5 Types of People in Every Bullied Church (And How David Shows Us the Way Out)

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

By Doc Smith, Eagles In Leadership
March 23, 2026

Every pastor has walked into that church—a spiritual hostage crisis. Worship feels obligatory, decisions flow from one domineering voice, and fear hangs thicker than incense. I’ve consulted thriving American and global churches reduced to whispers by a local Faith Community Bully. Often a loud, weaponized woman. Sometimes a grumpy, controlling man. Always a Goliath.

Remember Israel’s army in the Valley of Elah? King Saul’s soldiers trembled before Goliath and his four brothers (1 Samuel 17:1-11). Paralyzed. The people of God, held captive. This drama repeats in pews today. Through decades of church consulting, I’ve identified five groups in every bullied faith community. Spot them. Understand them. And watch God raise a David to deliver.

1. The Conqueror (Goliath Himself)

The self-crowned tyrant who seized control through manipulation, tenure, or unchecked influence. They rule with an iron fist—barking orders, hoarding decisions, crushing dissent. Like Diotrephes, who “loved to have preeminence” and maliciously gossiped about apostolic brothers (3 John 1:9-10).

Tactic: Intimidation. They turn God’s house into their fiefdom. Growth stalls. Joy dies. Goliath defied Israel’s armies 40 days (1 Samuel 17:16). Conquerors defy God’s purposes just as long.

2. The Captives (Saul’s Trembling Army)

The silent majority—good sheep frozen in fear. They “keep heads down,” gripe in parking lots, but never confront. Like Saul’s 30,000 soldiers quaking before the giant (1 Samuel 17:11). They love Jesus but dread the bully’s backlash.

Motive: Survival. “Don’t rock the boat.” They stay, but the church starves.

3. The Collaborators (Saul’s Inner Circle)

Opportunists cozying up to the Conqueror for safety or scraps. They nod in meetings, amplify the bully’s agenda, rat out dissenters. Think Saul’s servants who enabled his paranoia (1 Samuel 18:6-9) or Ahithophel advising Absalom’s coup (2 Samuel 15-17). Covert or overt, they enable tyranny.

Reward: Protection. Cost: Compromise. Their enabling extends the siege.

4. The Critics (Muttering Soldiers)

Brave souls who dislike the bully and voice it—but cautiously. They’re Saul’s men grumbling against Goliath without slinging stones (1 Samuel 17:24-25). Like Korah’s faction, who murmured against Moses but stopped short of full rebellion (Numbers 16:1-3). Right instinct, incomplete action.

Limit: Fear of fallout. They expose wounds but can’t heal them.

5. The Challenger (David, the Deliverer)

God’s outsider—often young, fresh-eyed, zero tolerance for sacred cows. David’s brothers sneered, “Why have you come down?” (1 Samuel 17:28). He saw Goliath defying the armies of the living God. The true Challenger arrives with faith, strategy, and a slingshot.

Two paths:

  • Wise David: Prays, gathers intel, builds quiet allies, confronts biblically, restores peace + growth (1 Samuel 17:32-51).
  • Foolish Challenger: Charges hot-headed, loses, leaves chaos.

Jesus was the ultimate Challenger, flipping temple tables on religious bullies (John 2:13-16). Churches explode post-deliverance.

Check out Bryson Gray’s new video if you want some encouragement!

Your Church in the Valley of Elah

Inventory your people:

  • Pastors: Call Captives to courage. Expose Collaborators. Empower Critics. Pray for your David.
  • Challengers: Fast. Study 1 Samuel 17. Get counsel (Proverbs 15:22). Confront with grace + truth—not just skirmish, but victory.
  • All: Goliath mocked and his four brothers stood behind him. Bullies rarely stand alone. Dismantle the network.

The Conqueror isn’t invincible. One smooth stone of obedience, and the giant falls (1 Samuel 17:49-50). Who’s your David? God delights in raising them.

Which of the 5 are you? Comment below. Subscribe for leadership tools at EaglesInLeadership.org. Share if you’ve seen freedom after a bully fell.

Doc’s newest book: 

Your Travel Guide To The New Testament

(Understanding the Story Lines In Each Book)

What People Are Saying: 

Mike Jimenez, MDiv. Dr. Smith has crafted a masterpiece that brings the New Testament to life. A must-read for anyone seeking to unlock the Word of God. A true game-changer for Bible study, providing a clear and engaging guide to the New Testament.

