I Could Be Wrong

It occurs to me, I could be wrong.

I could be mistaking tough love for abuse.  Telling parents they are responsible for the rape of their daughter–love or abuse?  Saying, “Your daughter should have sounded the alarm on the rapist.”–love or abuse?

I could be mistaking shepherding for bullying.  Telling people who disagree with a decision to submit and don’t question–shepherding or bullying?  To volunteers who want to serve, “I don’t think you are ready [worthy] to serve, I’ll let you know when I think you are.”–shepherding or bullying?  Telling another elder, “I thought I told you to stop greeting every Sunday, didn’t I see you there last Sunday?  Can’t you find someone else?”–shepherding or bullying.

I could be mistaking leadership for arrogance.  Emailing a rant in response to an email asking elders to reconsider a decision made saying when he speaks, it is final.  No appeal.  No changing.–leadership or arrogance?  Plotting ways to pull ministries and projects from other elders so they will know they don’t have any power–leadership or arrogance?  Shouting, “Submit!” anytime someone dares say, “Why?”–leadership or arrogance?

I could be wrong.  I don’t think so.