Shadrach Bature

*AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL CONSECRATED BISHOPS*
(*No Bishop Is Above Discipline* )

By The Teaching Apostle
+23408063662801

"For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God." (Titus 1:7)

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through our Lord Jesus Christ.

My dear fellow bishops and servants of God,

I write this letter with a burden for the preservation of the sacred office you have received through consecration. The office of a bishop is one of the highest trusts God can place upon a man or woman. It is not merely a title, rank, or position. It is a divine stewardship.

Sadly, throughout Scripture, Church history, and contemporary ministry, many leaders have damaged their ministries, families, churches, and destinies because they ignored ministerial ethics, accountability, and decorum.

As Archbishop and spiritual overseer, it is my responsibility before God to encourage, guide, correct, and, when necessary, discipline bishops who violate the standards of biblical leadership.

The purpose of discipline is never humiliation but restoration.

The Apostle Paul instructed:

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:20)

God's house cannot function without accountability.

Therefore, every bishop must understand the restrictions attached to the office.

*A SOLEMN WARNING TO ALL CONSECRATED BISHOPS*

Many Bishops Become Lawless After Consecration

One of the greatest concerns in contemporary ministry is that some ministers walk in humility before consecration but become unteachable after receiving the office of bishop.

✅Before consecration, they seek counsel.

✅After consecration, they reject counsel.

✅Before consecration, they honor authority.

✅After consecration, they challenge authority.

✅Before consecration, they serve faithfully.

✅After consecration, they seek recognition and control.

✅Before consecration, they are accountable.

✅After consecration, they behave as though they are answerable to no one.

This mindset is dangerous and contrary to Scripture.

The Apostle Paul warns:

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)

*Consecration is not a graduation from accountability. It is an entrance into greater responsibility.*

✅The higher the office, the greater the expectation.

✅The greater the authority, the greater the accountability.

A bishop remains a servant of God and a steward of divine trust. He is not immune from temptation, error, pride, abuse of power, or moral failure.

History has repeatedly shown that when leaders become lawless, the flock suffers.

Biblical Examples of Leaders Who Failed Through Pride and Disobedience

*King Saul*

Saul began with humility but later became rebellious and self-willed.

*The Prophet Samuel declared:*

"Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." (1 Samuel 15:23)

His position did not protect him from God's judgment.

*King Uzziah*

Uzziah became powerful and successful, but pride entered his heart.

*The Bible says:*

"But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction." (2 Chronicles 26:16)

His pride led him to violate God's order, and he was judged.

*Miriam*

Miriam challenged God's appointed leadership and spoke against Moses.

As a result, she was struck with leprosy until repentance and restoration occurred.

(Read Numbers 12:1-10)

*Apostle Peter*

Even Peter, one of the chief apostles, was publicly corrected by Paul when his conduct contradicted the truth of the Gospel.

*Paul wrote:*

"I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." (Galatians 2:11)

*If Peter could be corrected, no bishop should consider himself beyond correction* .

*NO BISHOP IS ABOVE DISCIPLINE*

This must be clearly understood by every bishop:

✅No title is above Scripture.

✅No office is above righteousness.

✅No consecration is above accountability.

✅No bishop is above discipline.

✅Many bishops desire authority, but few embrace accountability.

✅Many desire honor, but few accept correction.

✅Many desire the throne, but reject the responsibility that comes with it.

*The Word of God remains clear:*

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:20)

The Scripture did not exempt bishops, apostles, prophets, overseers, or archbishops.

God's standards apply equally to everyone.

A bishop who violates biblical standards, ministerial ethics, church doctrine, financial integrity, moral purity, or ecclesiastical order must be prepared to face correction and, where necessary, disciplinary measures.

*LESSONS FROM CHURCH HISTORY*

Church history teaches us that bishops have been disciplined, suspended, deposed, and removed from office for serious offenses.

*Nestorius (5th Century)*

Nestorius, Archbishop of Constantinople, was removed from office by the Church after being found guilty of promoting doctrinal teachings considered contrary to orthodox Christian belief.

This demonstrates that doctrinal error carries consequences.

*Various Medieval Bishops*

Throughout church history, numerous bishops were removed for simony, which involved buying and selling church offices, abusing church funds, and corrupt practices.

The Church disciplined them to preserve the integrity of ministry.

