The Lone Ranger was a television series on ABC from 1949 to 1957. The series emphasizes one surviving ranger who wears a black mask in disguise and continues to provide justice. Many may not even know that show exists today, but they still use the term, just in a different way. One such usage has been to describe those who are at it alone, who have no accountability.
In Christianity, there are three different types of lone rangers, or at the very least, it appears to be three. There is the individual who refuses to be part of a local assembly, claiming they do not need the church. Some belong to an assembly and attend physically, but in their hearts, they do not submit and are renegades. Then there is the pastor-driven church where a man has zero accountability and makes 100% of all decisions without question. All three are dangerous. Regardless of who the lone ranger is, there is one common denominator in their life,
One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom. A fool does not delight in understanding but in revealing his own mind. (Proverbs 18:1-2)
Lone Ranger 1
The first lone rangers are the professing believers who refuse to be part of a local assembly. In their opinion, the church is full of hypocrisy. They mistakenly or purposely take 1 John 2:27 out of context.
And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you remain in Him. 1 John 2:27 NASB)
Considering the context is regarding love, loving each other, not loving the ways of the world, and that believers are living in the last day, what John is saying about "do not need for anyone to teach you" is not about absence from the church. Believers are to assemble. Hebrews is clear that there was (and still is) a habit for people not to gather. But for the Christian, this should not be so (Heb 10:25).
Since Jesus is the ONE who reconciles His bride, and through conversion, there is a new appreciation and joy over all that God created, it would only make sense believers would want to be around other believers. Remember Acts 2:44-47
And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to [az]their number day by day those who were being saved.
This type of lone ranger is complex. They share a standard connection to the second type of lone ranger, an unteachable heart.
Lone Ranger 2
This lone ranger is harder to identify as they sit among the congregations. They are the people who sit in the pews, perhaps even lead in volunteer positions. However, they are never satisfied with doctrine, polity, or structure and often speak negatively about how the church is run and its leaders. This is a complex problem, as there needs to be accountability within every congregation, but for this ranger, they are right - everyone else is in error. Sometimes, these individuals move from church to church, often with unresolved issues from their previous church, leaving a trail of carnage.
The same Scriptures also apply to this person, but other verses warn against such characteristic traits. Such people may be part of a local assembly, but their hearts are not submissive to the leaders God has placed (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1). They fail to show double honour to their spiritual leaders (1 Tim 5:17) and often sow discord among brothers because of their opinions on how things should be (Prov 6:16-19, Rom 16:17-18. Titus 3:10).
Scripture carefully explains the work elders and deacons are called to do and the qualifications of such offices. However, specific individuals feel that because they have landed within specific doctrinal convictions, they are to revitalize the community. Often, they will even claim the current church leadership and function is in error regardless of the accountability the church has put in place. Typically, they leave the church, causing as much damage as their last church.
Lone Ranger 3
One cannot say there is a category of the most dangerous, but if there is one, it is here. The third lone ranger is the pastor. Typically, these men are found in independent fundamental churches (Like Baptist or Charismatic). These men answer to no one. There is zero accountability within the church (such as elders or deacons), within the denomination or outside the church (they have no accountability network). This lone ranger pastor often does not last long if called to a church with sound governance. Sadly, many have longevity in their own plants. There was the well-known controversial pastor of Westboro Baptist or others in Arizona who have made a name for themselves with their KJV-only mindset that provides good examples of what not to be.
Sadly, many Christians are attracted to these lone rangers because they say things others are not. However, many operate cult-like and tend to hurt the sheep through spiritual abuse. This may be through manipulation, fleecing the flock, or worse. Scripture rebukes these types of pastors. As it is made clear in 1 Peter 5:1-5
Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be [e]examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Further, there are other qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. and Titus 1:5-9 that should be considered in this as well.
Conclusion
In my many years in ministry, I have encountered all three types of lone rangers. Often, they will hypocritically attack my or other pastors' qualifications to suit their own agendas. As they claim one thing, they show through their very actions they are operating in hypocrisy. There are considerations you can ask yourself to avoid such people or not be part of an unhealthy church.
1) Has the pastor been ordained? Now, a pastor is not required to be called Reverend. However, it is important that the pastor has gone through a proper ordination council. I remember being grilled by those 16 men in 2016 when I was first ordained. It was a joyful time when men tested you, and confirmed your calling and character in ministry. Ask questions; do not rely on the "Rev" before their name. Many can pay annual fees to get an online ordination - ask, "Is the pastor accountable?"
2) Is the church independent or within a denomination? Many may argue this point, but it is essential. Independent churches are simply that - independent. It is not necessarily safe even if they have a board of elders. Here is why, after a while, they can become an island among themselves. They could (not necessarily) fall into the Proverbs 18:1-2 trap as a collective whole. For the church I pastor it has multiple levels of accountability. Within the denomination, the credentialling committee reviewed all our governing documents to ensure they were Biblical; otherwise, we could not join or be seated. Further, we are part of a Network that works with local churches to ensure proper accountability. As well, we are accountable to the members.
2) Moving away from the third ranger, there are ways to protect yourself from the first two. The main thing is to avoid gossip. Avoid the slander and constant barrage of negativity. Remember what Paul told his apprentice Timothy,
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. For we, too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not based on deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:1-5)
If the person is always against "the church," "the pastors," or "the structure," there is an issue. Not with the church but with such a person. It is time to move on if they are full of malice, hate, hating one another and critical. Remember what Proverbs 22:2-3 declares, "Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and ask for understanding." No one has it right; no one is perfect, so accountability is paramount.
One last word of caution: the Lone Ranger must repent. They need to find healing over the hurt in their hearts and the unforgiveness in their lives. Regardless of whether they do not go to church, are part of a church and attack it, or pastor a church, all interact with the bride of Christ. We know Jesus loves his sheep, which must be treated with love. Therefore, we must caution such people but simultaneously pray for them. It is better to be in a flock than be alone. It is better to be among the saints than isolated. Let's pray for and not condemn such people.
In His Grace,
Steve
Commenti