEVER replaces God’s leadership for His chosen leaders.  When God wants a job done he calls a man to do it.  It is far more important to be in absolute submission to God than to any human authority.  Paul remarked on one occasion, “Immediately I conferred NOT with flesh and blood.”  Of the apostles and leaders at Jerusalem he said,”…they added nothing to me…”  He did NOT go to Jerusalem to receive approval (Galatians 1:16,17).  His commission was not from his apostolic peers but from God.  The Holy Spirit sent out Barnabus and Paul (Acts 13:13). 
 
Paul was forbidden of God to preach in Asia (Acts 16:6).  In Acts 21:12,13, he was warned against going to Jerusalem.  He disregarded the local church workers and apostles and went on as the Lord had shown HIM.  These friends and peers were sincere, but mistaken in trying to interfere. 
 
Peter went independently to visit Cornelius in response to the direct prompting of the Lord (Acts 10:11).  Had he submitted the matter to the church and apostles for approval, it would have doubtless been turned down!  When Paul was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:9), he did not send a runner to Jerusalem to see if Peter or the others of his peer group would approve this venture.  Instead he moved swiftly and decisively to obey the voice of the Lord.  God-called men must be free to move quickly and directly to do the will of God in any given situation.

Had Paul been a novice, he doubtless would have sought some signal confirmation for such a radical departure from the accepted channels and inclinations of his own mind and heart about the matter.  Peer counseling and guidance must always be cooperative and never coercive.  God’s people must remain free, at liberty, but not operating in license. 
 
God never calls a committee, always a man, to do his bidding.  This avoids bickering and indecisiveness and enables God’s program to move with speed and accuracy.  The more people who become involved in a decision making process, the more slippage and margin for error of human wisdom is inserted. 
 
A God-called pastor is able to guide his flock by love and example.  He will need men around him to lean upon but they serve under his leadership.  To assume equality with him in position would be the sheerest presumption.  At all times he is the pastor and God will work primarily through him to provide leadership for the people in his flock.
   
A pastor who has caught the vision of being a true under shepherd (I Peter5:3) will lead by his example of laying down his life for the flock.  This will create in true sheep a desire to emulate the shepherd as he emulates Christ (Philippians 3:8-17).  This is a wholly voluntary following and can never become demanding or domineering.  The urge to drive and dominate is not a godly quality, but involves witchcraft and manipulation, which are forbidden in Scripture.

While it is true that loving and tender compassion be expressed toward an erring sheep, this does not mean that anything goes or that there must be peace at any price.  A shepherd must love enough to stand firm on Biblical principles, even if it leads to expelling erring ones from the fellowship of the flock (I Corinthians 5).  Those who continue to rebel after being approached and urged to repent must not be permitted to continue to pollute the body. 
 
Surgery, as drastic and severe as it seems, is preferable to permitting the poison of rebellion and stubbornness to permeate the entire group.  Many men are too permissive to do this and thus are disqualified from ever being shepherds.  Jesus was kind and tenderhearted toward sinners who were groping to understand their needs.  However, with the hypocritical and self-righteous, He was very stern, abrupt and sharp. 
 
Both Peter and Paul admonished the younger to be subject to and respectful toward their elders.  “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all {of you} be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”   (1 Peter 5:5)  “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat {him} as a father; {and} the younger men as brethren;”  (1 Timothy 5:1)
 
There may be occasions when older men fail God.  In this event, the younger must step from under his yoke and, in love and respect, move on with the Lord.  Be careful of attitudes here, for the impatience of youth often causes them to see things in a less than mature framework.
 
In Exodus 18:13,25, Moses chose the elders and they were directly responsible to him.  There were no co-elders, but all were under his supervision.  Elders were not even equal among themselves for they were given jobs of varying size and importance (Deuteronomy 29:10).  Any church with co-elders is headed straight for trouble.  A two-headed creature in nature is a monstrosity, as is a family with two husbands (heads).  Elders are appointed to work under a head, not to be the head. 
 