*The Lesson*

The Church has always understood that preserving the purity of the office is more important than protecting the reputation of an individual leader.

*CONTEMPORARY LESSONS*

Even in modern times, bishops and senior church leaders from various denominations around the world have been suspended, investigated, removed, or compelled to resign because of:

* Sexual misconduct.
* Financial mismanagement.
* Abuse of authority.
* Moral failure.
* Doctrinal deviation.
* Leadership misconduct.

Their titles did not shield them from accountability.

*The lesson remains unchanged:*

✅The higher the office, the greater the responsibility.

✅The greater the responsibility, the greater the accountability.

*AN APOSTOLIC APPEAL TO EVERY BISHOP*

My beloved bishops,

✅Do not mistake correction for persecution.

✅Do not mistake discipline for hatred.

✅Do not mistake accountability for control.

*The Archbishop who refuses to discipline wrongdoing is failing in his duty to protect the Church* .

Likewise, the bishop who refuses correction is endangering both his ministry and the flock entrusted to him.

✅The wise bishop welcomes accountability.

✅The mature bishop receives correction.

✅The humble bishop learns from rebuke.

*Solomon wrote:*

"He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." (Proverbs 15:32)

Therefore, let every bishop walk in humility, holiness, integrity, submission, and biblical order.

✅For the office of a bishop is not merely a crown of honor.

✅It is a mantle of responsibility.

✅And wherever responsibility exists, accountability must follow.

*WHAT IS DECORUM?*

Decorum means dignity, order, honor, discipline, and conduct befitting a servant of God.

A bishop may possess gifts, anointing, education, influence, and wealth, but without decorum, he becomes a danger to the flock.

The higher the office, the higher the responsibility.This integrated introduction creates a stronger foundation for the rest of your letter on ministerial restrictions, discipline, and episcopal decorum.

*To be continued*
Please share this Article if you are bless

*AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL CONSECRATED BISHOPS*
(Understanding Ministerial Ethics Towards an Archbishop)

By The Teaching Apostle.
+23408063662801

Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord.

To all consecrated bishops, kingdom leaders, and fellow laborers in God's vineyard, I extend my warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, I write not merely as a fellow servant, but as one who desires to see the Church flourish through biblical order, spiritual maturity, and healthy ministerial relationships.

One of the greatest challenges facing the modern Church is not a lack of anointing, gifts, or resources. Rather, it is the growing neglect of spiritual order, honor, accountability, and proper ecclesiastical relationships.

Many bishops understand their responsibilities to the local church, but few fully appreciate the significance of their relationship with an Archbishop.

An Archbishop is not simply a bishop with a higher title. He is a senior overseer entrusted with broader responsibilities, greater accountability, and the burden of safeguarding doctrine, preserving unity, mentoring bishops, and providing spiritual direction for multiple churches, dioceses, provinces, or networks.

Just as Moses oversaw the elders of Israel, Paul supervised Timothy and Titus, and James provided leadership among the elders in Jerusalem, so the Archbishop serves as a spiritual father and chief overseer within the ecclesiastical structure.

The relationship between a bishop and an archbishop should never be based on fear, intimidation, competition, or politics. It should be built on biblical principles that preserve unity and advance the Kingdom of God.

*HONOR AND RESPECT*

Scripture

*The Apostle Peter writes:*

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

*The Fifth Commandment also teaches* :

"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." (Exodus 20:12)

Although this commandment refers to natural parents, the principle extends to spiritual fathers and leaders.

What Honor Means

Honor is more than standing when an Archbishop enters the room.

*Honor means:*

* Respecting his office.
* Valuing his experience.
* Listening to his counsel.
* Defending his reputation.
* Acknowledging his sacrifices.
* Treating him with dignity both publicly and privately.

A bishop who only honors an Archbishop in public but criticizes him in private is practicing hypocrisy, not honor.

Biblical Example

Timothy honored Paul as his spiritual father.

Paul said:

"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith." (1 Timothy 1:2)

Timothy never attempted to undermine Paul, despite becoming a powerful leader himself.

*Contemporary Example*

A bishop who publicly acknowledges his Archbishop at conferences, seeks his counsel before major decisions, and speaks respectfully about him before pastors and members demonstrates genuine honor.

