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The Mob Boss of the Church: The Power Player Behind the Scenes

Writer's picture: Brent Madaris Brent Madaris

Updated: Feb 4



The Church "Mob Boss"
The Church "Mob Boss"

I will never forget the moment. As I stood on the platform, seeking to quell a brewing rebellion, the man who had long ruled behind the scenes stormed forward, fists balled, rage in his eyes. He wasn’t the pastor—he never had been—but for 25 years, he had been the true power in the church. At that moment, his mask slipped, and everyone saw what had long been hidden: he was not a protector of the church but its captor. His wife called to him from the back of the church, "come down from there. Come back here." A couple of days later, while visiting in the home of a former deacon, who had long since left, iterated, "We should have taken care of him 25 years ago, but we didn't."


Not every struggling church has one, but many of them do—the power player who rules behind the scenes, subtly (or not so subtly) dictating the direction of the church. He’s not the pastor, but in many ways, he wields more influence than the pastor ever could. To the casual observer, he may appear to be a devoted, well-meaning church member. But to those who have witnessed his tactics, he is the church’s self-appointed gatekeeper, controlling who stays, who goes, and how things are run.


The danger of such a figure cannot be overstated. His presence stifles pastoral leadership, hinders church growth, and often contributes to a church’s spiritual stagnation or death. For pastors and parishioners alike, recognizing and addressing this problem is crucial.



The Profile of a Church Mob Boss


  1. The Unofficial Authority – This man has often been in the church for decades, seeing pastors come and go. He believes his tenure gives him the right to dictate church direction.

  2. The Protector (or So He Claims) – He sees himself as the last line of defense against ‘bad’ pastors, ‘wrong’ ideas, and ‘dangerous’ changes.

  3. The Manipulator – He uses influence, intimidation, or politics to get his way. He doesn’t need an official title—his control is exercised through relationships, backroom conversations, and financial leverage.

  4. The Puppet Master – Rather than leading from the front, he influences key figures to do his bidding. The deacons, committee members, or family members may act as his enforcers.

  5. The Opposition to Change – He resists revitalization efforts, new ministries, or anything that threatens his control.



Biblical Parallels: The Rebellion of Korah


The story of Korah’s rebellion against Moses in Numbers 16 serves as a striking biblical parallel. Korah and his followers challenged God’s appointed leader, seeking to establish their own authority. The motivations were clear: pride, power, and control.


Like Korah, the church mob boss does not operate out in the open at first. He often cloaks his rebellion in spiritual-sounding rhetoric, but at its core, it is about control. And just as Korah’s rebellion ended in judgment, these power struggles rarely end well for the church.



How This Plays Out in a Church


  • The Mob Boss with Money – Some power players control the church financially, subtly (or overtly) threatening to pull funding if the pastor doesn’t comply.

  • The Mob Boss with Influence – Some wield social influence, spreading rumors, controlling key families, and turning the congregation against new leadership. Or it could be the one whose influence and invovlement could significantly help the church, but they refuse to use the full weight of their influence for good, choosing rather to sit on the sidelines and "see what happens." Their inaction stifles forward momentum.

  • The Mob Boss with Power – Some have built their power over years through leadership roles and board positions, ensuring that no decisions pass without their approval.


In some cases, multiple figures share power, forming an unholy alliance that makes any attempt at revitalization nearly impossible.



Recognizing and Addressing the Problem For Pastors Considering a Church:


  1. Assess the Power Structures Before Accepting the Pastorate – Who really runs the church? Look beyond titles and observe where decisions originate.

  2. Meet with Former Pastors (if possible) – What caused previous pastors to leave? Were they pushed out?

  3. Listen for Key Phrases – If you hear things like ‘We’ve always done it this way’ or ‘The pastor works for the church,’ tread carefully.



For Pastors Already in the Battle:


  1. Identify the Power Player(s) – Recognizing the real source of control is the first step.

  2. Preach and Lead with Boldness – Do not allow intimidation to dictate your ministry.

  3. Build a Core of Biblically-Grounded Leaders – Don’t fight alone; develop a group committed to biblical authority.

  4. Be Prepared for a Showdown – Many pastors face a defining moment where the power player openly challenges them. This is often the turning point.

  5. Know When to Walk Away – In some cases, the battle is unwinnable without divine intervention. If the church refuses to let go of its ‘mob boss,’ it may be time to move on.



How the Church Body Can Manage a Mob Boss


  1. Recognize the Problem Collectively – The church must acknowledge the issue instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. When multiple members see the same destructive patterns, they should support one another in confronting the problem.

  2. Strength in Numbers – A single person challenging a mob boss is easily dismissed, but when a group of spiritually mature members stands together, it becomes harder for the power player to manipulate or silence them.

  3. Demand Biblical Leadership – Church members should insist on a biblical model of governance, where decisions are made collectively under spiritual guidance rather than dictated by one influential figure.

  4. Support the Pastor Openly – Many churches have people who silently agree with the pastor but fear speaking up. Encouraging the pastor, defending biblical decisions, and vocally rejecting manipulation strengthens the right leadership.

  5. Hold Leaders Accountable – Deacons, elders, or board members should not be passive. If they allow the mob boss to control decisions, they become complicit in the dysfunction. The church should demand accountability from its leadership.

  6. Address Financial Manipulation – If the power player uses money as leverage, the church body should seek financial independence, encouraging faithful giving from the congregation so that no single person holds the church hostage.

  7. Promote Transparency in Decision-Making – Churches with secret meetings and backroom deals enable power players to thrive. Open discussions, clear communication, and biblical decision-making processes help prevent corruption.

  8. Pray for Courage and Wisdom – Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons. Church members should pray for the wisdom to recognize manipulation and the courage to stand for biblical integrity.



The presence of a ‘mob boss’ figure in a church is a serious issue that can determine the church’s future. Whether you are a pastor considering a church, a pastor currently facing opposition, or a church member concerned about the health of your congregation, recognizing and addressing this problem is critical.


Power struggles in the church are nothing new—Moses faced them, Paul faced them, and many faithful pastors will face them today. But in the end, it is Christ’s church, not the possession of any individual. When a church allows a power player to rule behind the scenes, it ceases to function as a body led by the Spirit and instead becomes a kingdom ruled by man. The only solution is to return to biblical authority, spiritual integrity, and godly leadership.

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