Equality of all the elders is a fallacy which has often been advocated.  A master carpenter is certainly not co-equal with a young apprentice, although they both bear the title of carpenter.  However, their training, background and the products of their labor are all vastly different.  No matter how much potential the younger may have, he can never be classed as an equal of one, who by virtue of hard work, experience and training has earned his position.  Elders were set in the church by the apostles (Titus 1:5).  Certainly every pastor needs such older men around him for counsel and encouragement as the flock begins to grow.  They must remember however, that he as pastor is like an apostle over them.  They are therefore subject to him and his appointment.  He is in his office by the call of God, they in theirs by appointment.  There is a difference. (Isaiah 55:5)  God ordained that his flock be led by a pastor shepherd, not run by a board.  Down through history God has followed the same plan of calling a man and  giving him a vision.  He then equips and empowers the man to carry it out.  Boards and committees almost always come after, not before the ministry.  These must only implement, not lead nor direct the work.  In both Old and New Testaments the pattern is the same.  There is a God-called and anointed man selected to spearhead and lead the work God wants to do. 
 
After a work for God begins to gain momentum, the man of God will draw to himself other men to become involved.  As the supporting network appears, the most subtle danger also comes.  There is a move to remove the work from the leader’s hands and begin to dictate and restructure the whole program.  Human reason and planning attempt to replace the divine leadership.  This is  always a disastrous development for such presumption grieves the Holy Spirit. 
 
The following is an excerpt from “God’s Plan for Leadership, Booklet #14″ by Pastor Win Worley. Copyright © 1983 by Win Worley, Revised © 1993. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including storage and retrieval system, without securing permission in writing from the publisher, WRW Publications, PO Box 852626, Mesquite, TX 75185.

If you’d like to obtain your own copy of not only this, but other materials authored by Win Worley, please contact WRW Publications at www.wrwpublications.com

The need for a dedicated and fearless army of deliverers grows more apparent as we move further into all-out warfare with the demonic legions of Satan.  We have a “power of attorney.”  We are authorized to use the name of Jesus Christ and the position His shed blood and resurrection victory have won for us. 
 
Away with laziness, ignorance, and superficial remedies which fail to correct the critical situation.  We must gird ourselves for battle and come to grips with the unbelievably strong inroads evil spirits have made. 
 
Their sneering, proud boasts must be stopped by real and smashing victories won by triumphant Christians armed with the truth.  We must have as much determination and persistence as the enemies have shown in their campaign to overturn and establish their claims to the “land.”  God has always planned for His people to win.  Theirs is to be an active, not a passive role in the battle. Defensive tactics will never win.  We must pray that God will raise up fearless leaders, men and women, and young people who will encourage and lead a wholesale onslaught on the satanic hosts.  The prison walls must be breached.  Fling the doors open wide and proclaim the glad news that there is a way of freedom and victory for the prisoners of demonic bondage. 
 
Believers armed with knowledge and authority must no longer crouch in the trenches and pillboxes but must abandon their defensive position, fix bayonets and charge the enemy!  We must hit him hard, pulling down strongholds in body, mind and soul and throw the armies of the evil one back in utter confusion and defeat before the Name of Jesus Christ.
 
This fight is not for the fainthearted but for those who are committed to follow the Lord Jesus, even unto death if need be (Revelation 12:11).  The call to all-out sacrifice for the sake of God’s will and purpose is all but lost in our careless world.  Much which is spoken and written today indicates that God is some sort of supermarket; that the Holy Spirit is a glorified errand boy.  His main job is to gratify our every whim and flood us with material blessings.  Many folk pray often and loudly cry to be filled with the power of God.  In mercy God does not grant this.  We pray “Fill me, fill me, Oh please fill me Lord.”  God answers, “Cut your ground wires and I will.”  We are grounded to the things of the world.  We are captivated by our houses, automobiles and other material possessions; our families; ambitions; etc. 
 
A sideshow performer may pass thousands of volts of electricity through his body.  He is able to perform many astounding feats without harming himself because his platform is completely insulated.  A single ground wire touching the earth would cause him to be burned to a crisp. 
 
