When Shepherds Become Landlords:

Healing From Unhealthy Leadership and Finding Pastors After God’s Heart

By Herbie Mac

There is a quiet ache many believers carry—an ache they rarely name out loud. It’s the ache of having been mishandled by leadership, of having sat under pastors who meant well but led like landlords instead of shepherds.

I know this ache because I lived it.

Not to expose anyone.

Not to dishonor anyone.

But to free the people who are called to my voice, the ones God has entrusted to my ministry for healing, clarity, and empowerment.

This article is for you.

🌾 1. When the Church Feels Like a Rental Property

Imagine living in a house where you pay the rent, mow the lawn, fix the leaks, and keep the place spotless—but you never feel at home. You’re always reminded, “This isn’t yours. You’re just borrowing space.”

Some believers have lived their spiritual lives like tenants.

Not sons.

Not daughters.

Just renters.

They were told:

• “This is my church.”

• “These are my people.”

• “This is my pulpit.”

And without realizing it, they internalized a lie:

“I don’t belong. I’m tolerated, not valued.”

But Scripture says the opposite:

“You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19

You are not a tenant in the Kingdom.

You are family.

🐑 2. Shepherds vs. Landlords

A shepherd leads from relationship.

A landlord leads from ownership.

A shepherd says, “These are God’s people.”

A landlord says, “These are my people.”

A shepherd equips.

A landlord controls.

A shepherd feeds.

A landlord demands.

A shepherd protects.

A landlord polices.

Jesus made the distinction clear:

“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” — John 10:11

Notice He didn’t say, “The good shepherd lays down the sheep for his life.”

Some of you have experienced the latter.

You were drained, used, or silenced to protect someone’s image, platform, or insecurity.

But God is healing that in you.

🔥 3. The Weight of Misplaced Loyalty

Think of a plant placed in a pot too small.

It grows, but only to the limits of the container.

Its roots circle the same soil, never expanding, never stretching, never reaching their potential.

Some of you were planted in pots, not gardens.

You were loyal to leaders who loved your service but not your growth.

They loved your presence but not your potential.

They loved your “yes” but not your voice.

But hear me:

Your loyalty was not wasted.

Your heart was not foolish.

Your desire to serve was not a mistake.

God saw it.

God honored it.

And God is now replanting you in a place where you can breathe again.

🌱 4. Healing the Soul After Spiritual Constriction

When you’ve lived under controlling leadership, you don’t just leave with memories—you leave with muscle memory.

You may find yourself:

• Apologizing for having ideas

• Feeling guilty for wanting to grow

• Expecting punishment for asking questions

• Feeling nervous when leaders affirm you

• Struggling to trust spiritual authority

This is normal.

This is human.

This is healable.

David said:

“He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:3

Not just your spirit.

Not just your ministry.

Your soul—your identity, your confidence, your voice.

Restoration is happening even now.

🌤️ 5. What Healthy Pastors Look Like

Not perfect pastors.

Not celebrity pastors.

Not pastors who never make mistakes.

But pastors who carry the heart of God.

Healthy pastors:

• Celebrate your growth

• Don’t compete with your calling

• Don’t fear your anointing

• Don’t shrink you to feel bigger

• Don’t use you to build their brand

• Don’t punish you for being human

• Don’t silence you for being gifted

Healthy pastors want you to outgrow them, not orbit them.

Paul said:

“My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” — Galatians 4:19

Healthy leaders labor for Christ to be formed in you, not for your identity to be formed around them.

🕊️ 6. Why God Sent You to This Ministry

Many of you reading this were drawn to my ministry because something in your spirit said:

“This is where I can breathe again.”

You didn’t come for hype.

You didn’t come for entertainment.

You came because your soul recognized safety.

God sent you here:

• To heal

• To grow

• To rediscover your voice

• To reclaim your identity

• To be equipped, not owned

• To be empowered, not controlled

• To be released, not restricted

You are not here by accident.

You are here by assignment.

🌟 7. Your Future Is Bigger Than Your Past Pain

Your story doesn’t end with what happened to you.

Your story continues with what God is doing through you.

You are rising.

You are maturing.

You are stabilizing.

You are becoming whole.

You are stepping into identity.

You are walking in covenant, not captivity.

And as your apostolic leader, I am committed to creating a space where:

• Your individuality is honored

• Your calling is nurtured

• Your growth is celebrated

• Your authenticity is protected

• Your voice is welcomed

• Your destiny is cultivated

This is a house of freedom, not fear.

A house of growth, not control.

A house of covenant, not ownership.

Conclusion:

You Are Home Now

You survived unhealthy leadership.

You survived spiritual constriction.

You survived being treated like a tenant in a house where God called you a son or daughter.

Now you’re in a place where you can heal, grow, and flourish.

You’re not a renter in the Kingdom.

You’re an heir.

And I’m honored to walk with you as Christ is formed in