As a general rule when churches go astray it is because their pastors have led them in wrong paths. Every church division I have ever had any knowledge of has been the result of poor leadership on the part of one or more preachers. I have seen pastors encourage the receiving of members into their churches who had been excluded from orderly churches, and this has always caused division and always will. I have seen pastors encourage the receiving of members who were living in a state of adultery, or in some other form of ungodliness, and this sort of thing, if not repented of, not only causes division but will result in the eventual removal of the candlestick from the guilty church or churches. I have seen weak pastors bring innovations into the church, and this has caused the members to go astray. All these things and many others have caused division among our people and it has often grieved my soul and caused my heart to bleed. 

    Pastoring churches is an extremely solemn and serious matter, and I have good reason to believe that there have been, and still are, a number of ministers who have not taken that responsibility nearly as much to heart as such a high calling demands. This is a fearful thing to be guilty of, and the consequences are very grievous. Many of the pastors, or shepherds, have not sought to properly inform themselves of the historical beliefs of our people either doctrinally, practically or governmentally, and this has placed them in a dangerous position so far as their knowing how to lead the flock. One popular expression is that "ignorance is bliss," but where the pastorship of churches is concerned this is far from true. "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (I Cor. 4:2). And if they are not faithful the example they will set for the flock will be very hurtful and destructive. 

    Pastors are not to be "lords over God's heritage" but "ensamples to the flock" (I Peter 5:3) and helpers of their joy (II Cor. 1:24). There is a vast difference between the two. I know of churches even now where the pastors have overstepped their bounds and the membership is consequently divided. There may be silent minorities who are perhaps afraid to express their discontent, but the division is still there. Oh, that all our pastors were humble men who would always put the peace and welfare of our beloved Zion above all their own interests and ambitions.