In 2021, I attended a meeting led by a well-known pastor and prophet from India. During his sermon, the pastor used the story of Noah as an illustration. He highlighted Noah’s drunkenness and his sons’ responses: Ham exposed his father’s nakedness, while Shem and Japheth respectfully covered him. When Noah learned of Ham’s actions, he cursed him.

The pastor then made a striking statement: “The Lord’s anointed may have flaws, but cursed is anyone who speaks against him.”. He was referring in response to the challenges by the general public against him.

As soon as the pastor uttered this curse, I was astounded. Expecting others to share my reaction, I looked around only to find the congregation responding enthusiastically with “Amen” and “Hallelujah.” Shockingly, the pastor then began hurling insults at the Keralite community, seemingly because someone had dared to question him.

This behavior was deeply disturbing. No leader has the biblical right to curse or demean others simply because they challenge or question authority. It reflects a troubling trend in some churches: the elevation of leaders into an elite, untouchable group labeled as “anointed,” relegating other believers to a second-tier status.

Unbiblical Hierarchies

The notion of an untouchable “anointed” class is unbiblical. While Scripture does teach respect for spiritual leaders (1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17), this respect should not shield them from accountability. Unfortunately, some pastors misuse this teaching, equating respect with unquestioning obedience.

Overemphasis on Authority

Some pastors may equate honoring the anointing with unquestioning obedience or submission, discouraging legitimate questions or accountability. This can create an unhealthy power dynamic where the pastor’s word is viewed as infallible, like the pastor who hurled insults on stage.

Recently, I witnessed another incident that highlighted this troubling misuse of authority. A pastor, addressing criticism made by some members who didn’t want to give to the church, made the alarming statement that he would “cancel their prosperity” for not giving. The video went viral and backlash was significant, prompting him to release a teaching in which he claimed that honoring the anointed leads to blessings, subtly reinforcing the idea that obedience to him, as an “anointed” leader was not optional.

This situation underscores a deeper issue: these pastors seem to equate respect for the anointing with unquestioning obedience to their authority. It creates an environment where questioning or disagreeing is painted as rebellion against God, rather than a healthy dialogue. This mentality fosters spiritual manipulation, where congregants feel compelled to comply out of fear of “dishonoring” God’s anointing. Such an approach not only stifles accountability but also distorts the biblical understanding of leadership as servant-hearted and open to correction (Matthew 20:26-28).

True spiritual leadership encourages respect, not because of coercion, but through humility, integrity, and a Christ-like example. The misuse of the concept of anointing for personal or positional control is a gross misrepresentation of the Gospel and can cause deep harm to individuals and the church community as a whole.

Every believer is anointed

Emphasizing the pastor’s anointing while neglecting that all believers are anointed (1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 2:27) can create a spiritual hierarchy that distances congregants from their own God-given authority and relationship with Christ. This undermines the biblical truth that every believer has direct access to God and can be used by Him for His purposes. If the pastor insists unquestioning servitude because he is anointed, what about me? I am anointed too. DO I have the same rights?

Exploitation for Personal Gain

I am not saying that it happens always but this teaching is sometimes used to demand material gifts, financial contributions, or extravagant honor for the pastor, under the guise of respecting their anointing. I know of a church where the pastor demanded every family of the church to donate a hefty amount which he set, for the building of the church, and it was mandatory. He allegedly wanted the money for building the church, but such unbiblical practices are tolerated and this turns ministry into a transactional relationship, which contradicts the selfless service modeled by Jesus and the apostles.

Silencing Criticism

The phrase “touch not the Lord’s anointed” (often taken out of context from Psalm 105:15) is sometimes used to shut down constructive criticism or concerns about leadership practices. They often talk about David not attacking Goliath, and say that we are not to say anything against the Lord’s anointed. Granted that there are many leaders and believers whose only agenda is to criticize and tear down, but pastors should NEVER turn down a healthy criticism of their leadership.

Sometimes members have this mentality too. I recall another incident where I had to address a rebellion by a person against the pastor. This person had apparently planted a few churches. He sent people to me who said that I shouldn’t have questioned him for after all he was anointed and had planted many churches. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief.

As you can guess, this prevents healthy dialogue, accountability, and transparency in the church, potentially enabling abusive or unethical behavior.

Promoting Elitism

Overemphasis on a leader’s anointing can foster an elitist mentality, where the pastor or leaders are viewed as spiritually superior to the congregation. This creates division and discourages congregants from pursuing their own callings and spiritual growth. The church five-fold ministry is not to rule over the church in the name of authority, but to empower to go out and minister.

Your Role as an Anointed Believer

• Model Humility: Reflect Christ’s servant-hearted leadership (Mark 10:45) by using your anointing to serve others, not to elevate yourself.
• Encourage Others: Teach and affirm that all believers are anointed and called to serve in different ways within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
• Seek Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable to biblical standards of leadership and humility.
• Challenge Misuse: Lovingly address teachings privately or practices that misuse the concept of anointing in your church community.