Abused Authority

I understand what you’re saying but in terms of “control” can a Pastor have great influence/control over the congregation? An example would be Jim Jones in the 70’s he took the congregation to the grave. Then you had the Waco incident during the 80’s, in Australia right now, you got one flip who is confessing he is Jesus and his wife is Mary and people actually believe him (members)
I’m trying to work out how could this happen? Because they all use the Word as the bases of their belief.

Jim Jones is one of the poorest examples of a pastor in fact he wasn't one.
There will always be false prophets...his so called congregation is blind weak minded and....well let's stop there😁 if they believe he is Christ.
The main agenda for any true pastor is to get you to Christ, by example, word, or deed.
Jesus said...... my words, my deeds, are not my own but are of my father's that sent me.
Even though Jesus was given all Authority in heaven and Earth he still referred back to the father.
Jesus said many will come in my name even to the point of saying they are the Christ. I am sure without a doubt the person you mention will be struck down. That's where my prayers would start Lord if he can't be saved then Lord do what is necessary and in your will.

I started out in this chat room with a little Story I Heard. I think I will repost it here.

A certain man wanted to be a shepherd so bad that he started reading books about the subject. He studied the books for quite a while learning everything he could about how a Shepherd leads his flock.
We learn many things about the Sheep, how dimwitted they could be, how they would stray, and how vulnerable they were.
But to the shepherd they were like a prized possession and he treated them as such. Softly speaking to them. Leading them to the best pastures. By Still Waters to drink and rest.
Finally this young man got a chance to go to Israel to learn first-hand how a Shepherd handles his sheep.
When he arrived in Israel he eagerly asked directions and where the shepherd's would be. Going to the location he was told he he saw a man leading a flock of sheep and sat down to observe.
Much to his amazement the man was cussing and yelling at the sheep. Using the rod and staff that in the book said was used to protect correct and nudge. This man was using it for hitting the Sheep keeping them on ther feet so they couldn't lie down and rest. When the Sheep would stray he'd start yelling tugging at them pulling them and some he just left behind.
After observing this for a few days the young man went up to the Sheep herder and told him about his observations and that the books he had read for totally different then what he had seen. The man then ask them how long have you been a shepherd? The man replied oh I'm sorry I'm not a shepherd they are on the other side of the Hill I'm the butcher.

Sorry..i had to sit down n rest half way through reading your post..whew..long one

Sorry about that