Pastor Ronnie Abubakkar How I wish I had this in my hands during my seminary days. Well written and theologically sound. This book is not only for pastors and seminary students but to all who are a serious student of the Word of God.  It is clear, concise and easy to understand truth with practical application for everyday life. I’m very honored to be asked by my good friend Dr. Matthew Lee Smith in endorsing his work of love. Pick a copy and be blessed and encouraged!

You can get your copy at: 

Get your copy here: https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

It sure would would make a great gift!

(Sure you can share this and help me get the word out!)

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership or Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: : EaglesInLeadership

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ELDERS INCEPTION AND PURPOSE FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

There is a fractured faith foolishness many of us see on a weekly basis. And like any glass bowl that cracks, the results splinter into many different paths. Let’s look at this for just a minute:

In American Theo-philosophy the egalitarian mindset has torn away thousands of years of truth and experience for the simple fact people don’t want to follow before they lead.

In our social media mindset of “My opinion is right though I have no experience and I am not willing to follow the current leadership,” (whatever venue we are talking about from space exploration to health to so much more), we have come to an insidious and destructive attitude that “everyone should “Get a vote.”

However, looking across time and seeing how God and His People (Our cousins in faith) handled life in general teaches a much different lesson. In one specific and instructive moment, Moses explains the purpose of elders (leaders of larger family clans).

In that moment we discover the bold truth: Someone has to be in charge of the clans or chaos ensues. And so, with so many immature and greedy people in the Wandering People of God: Israel, conflict resolution became a FULL TIME requirement.

In order to alleviate the situation (Exodus 18) Moses delegated key men to handle smaller matters and clear his daytime of the incessant arguments of the crying children of God so that He could stand before God and teach the the people of God: Israel what God wanted.

However, as time passed, those same men – the Designated Conflict Resolution Agents – began to think that they were AS IMPORTANT OR MORE SO than Moses, the Shepherd of the Flock, appointed by God. So they worked against him and even at one point, staged a revolt!

The Point Is Clear: STAY IN YOUR LANE!

Stop trying to run things.

– God appoints a shepherd over the flock.

– That shepherd hires others (hirelines, John 10, KJV) to assist.

– According to our King Jesus, assistants (hirelings) work for (μισθός / misthos, G3408, wages), not love and they flee at the sign of the wolf. A true shepherd earns the ultimate *misthos* by laying down life (v. 11, 17-18).

– Assistants don’t have the vision from God, the mission of God, the burdens of the people, and the hope of the Holy Spirit to drive them

– These assistants often and mistakenly think that the will of the majority – or the noisy – is the will of God. NOTHING COULD BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH!

In Moses’ situation and day the elders arrogance led to the deaths of AN ENTIRE GENERATION!

In our situation and day it is a hugely contributing factor to the deaths of 40 Local Congregations a day in the USA!

The Point Is Clear: STAY IN YOUR LANE!

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Dangers To Our Spiritual Life

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Have you ever been on a roller coaster and were afraid you were going to fly out? 

That’s the point here.

There are dangers to our spiritual life. There are:

  • The Deluded – Those who think they know about Jesus but simply are wrong – Church People who don’t read their Bibles
  • The Deranged – These people have all sorts of fantasies about the spiritual life, but again, they won’t read God’s word except to pick happy verses for themselves
  • The Diseased – Some people come to us with bitterness, a spirit of greed, or demonic influence to divide because they have to be right all the time
  • The Demonic – It’s just a fact that almost every Church has a demon possessed person in it, and no one knows. (Like in Capernaum when Jesus come there such demons wait into they can wreak the most havoc with a nasty, destructive outburst.)
  • The Destroyers – Many people are not interested in your faith and walk with King Jesus. Whether friends or family, they seek to pull you back into the old ways you are leaving for the new, abundant, promised life!
  • The Disastrous – And then there are people who simply are a car wreck wherever they go and with whomever they ride with. 

And we have to pay attention and protect the faith we have been given from Jesus! The New Testament is filled with Church People to avoid!

What do you say?

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Come, Join Doc and Kate as we follow The Life of our King Jesus in Israel ’26!

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Be a part of this incredible, emotional tour as we walk where Jesus walked!

Kate and I would like to invite you to join us in Israel this December. I was there with my daughter, Hannah, and a small group in December “24 and it was INCREDIBLE! In fact, that trip spurred me to create this new itinerary – The Biblical Life of Jesus in Israel With Doc and Kate Smith!

This 10-Day trip, which will be my 11th time in Israel, departing November 30 and returning December 9 wil explode your love for Jesus and intensify your faith in God in ways YEARS of Church attendance will never do!

Every few days I talk with friends there and things are great, the lines for the locations are short and the weather is great! And YES, IT IS SAFE! (I wouldn’t take you there if it wasn”t!) 

