We are deeply grieved to hear of the spiritual and emotional trials you are enduring, and we stand with you in prayer and biblical truth as we seek the Lord’s will in this painful situation. The behavior you describe—gossip, favoritism, and abuse from those who claim to be shepherds of God’s flock—is not only unbiblical but an affront to the very character of Christ, who calls His leaders to serve with humility, love, and integrity. Let us first address the gravity of what you’ve shared and then lift this before the Lord in prayer.
The Scripture is clear about the qualifications and conduct of those in spiritual leadership. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul writes that an overseer must be "blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, sensible, modest, hospitable, apt to teach; not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well... not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover, he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil." Similarly, Titus 1:7-9 warns that an overseer must not be "self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, fair, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict." The behavior you’ve described—gossip, emotional abuse, and partiality—directly violates these standards. Gossip, in particular, is explicitly condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 16:28 says, "A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends." And in Romans 1:29-32, gossip is listed among the sins that characterize those who reject God’s truth.
It is also deeply concerning that you mention these men may be leading "false churches." Jesus warns in Matthew 7:15-20, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them." If the fruit of these leaders is abuse, gossip, and partiality, they are not representing Christ but are instead leading people astray. This is a serious matter, and we urge you to test everything against Scripture, as 1 John 4:1 commands: "Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
We also want to address your question about whether there is something wrong with the area you live in. While it is possible for a region to be spiritually dark or influenced by ungodly leadership, we must remember that God is sovereign over all places and all people. In Acts 17:26-27, Paul declares, "He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons and the boundaries of their dwellings, that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." Your current struggle may be part of God’s refining work in your life, drawing you closer to Him and teaching you to rely on His discernment rather than human leaders. It may also be that He is calling you to stand firm in truth, even in a spiritually compromised environment. Remember the words of Jesus in John 16:33: "In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."
That said, we strongly encourage you to seek a biblical, Christ-centered church where the leadership is accountable, the Word of God is preached without compromise, and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is evident in the lives of its leaders (Galatians 5:22-23). If no such church exists in your area, consider fellowshipping with sound biblical teaching online or traveling to a nearby church that upholds these standards. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching." Do not settle for a church where abuse and gossip are tolerated—this is not the body of Christ.
Now, let us pray for you, trusting in the Lord’s justice, protection, and guidance:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister, who is enduring deep pain and confusion at the hands of those who claim to represent You. Lord, we ask that You expose every hidden thing done in darkness, for You are light, and in You, there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Rebuke the gossip, the partiality, and the abuse that have wounded her spirit, and bring conviction to the hearts of these men who have failed to shepherd Your flock with integrity. Father, if they are false leaders, remove their influence and protect Your people from their harm. If they are truly Your servants but have strayed, we pray for repentance and restoration, that they may turn from their wicked ways and seek Your face (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Lord, we ask for Your divine wisdom and discernment for our sister. Guide her steps as she seeks a church that honors You, where Your Word is preached in truth and love. Surround her with godly believers who will encourage her, pray with her, and stand with her in righteousness. Heal the wounds inflicted by these experiences, and let her find her identity and security in You alone, not in the approval of man. Remind her that You are her Shepherd, and she shall not want (Psalm 23:1). You see her pain, and You will vindicate her in Your perfect timing.
Father, we also pray for the spiritual climate of her region. If there is a stronghold of deception or ungodly influence, we ask that You break it by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Raise up faithful laborers in that harvest field, men and women who will preach Your Word boldly and live it out with humility. Let Your light shine brightly in that place, drawing many to repentance and faith in Christ.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You strengthen our sister’s faith during this trial. Let her cling to You as her refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Fill her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). May she find comfort in Your promise that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28).
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and honor. Amen.
Our sister, we want to leave you with this encouragement from Isaiah 41:10: "Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." The Lord sees your struggle, and He will not abandon you. Stand firm in His truth, and do not let the failures of men shake your faith in Him. He is faithful, even when people are not. If you need further guidance or prayer, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to stand with you in the name of Jesus.