On the contrary, a bishop who constantly compares himself to his Archbishop or belittles him before others weakens the entire ministry structure.

*SUBMISSION TO GODLY AUTHORITY*

Scripture

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account." (Hebrews 13:17)

✅Submission is one of the most misunderstood principles in ministry.

✅Submission does not mean inferiority.

✅Submission does not mean silence.

✅Submission does not mean surrendering your calling.

✅Submission means willingly cooperating with God's established order.

What Submission Looks Like

*A bishop demonstrates submission when he:*

* Aligns with denominational doctrine.
* Respects ministry policies.
* Receives correction graciously.
* Consults leadership regarding major decisions.
* Supports collective vision.

Biblical Example

Joshua submitted to Moses for many years before becoming Israel's leader.

"And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, departed not out of the tabernacle." (Exodus 33:11)

His submission prepared him for leadership.

Contemporary Example

When a bishop desires to establish a new diocese, ordain ministers, or launch a major initiative, he first consults his Archbishop. This is not weakness, it is wisdom and order.

*LOYALTY AND INTEGRITY*

Scripture

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)

"Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people." (Leviticus 19:16)

Loyalty is proven during difficult seasons.

Many people are loyal when things are favorable. True loyalty is revealed when challenges arise.

What Loyalty Means

*A loyal bishop:*

* Refuses gossip.
* Protects confidential information.
* Addresses concerns directly.
* Supports leadership during criticism.
* Avoids creating factions.

Biblical Example

David refused to attack King Saul even when Saul sought to kill him.

David declared:

"I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord's anointed." (1 Samuel 24:10)

David honored God's order despite personal difficulties.

Contemporary Example

When rumors circulate about an Archbishop, a loyal bishop does not become a distributor of the rumors. Instead, he seeks facts, prays, and addresses concerns through proper channels.

*PROTOCOL AND ECCLESIASTICAL ORDER*

Scripture

"Let all things be done decently and in order." (1 Corinthians 14:40)

God's Kingdom functions through order.

Every successful organization, whether spiritual or secular, operates through established procedures.

*Ministerial Protocol Includes*

* Respecting jurisdictional boundaries.
* Following organizational procedures.
* Seeking approval where required.
* Maintaining proper communication.
* Recognizing leadership structures.

Biblical Example

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 demonstrates ecclesiastical order.

The apostles did not independently make decisions that affected the entire Church. They gathered, consulted, and reached a unified conclusion.

*Contemporary Example*

A bishop who plans a large convention within his province should inform and involve the Archbishop rather than acting independently.

Order prevents confusion and conflict.

*SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP*

Scripture

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

"How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." (Psalm 133:1)

The Archbishop cannot fulfill his assignment alone.

He needs committed bishops who understand that ministry is teamwork.

*Ways to Support an Archbishop*

* Prayer support.
* Financial support.
* Attendance at official meetings.
* Defending ministry vision.
* Encouraging unity.
* Raising future leaders.

Biblical Example

Aaron and Hur supported Moses during battle.

"And Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands." (Exodus 17:12)

Because they supported him, Israel prevailed.

*Contemporary Example*

A bishop who actively participates in provincial programs, encourages attendance, contributes resources, and promotes unity demonstrates genuine partnership.

*HUMILITY IN GIFTING AND INFLUENCE*

Scripture

"For I say... not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think." (Romans 12:3)

"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6)

One of the greatest dangers in ministry is comparison.

*A bishop may have:*

* A larger congregation.
* Greater financial resources.
* More educational qualifications.
* Stronger social influence.

Yet these blessings should never become reasons for competition.

Biblical Example

John the Baptist said concerning Jesus:

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

True greatness embraces humility.

Contemporary Example

A bishop whose ministry grows rapidly should remain humble and connected to his Archbishop rather than believing he no longer needs spiritual covering.

*ACCOUNTABILITY AND CORRECTION*

Scripture

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." (Galatians 6:1)

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend." (Proverbs 27:6)

Nobody is beyond correction.

*The Archbishop serves as:*

* Mentor.
* Adviser.
* Protector.
* Spiritual father.
* Accountability partner.

Biblical Example

Nathan corrected King David after his sin with Bathsheba.

"Thou art the man." (2 Samuel 12:7)

David accepted correction and was restored.