We will tour throughout Galilee – where Jesus spent over 75% of His earthly life teaching, preaching, and doing miracles. We will go to many of those places! Imagine sailing on the Sea of Galilee, standing in the Synagogue of Capernaum, and walking in Cana! 

In Jerusalem we will trace the last week of Jesus on Earth through HIs crucifixion and resurrection. I have to tell you, this is a VERY emotional part of our journey. When we are in Caiphas’ house and in the dungeon where Jesus was held until His trial before Pilate … wow, I was overcome with so many different feelings. And, of course being at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb, where we will have Communion, is life-changing! 

We wil invest a whole day in Bethlehem, which few groups ever do. There are three reasons for this, on top of seeing where Jesus was born and the Shepherd’s field, etc. First, we will lunch with Bethlehem Christians and we will be able to make new friends there. Second, in the afternoon we will have a MEET & GREET with the Mayor of Bethlehem! What an incredible opportunity almost NO ONE experiences. Then third, in the evening we will be his guests at the annual Bethlehem Christmas Tree lighting – a regional and global event! Oh my! 

And then a day in the desert to see Masada, Ein Gedhi, Qumran and float in the Dead Sea! There is SO MUCH MORE to tell you so we invite you to look over the trip here: https://www.eaglesinleadership.org/israel-26-tour/

You can see the ENTIRE itinerary and even put your $500 deposit to reserve your seat at this link: https://tinyurl.com/Israel26-DocSmith

Of course, if you would like more information, ask questions, etc. all you have to do is reply and ask away! I’m here to answer ALL your questions. 

Blessings and let me know if you are ready to see your faith MULTIPLY EXPONENTIALLY while walking in the steps of our King Jesus! 

Much love, 

Doc and Kate

If you wish to have more information just REPLY to this post and we will send you everything you need to start your journey in the steps of our King Jesus in Israel!

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21 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING! (An Update)

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith


Welcome to “Discipling With Doc!”

Please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this!

“You can never harvest what you don’t plant!”


Disciples fast! 

“Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! 

Let it be done just as you believed it would.”

And his servant was healed at that moment.” 

(Matthew 8:13, NIV)

Fasting is a good thing to get rid fo some of the distractions that pull us away from the heart of our King, Jesus of Nazareth!

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3–5, NIV)

Pray like you have never prayed before!

Stand in the gap between God’s good and Satan’s evil! 

About now, if you are struggling, it is because Satan is pushing back! That’s good! Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. This is a testimony that The Slanderer is scared of you! Keep praying!

Don’t quit! God is on our side! 

Press the Battle!

God is working with you!

Download your FREE 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting Booklet: https://www.eaglesinleadership.org/resources/

For the Glocal glory of our King Jesus,

Doc and Kate and the entire EIL Team!

Check us out on our website: EaglesInLeadership.org 

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership and Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn:: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: : EaglesInLeadership

And pick up your copy of Doc’s newest book – 

Your Travel Guide to the New Testament! 

Get your copy here:

https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon)

https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

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Join Us In Israel, Caesarea Maritima!

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN YOU WHEN YOU WALK WHERE PAUL DEFENDED HIMSELF BEFORE KING AGRIPPA?

Welcome to “Discipling With Doc!”

Please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this!

We are headed to Israel this year – and YOU can be a part of this amazing trip! 

Walk where Paul once stood before kings and the gospel echoed over the Mediterranean waves in Caesarea Maritima. On December 2, during our Israel tour, you will feel Scripture move from the page into your heartbeat—tangible, alive, unforgettable. Let God rekindle your first love, deepen your courage, and renew your calling. Don’t ignore this holy tug on your soul. Spots are limited—say yes now, and step into the story God is still writing in Israel today.

Here’s the link to discover more and sign up: https://tinyurl.com/Israel26-DocSmith

If you have questions, comment below. 

See you soon in Israel!

For the Glocal glory of our King Jesus,

Doc and Kate and the entire EIL Team!

Check us out on our website: EaglesInLeadership.org 

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership and Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn:: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: : EaglesInLeadership

And pick up your copy of Doc’s newest book – Your Travel Guide tot he New Tstament – here: 

Get your copy here:

https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon)

https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

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Praying God’s Wisdom Over Our Sons!

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

IMAGINE YOUR SONS, YOUR GRANDSONS WALKING IN THE WISDOM OF GOD!

Welcome to “Discipling With Doc!”

Please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this!