In the same way much that God wishes to do in and through us is hindered or stopped by the presence of ground wires.  We are bound to the world in many ways.  We have forgotten or ignored the Biblical admonition to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (I John 2:15)
 
To enable them to carry great charges of electrical power, high tension lines are insulated from all other wires as well as the poles.  In like manner, isolation is a form of insulation God uses in our lives in order to prepare us to carry great spiritual power.  Those who purpose to be greatly used of God must brace themselves for separation and isolation.  Nothing can make you feel more alone than to have those closest to you misunderstand what you are seeking to do. 
 
Our pattern, the Lord Jesus, was the most misunderstood person who ever walked on the earth.  He repeatedly explained to them what He was doing and why.  In spite of this his closest associates continually misunderstood and misinterpreted practically everything.  Because He paid such a tremendous price, you and I will never be as lonely as He was.  Our Lord is a God of war and has made provision for all of us to become warriors.  Unfortunately, we live in a day where the slogan of most churches is, “For we wrestle NOT”  Period! God seeks those who will finish the verse; those unafraid to wrestle with principalities, powers, thrones, dominions, world rulers, kings and princes, and defeat them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:12). 
 
Our armor is designed to stand up under the most savage attacks of the enemy.  Our battle weapons are infinitely superior to those of the foe.  We must have basic and advanced training to learn how to defeat the enemy in the fierce war raging in the heavenlies.  Take heart beleaguered saint for we are certainly not alone.
 
Multiplied millions of God’s warrior angels are already engaging the enemy on earth and in the heavenlies.  Massive reserves are awaiting the call into the battle in the name of Jesus (Matthew 18:18; Hebrews 1:7,14).  God also still has His own 7,000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal, although we may not know where they are (I Kings 19:18). 
 
Satan and his forces are neither invincible nor unbeatable.  We must become careful students of God’s Word and learn what the Spirit is saying to the Body of Christ.  This is the end-time windup of the battle, on the earth and in the heavenlies.  It is a vicious war with quarter neither given nor asked.  The stakes are tremendous for the souls and the lives of millions will be determined by the outcome of this fiercely raging conflict. 
 
Deliverance will assume an increasingly critical importance in the days ahead.  God has moved to cleanse and purge the Church from Satan’s deadly fifth column within them.  This will enable them to function at full capacity in witnessing, holy living, warfare, and the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 
Stubbornness is equated with iniquity, idolatry and rebellion with witchcraft in I Samuel 15:23.  These two serious sins are largely responsible for the massive refusal of Christian leaders across the land to accept and become involved in the deliverance ministry.  Often they refuse to investigate the Scriptures.  Stubbornly (if perhaps unknowingly) they refuse to concede that they or their group may have overlooked a vital truth in the Word of God. 
 
Rebellion is often the reaction when people press for an explanation of the manifestations and changed lives as a result of casting out of evil spirits.  Slashing attacks against deliverance workers and the entire ministry result as embarrassed leaders attempt to cover their own fears and confusion about the matter. 
 
After all, if Christians are really not immune to demonic attack and infestation, then the leaders themselves might need to submit to deliverance also!  Suppose followers begin to wonder if some of the peculiarities and problems in the leadership could be more than just manifestations of the flesh.  This would destroy an entire section of religious pride and haughtiness which heretofore escaped detection!  How many wars are fought to defend pride in a life. 
 
The word used for rebellion is sometimes defined as “the gateway to the temple.”  This is indeed an interesting concept, for we are plainly told that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit on the earth (I Corinthians 6:19).  Is it possible that a spirit of rebellion is indeed “the gate of the temple,” here to open the way for legal grounds and holds for him and other demons can enter and operate? 
 
What a frightening prospect, when you consider that all sin is rooted in pride and rebellion.  Even Lucifer, the super angel, was lifted up by pride and rebellion in his heart which led to his sin and fall (Isaiah 14). 
 
Rebellion comes when we become convinced that our human rationalization justifies disregarding what God has plainly commanded or forbidden.  This may be one of the most dangerous openings for evil spirits to infiltrate.  Usually those caught up in pride leading to rebellion are almost totally unaware it until the enemy has established beachhead.  1
 
The following is an excerpt from “God’s Plan for Leadership, Booklet #14″ by Pastor Win Worley. Copyright © 1983 by Win Worley, Revised © 1993. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including storage and retrieval system, without securing permission in writing from the publisher, WRW Publications, PO Box 852626, Mesquite, TX 75185.

