Christian Leadership: The Opposite of What We May Think
Aug 20
I don’t have a problem with leadership. I have a problem with “Christian” leadership. The reason is because the leadership I see exemplified in scripture is not the one I see practiced amongst Christians today. As the picture so eloquently depicts, Christian Leadership puts the individual leader on top while everyone serves him/her.
If you have read the New Testament even casually, what you will begin to see is that this “Kingdom of God” that is often referred to seems to be upside down in relation to the “Kingdom of the World”. Phrases like “turn the other cheek”, “love your neighbor as yourself”, “when your enemy is thirst give him something to drink”, “present yourself a living sacrifice”, “think of others more highly than yourself” and even “deny yourself”. These types of words are the exact opposite of what the world says. Just look on television or listen to the top 40, but even worse just walk into the typical church and tell me what you get.
Not let me zone in on that last comment about the church. You see the church are the “called out”, the “set apart”, “aliens”, “citizens of heaven” and “slaves to God”. However, the very language that the world uses, especially as it relates to leadership has found its way into the Church, so the church isn’t effecting the world with its leadership, the church actually takes its cue from the world, how backwards is that.
You see today, leaders demand to be heard. The demand to be upfront doing all the speaking. They demand to be the decision maker. They demand to be served (we have “ministries” that are exclusive to serving the servant ironic right). And most of all they demand you pay them for such leadership. In the world the CEO negotiates pay this should never occur in the church. In the world the CEO demands you obey his direction, in the church this should never occur (Philippians 2:1-3). In the world the CEO is the most important person, in the church every member is important, no one is expendable. And in the world, the CEO is the last to take a loss, in the church the leaders are to first to lay down their lives and be a servant (Mark 10:45).
You see whatever the world does the church is to do the opposite. But when I survey the land it is very hard to distinguish between the two types of leadership. What is strikingly odd is that many of these leaders believe they are students of the scripture, yet their practice says something totally different.
Lets take Jesus for example. Did Jesus come down demanding his rights? Did He come down as a great king, living in a great palace, having a stallion, with thousands of people honoring Him? He was born in a stable, raised in practical anonymity, served those He called to be His representatives and died on a cross. Lets take Paul, if we read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 we see Paul living a life of luxury right? No! No we don’t. We see him barely having enough to eat, his life threatened daily. We even see him in prison often. Financing his own missionary campaign. What about John, he was the man right? History tells us that he was Patmos Island and that is where he most likely died, a prisoner, amongst the criminals probably not having a penny to his name. What about Peter? What about James? One lost their head the other got prayed out of prison. What about the other leaders? If I read Romans 16 many were “fellow prisoners” with Paul for the sake of the Gospel. Listen Paul has to write a letter to defend his ministry, even after they saw what God had done through him.
Here is what I am getting at. Leading in American Christianity costs me nothing. As a matter of fact if I am really good, I can host conferences, write books and make a great living. If I am a bit manipulative I can own a jet and a helicopter, have my face plastered all over the city on billboards, maybe even being invited to speak at some nation convention. However, the leadership in the scripture seems to lead to death (Hebrews 11:32-38) imprisoned and beaten half to death (Acts 16:23-36). Leaders are to first to give to help others (Acts 20:31-36).
Being a leader today gets you the limelight, it use to get your light taken. Being a leader today gets you the best seat in the house (even being called up to the stage) while Jesus says something totally different in Luke 22:26. Leadership gets you served today while it use be the perpetual disposition of serving then.
So do I have a problem with leadership? No, I listen to my boss, I do what I am told. Jumping high and meeting their demands is whats expected, they pay me for this. However, in the kingdom, I expect my leadership to reflect the nature of Christ. Not demanding their own way, their own pay, and me to listen to what they say (rhymes right?). If someone is going to lead, then their backs should be bending closer and closer to the feet of those they are trying to lead, not the other way around.
It is amazing brother that shephards in the East always lead from the back….
Yes Sir!
Lionel,
I trust my comment is not taken the wrong way, but Brian has the right idea, but has the sheep by the tail.:)
An elderly ,Irish pastor by the name of Jack Seaton,has the story as I’ve known it for, at least fifty years. He was in Israel a few years ago, and as they were driving along the road they saw some sheep being driven along the road. They pulled up and spoke to the fellow driving the sheep along the road.
Jack said,”I have always been under the impression that shepherds in Israel always walk in front of their sheep”.
The fellow answered, “You are exactly right, but, I am the butcher!”
Shepherds in the middle east faced many unbelievable dangers with their sheep,a few of which were, wild animals, thorn bushes were particularly dangerous because the sheep’s wool got tangled, they were unable to escape and died.
The shepherd led his sheep (“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”)so that he could find the best fodder, protect them from wild animals, and lead them away from danger.
Brian certainly had the principle right, shepherds serve the sheep, putting themselves out for the sake of the sheep, but they have to walk in the danger zone to do it, otherwise the wolf gets to the sheep first.
That’s what our one and only Shepherd did (Luke 22:26-27)
Great words of wisdom Aussie John!!! I think Brian and I would both agree with you there. I think by “back” he means he doesn’t need the spotlight.
so it is possible that when I think about “church/Christian leadership” I don’t, after all, need to shudder and refer to it as “the L word”…
Good post.
I think you may not want to paint the church with such a broad brush. There are many churches that still exemplify what a church should be. I am very blessed to attend one here in Warrenville IL.
If I were someone attending a church where I saw what you’re describing, I would immediately look for the churches with the Pastors who are humble and honorable in ways that the Bible speaks of.
Maybe the churches and Pastors you’re speaking of are Christian-in-name-only. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-5
We’ve learned (through trial and error and mistakes and restarts and sweat and tears) that it is possible to lead without exercising authority by serving and loving people. I wish there were more examples for us to follow.
-Alan
Mark,
1. Most pastors I know demand a paycheck.
2. Most pastors I know hold to elder ruled, thus the “leaders” make all the decisions. And for the ones that aren’t elder ruled they are one pastor ruled as they are the foundation and name on the billboard (Olsteen, Jakes, Hinn, Mike Hayes, Ed Young….)
3. ANY church that takes its leadership cues from the world is operating contrary to scripture. I am not saying God does not work in spite of such leadership, I am just saying the leadership is wrong.