Proverbs is the book of wisdom in the BIble. When I wanted to pray for my future sons and my grandsons, I couldn’t think of anything higher – except surreder to Jesus as their King and God – than to breathe the wisdom of God. 

So I began praying the book of Proverbs. Then I chose to put those notes into a book for you so YOU can do the same thing:  pray for your future sons and you grandsons breathing and living out the wisdom of God in their daily lives. 

You can get a copy of that book here: https://amzn.to/4qJIIqI

Be sure to order a copy for your spouse and your parents, if they are still with us. 

What a blessing to know that as we talk to God about our sons and grandsons, He answers our prayers for them! 

Thanks for considering picking up a book or a few of them.

For the Glocal glory of our King Jesus,

Doc and Kate and the entire EIL Team!

Check us out on our website: EaglesInLeadership.org 

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership and Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn:: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: : EaglesInLeadership

And pick up your copy of Doc’s newest book – Your Travel Guide tot he New Tstament – here: 

Get your copy here:

https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon)

https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

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Disciples Read the Word of God For Life Change!

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Welcome to “Discipling With Doc!”

LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this!

Recently Doc encouraged us to “Read the Bible cover-to-cover in ’26!” with him and Kate and so many others around the world. You can find that conversation here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u_AlHX4b5U4?si=bCcwwPNEoHa46i3z

Today he shares an update of what happened on the 1st day he started reading! You won’t want to miss this! 

AND YOU CAN STILL JOIN HIM AND US!

The How to Read The Bible With Fresh Eyes resource (free at the link below) will help you target the issues and problems you are facing as well as the hopes and dreams you have for ’26!

Download the FREE Bible Reading Schedule and the How to Read The Bible With Fresh Eyes resource here: https://www.eaglesinleadership.org/resources/

For the Glocal glory of our King Jesus,

Doc and Kate and the entire EIL Team!

Check us out on our website: EaglesInLeadership.org 

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership and Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn:: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: : EaglesInLeadership

And pick up your copy of Doc’s newest book – Your Travel Guide tot he New Tstament – here: 

Get your copy here:

https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon)

https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

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Doc’s Latest Book: Your Travel Guide To The New Testament

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

(Understanding the Story Lines In Each Book)


Welcome to “Discipling With Doc!”

LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed this!

What People Are Saying: 

Dr. Smith has crafted a masterpiece that brings the New Testament to life. A must-read for anyone seeking to unlock the Word of God. A true game-changer for Bible study, providing a clear and engaging guide to the New Testament. ~ Mike Jimenez, MDiv.

How I wish I had this in my hands during my seminary days. Well written and theologically sound. This book is not only for pastors and seminary students but to all who are a serious student of the Word of God. 

It is clear, concise and easy to understand truth with practical application for everyday life. I’m very honored to be asked by my good friend Dr. Matthew Lee Smith in endorsing his work of love.

Pick a copy and be blessed and encouraged!

Pastor Ronnie Abubakkar

You can get your copy at: 

Get your copy here:

https://books.by/doc-smith

(Also available on Amazon)

https://amzn.to/4nULk3i

It sure would would make a great gift!

(Sure you can share this and help me get the word out!)

Check us out on our website: EaglesInLeadership.org 

You can find Doc on: 

* Facebook: Eagles In Leadership or Matthew Lee Smith

* X: @drmattphd

* LinkedIn: Eagles In Leadership

* Instagram: EaglesInLeadership

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Read The Bible With Doc and Kate in ’26!

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Hi there, 

Kate and I would like to ask you to consider reading the BIble cover-to-cover with us in ’26. One of the key biblical promises tied to internalizing God’s Word is: protection from sin!

• Psalm 119 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11), showing that hiding Scripture inside guards behavior and desires.

• Jesus models this in the wilderness, repeatedly answering temptation with “It is written,” using memorized Scripture as His primary defense (Matthew 4:1–11).

’26 is a year of GREATER THINGS! Being protected from what the Devil throws at us is critical to enjoying more fro God! 

Letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly” fills the heart with truth, shaping character, worship, and relationships (Colossians 3:16).

Here’s a link to the reading schedule and the Fresh Eyes helps, if you missed picking up a packet on Sunday. https://www.eaglesinleadership.org/resources/

• How to Read the Bible With Fresh Eyes!

• Whole Year Reading Schedule

The one who delights in and meditates on God’s law “day and night” is promised to be like a tree planted by streams of water—stable, fruitful, and enduring in all seasons (Psalm 1:2–3).

And please, let us know if you are joining us. We will pray with you for the GREATER things promised in the Word of God to fall upon you in ’26!

Doc and Kate

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