If you’d like to obtain your own copy of not only this, but other materials authored by Win Worley, please contact WRW Publications at www.wrwpublications.com

Many seeking leadership positions do not realize the heavy responsibility which comes with it (James 3:1).  It is equally true that man seekers are not qualified to assume it because of emotional, chronological and/or spiritual immaturity.  Motivation for desiring leadership roles is crucially important.  Anything less than a pure desire to help bring the body of Christ into maturity (Ephesians 4:13) by being used of God to provide spiritual assistance to babes is a wrong one. 
 
Assuming a leadership position before God has worked such a maturity in one’s spirit is doomed to failure.  The assumption that one can learn what is necessary and grow to maturity by taking the responsibilities of the position is fallacious.  While it is true that some growth comes this way, the damage that novices do through immature leadership in the process can be serious. 
 
When a person has been chosen and assigned by God to be a leader, he immediately becomes an example to whom people will look.  Charisma will cause followers to emulate him, embrace his theology and teachings.  Behavior must be above reproach–both in ministering and outside the church; in business dealings and home life.  The eyes of the congregation focus constantly upon him, expecting him to perform his role as a man of God should.  Such heavy responsibility is not to be taken lightly and obviously one must be groomed and prepared by the Lord for the job to earn the respect of those he leads.
   
To think that one can be placed in a position of authority and yet lead a double life is an indication that the maturity necessary to assume the responsibilities of leadership is not present.  Although the path is rough, for those willing to be shaped and formed into God’s leader it brings great reward.
 
Being a leader under God’s commission of authority brings with it a spiritual covering by God upon that person, and he in turn provides a covering to his flock.  This is a spiritual phenomena, an anointing of God which is seen and felt in the spirit realm.  It affords special protection against Satanic attack to those who are in submission to his authority. 
 
Many attacks of the enemy aimed at the flock will be absorbed entirely or weakened because of the covering of the leader.  This emphasizes the absolute necessity to pray for the leader.  By so doing one’s own covering is strengthened and reinforced.  Those who rebel and leave the covering of a godly authority because of stubbornness and willfulness, will find themselves open to much demonic attack.  It is also true that if the commissioned leader steps from under the Lord’s covering, the entire body may be exposed to attack. 
 
Spiritual warfare is no game, nor are attacks from Satan and his demons.  If a man is not commissioned of God, but merely appointed by men, they will not have this covering of God to give to his flock.  The covering by God upon the leader for the flock is not limited to the times the congregation meets together.  He is their spiritual covering 24 hours a day, and as such must be on guard that his own spirit remains right before the Lord. 
 
Any openings he himself gives the devil to enter his life will be felt by those he is charged to protect.  The more dependent a person is on him for spiritual protection, the harder that one will be hit by the enemy through such openings.  Obviously the younger and immature will suffer most. 
 
If God’s chosen leader of a group becomes careless in his Christian walk so as to open his flock to attack, those who depend on his covering may be forced to seek adequate protection elsewhere.  If the leader repeatedly fails his flock the Lord often transfers them to a new leader. 
 
Some may feel that such a responsibility is unfair to the leader, who has human faults and failings.  If demanding such a close, careful walk with God seems too much to ask, all that is demonstrated is an inability to assume such a responsibility, and a lack of understanding of what such a commission from God entails. 
 
Keeping a right spirit before God is of prime importance, as is a right spirit toward each and every member of the congregation.  Each person must be viewed in the spirit and not in the flesh, a difficult feat.  Faith and the ability to love even the most unlovable is critical in a leader.  Like Jesus they must be able to lift the most dreadful of sinners out of their sins. 
 
If a pastor holds something in his heart against someone it will be noted in the spirit realm.  In extreme cases, when a leader constantly entertains wrong thoughts toward someone, they may be crippled by self-condemnation. 
 
To many, their pastor, as God’s representative, symbolizes God’s feelings towards them.  If they find themselves under the authority of a pastor with a condemning, judgmental attitude, it is easy to become discouraged and even walk away from the Lord entirely. 
 