*Contemporary Example*

When an Archbishop counsels a bishop concerning leadership conduct, financial management, family issues, or ministry practices, the bishop should receive such counsel with humility rather than defensiveness.

Correction is evidence of care, not hostility.

*A bishop's relationship with his Archbishop should resemble:*

* Timothy and Paul.
* Elisha and Elijah.
* Joshua and Moses.
* Titus and Paul.

*The ethics are simple but powerful:*

✅Honor in speech.
✅Submission in order.
✅Loyalty in heart.
✅Humility in service.
✅Accountability in conduct.
✅Partnership in vision.

When these principles are practiced, churches grow, leaders remain protected, ministries flourish, and the anointing flows from generation to generation.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." (Psalm 133:1)

*To Be Continued...*

*AN OPEN LETTER TO PASTORS WALKING IN ADULTERY:*
(A Declaration of War Against Sexual Sin, Spiritual Abuse, and Hidden Iniquity in the Pulpit)

By The Teaching Apostle
+23408063662801

*INTRODUCTION*
To every pastor, preacher, prophet, bishop, apostle, or church leader who secretly commits adultery while publicly standing behind the altar.

*This is an open letter.*

1. And this is a declaration of war.
2. Not war against flesh and blood
3. But war against sexual immorality in the house of God.
4. War against adultery disguised under anointing.
5. War against hidden sin covered by titles.
6. War against spiritual manipulation.
7. War against leaders who destroy homes and believe they will escape judgment.

*The pulpit does not excuse sin.*

The anointing does not cover adultery.

The title “Pastor” does not cancel judgment.

1. God sees.
2. God knows.
3. God records.

And God judges righteously.

*What Is Adultery?*

Adultery is sexual sin involving a married person with someone who is not their spouse. It is covenant-breaking before God.

1. It is betrayal against marriage.
2. Betrayal against family.
3. Betrayal against trust.
4. Betrayal against the Church.

And ultimately, betrayal against God.

Jesus said:

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Matthew 5:28

Adultery often begins long before the physical act.

1. It begins in the heart.
2. In lustful thoughts.
3. In emotional attachment.
4. In secret conversations.
5. Late-night messages.
6. Private counseling without boundaries.
7. Hidden meetings.

*What starts privately eventually becomes destruction publicly* .

The Scripture is clear:

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
— Exodus 20:14

This is not advice.

It is God’s command.

And no title gives exemption from holiness.

*Why Do Many Pastors Fall Into Adultery?*

Many wonder how a man of God falls into adultery. While each situation is different, common doors are often opened:

1. *Pride*

When a pastor believes he is above correction, he becomes vulnerable.

“Pride goeth before destruction…” Proverbs 16:18

2. *Secret lust never crucified*

A man may preach purity publicly while privately feeding sinful desires.

3. *Lack of accountability*

Isolation creates danger.

A pastor without spiritual oversight becomes easier prey for temptation.

4. *Emotional closeness without boundaries*

Improper counseling relationships, private communication, and secret emotional connections often become open doors.

5. *Neglect of prayer and personal holiness*

When prayer weakens, flesh becomes stronger.

6. *Misuse of spiritual authority*

Some abuse trust and position for immoral access to vulnerable women.

7. *Wrong company*

Sin spreads through unhealthy fellowship.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

*God Will Not Be Mocked*

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Galatians 6:7

1. If you sow deception you will reap exposure.
2. If you sow adultery you will reap consequences.
3. If you sow betrayal
L you will reap sorrow unless there is repentance.
You may hide from men But you cannot hide from God.

*Woe to Shepherds Who Destroy Families*

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:1

1. A pastor is called to protect homes not break them.
2. To counsel marriages not secretly enter them.
3. To guard women not exploit them.
4. To restore families not destroy them.

Any shepherd who uses spiritual influence to violate trust has stepped outside the heart of Christ.

*Marriage Is Honorable Before God*

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Hebrews 13:4

*This matter is serious before Heaven* .

God Himself says:

“Adulterers God will judge.”

1. Not culture.
2. Not church politics.
3. Not public opinion.

God.

Warning from Ministry History

Church history reminds us that gifting does not replace character.

Power does not replace purity.

Influence does not replace holiness.

Many known ministers across history have seen their ministries damaged, their marriages broken, or their testimonies weakened through sexual immorality, abuse of power, or moral failure.

