In an ideal, or at least healthy, setting, the pastor and the members of a church seek the same thing: they are in harmony, as they both desire to serve the Lord, and they understand that task in the same, or at least similar ways. The leaders of a Christian fellowship, seeking the will of Jesus, will most often be in agreement with Christians who are part of that group, as they desire to serve Jesus also.
But in an unhealthy setting, the pastor can see his will as the direction for the congregation. The leaders don’t seek guidance; they become the guidance. In a sick group, the concern is to please the minister, not to please God. Or, at least, people “tread lightly” for fear of annoying the preacher - they are in fear of his anger, instead fearing God’s wrath.
When you hear a statement like, “I wouldn’t do that; the pastor might not like it!” you have entered a mentally unhealthy setting. If you hear, “those people will incur God’s wrath for the the way they’re ignoring the pastor’s advice!” then the true Gospel has gotten lost in an authoritarian system.
It’s a fine line between “ignoring God’s wisdom” and “ignoring the pastor’s advice.” Yes, they are often the same. But God will call each of us individually to account. We can’t hide behind the notion that we were following our pastor’s leadership. God will ask us if we followed His will, not the minister’s will.
Some people will incur God’s wrath for not rebuking and chastening their pastors.