The shepherding movement in some of today’s churches falls far short of actually providing spiritual covering to the flock.  Too often it is composed of immature men with ambitions to attain position and exert authority over those assigned to them, but who lack the seasoning and love necessary to provide spiritual protection and leadership. 
 
In a ministry where much time is spent demanding submission of the people to them, an unhealthy dependency upon leaders instead of God will be created.  Often they replace the Lord in the eyes of those they “shepherd” by urging or requiring the people to seek a “Word of God” for their lives.  This type of?leadership does not encourage looking to the Lord.  5 
 
The following is an excerpt from “God’s Plan for Leadership, Booklet #14″ by Pastor Win Worley. Copyright © 1983 by Win Worley, Revised © 1993. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including storage and retrieval system, without securing permission in writing from the publisher, WRW Publications, PO Box 852626, Mesquite, TX 75185.

If you’d like to obtain your own copy of not only this, but other materials authored by Win Worley, please contact WRW Publications at www.wrwpublications.com

In I Corinthians 11:10, Paul states that a wife should be subject to (literally, come under the protection of) her own husband, and “for this cause ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the angels.”  The Phillips translation: “she ought to bear on her head an outward sign of man’s authority for all the angels to see.”  Revised Standard: “…a woman ought to have a veil on her head…”  New English Bible “…it is a woman’s duty to have a sign of authority on her head…”  Today’s English: “…a woman should have a covering over her head to show that she is under her husband’s authority…”  Amplified: “…she should be subject to his (her husband’s) authority, and should have a covering on her head as a token, a symbol of her submission to authority, because of the angels.”
 
Since the angels of God are ministering spirits to the believers, they are evidently not in view in this passage.  They protect and help the saints of God.  The angels referred to have to be the fallen ones (demons) who are ever seeking an opportunity to do harm to human beings.  Because, like Eve, women are particularly susceptible to deception in the spiritual realm, God has, in love, made a provision of protection for them in this vulnerable area.  Those who take advantage of it are sheltered and blessed; those who arrogantly demand their “rights” and equality with men, lay themselves open to many hurtful and harmful delusions and even destruction. 
 
The protection God has ordained is through the shield of a male authority over the woman.  In the case of an unmarried girl this is through her father.  A married  woman has her husband as a cover.  In the case of a woman or girl who does not fit into these categories, the pastor, elders and men of the local church can serve as a spiritual cover and protection for the woman. 
 
This cover is effective only if it represents a heart attitude of submission and obedience coupled with the meek and quiet spirit which God finds so highly desirable in a woman (I Peter 3:1-6).  No amount of head covering on the outside can replace the inner attitudes it is to represent in token.  This explains I Timothy 2:12-14 which forbids women to teach or have authority over men, and to keep silent.  Sadly, many of the cults have originated in the manipulations of a sincere but deceived and misguided woman. 
 
Women operating under scriptural authority and cover can be a tremendous blessing in teaching other women and children and can pray and prophesy in teaching other women and children, and can pray and prophesy in public (Joel 2:28,29; I Corinthians 11:5).  However, they are specifically excluded from leadership in the home and church where God has ordained that men lead and bear the load and responsibility.  Because of this, and because she can never be the husband of one wife, nor “rule his own house well,” she is automatically excluded from preaching or pastoring.  When operating under bible guidelines, a  woman can contribute much but it is not hers to lead nor assume the authority which god has reserved for men. 
 
To say women are not fitted by God for leadership is not to say they are inferior.  A dump truck and a pick up truck are not the same.  But to say that because the pick up would break down under the loads for which a dump truck is designed is not to say the smaller vehicle is inferior.  It is designed and built for a different purpose.  In like manner,  women break down under loads designed for men to carry.  It is always wise to follow the manufacture’s recommendations.  
 
The following is an excerpt from “God’s Plan for Leadership, Booklet #14″ by Pastor Win Worley. Copyright © 1983 by Win Worley, Revised © 1993. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including storage and retrieval system, without securing permission in writing from the publisher, WRW Publications, PO Box 852626, Mesquite, TX 75185.

If you’d like to obtain your own copy of not only this, but other materials authored by Win Worley, please contact WRW Publications at www.wrwpublications.com