1. Some lost pulpits.
2. Some lost marriages.
3. Some lost credibility.
4. Some lost entire ministries.

One immoral decision can destroy what took decades to build.

Warning from Africa: Public Ministry Falls and Moral Scandal

Across Africa, the Church has raised mighty revivalists and powerful voices.

Yet painful scandals have also reminded us that no pulpit is stronger than a man’s private holiness.

Public controversies involving sexual misconduct, adultery allegations, abuse of authority, or moral failure have shaken churches across nations including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

1. Many cases are public.
2. Many are hidden.
3. Many never reach newspapers.

But Heaven sees all.

These stories are warnings:

- Gift is not greater than character.
- Popularity is not holiness.
- Crowds do not equal God’s approval.
- Prophecy does not replace purity.
- Anointing does not cancel accountability.

A man may fill stadiums and still be spiritually collapsing in secret.

1. A Warning to Every Adulterous Pastor
2. To every pastor sleeping with another man’s wife
3. To every minister secretly living in immorality
4. To every shepherd hiding sexual sin behind ministry

Hear this word clearly:

*REPENT* .

1. God sees what people do not see.
2. He sees the hidden room.
3. The private conversations.
4. The secret calls.
5. The hidden meetings.
6. The lies.
7. The manipulation.

Nothing is hidden before Him.

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed…”
Luke 12:2

Do not mistake God’s silence for approval.

Judgment delayed is not judgment cancelled.

*A Warning to Upcoming Pastors*

1. To the young pastor entertaining lust
2. To the preacher becoming emotionally attached to another man’s wife
3. To the minister keeping secret conversations with women outside healthy boundaries

*RUN* .

1. Run before it becomes scandal.
2. Run before your marriage breaks.
3. Run before your children weep.
4. Run before your church scatters.
5. Run before your calling is wounded.
6. Run before Heaven exposes what you refuse to confront.

“Flee fornication…”
1 Corinthians 6:18

Joseph ran from temptation.

Many today are walking toward it.

Run while you still can.

Avoid the Company of Adulterous Ministers

*Pastor be careful who you walk with* .

1. Do not sit among ministers who mock holiness.
2. Do not celebrate with men who normalize adultery.
3. Do not excuse immorality because someone is gifted.
4. Do not cover hidden sin in the name of loyalty.
5. Anointed does not always mean approved.
6. Gifted does not always mean pure.
7. Popular does not always mean holy.

“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
Ephesians 5:11

Who you walk with can affect where you end.

Judgment Begins Here on Earth

Many think judgment is only after death.

But God also judges here on earth.

A pastor may still hold the microphone while already under divine discipline.

Judgment can appear as:

- loss of peace
- broken marriage
- family pain
- public exposure
- shame
- loss of ministry
- spiritual dryness
- removed influence
- divine correction

“Be sure your sin will find you out.”
Numbers 32:23

*And* :

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.”
1 Peter 4:17

1. The pulpit does not exempt anyone.
2. The collar does not exempt anyone.
3. No title cancels accountability before God.

Final Call: Repent While Mercy Still Speaks

This letter is not written in hatred.

It is written as warning.

And as a call to repentance.

If you are guilty

1. Repent.
2. Confess.

*Stop* .

1. Come out of secret relationships.
2. Break ungodly ties.
3. Seek restoration.
4. Submit to accountability.
5. Return to holiness.
6. Return to prayer.
7. Return to your first love.

Because hidden sin never remains hidden forever.

And because God is merciful to the repentant

but He resists the proud.

*Final Declaration*

Therefore we declare war

1. Against adultery in ministry.
2. Against hidden sexual sin in leadership.
3. Against manipulation by spiritual authority.
4. Against betrayal of marriages.
5. Against every hidden work of darkness operating behind the altar.

And we declare:

1. Holiness will rise again.
2. Integrity will rise again.
3. Purity will rise again.
4. Truth will rise again.

And the Lord will cleanse His Church.

1. May every pastor examine himself before the Lord.
2. May repentance be genuine.
3. May restoration be possible.
4. May every marriage be honored.
5. May every altar be kept pure.

And may the fear of God return to the Church.

“Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16

Signed,

A voice calling the Church back to repentance, holiness, accountability, and purity before God.