The time has come for us look at the way we do ministry. Leading as a servant is not a new idea. Books have been written that extoll the virtues of serving the people we lead. Just about every pastor has read an article or attended a conference promoting servant leadership. The words almost don’t even mean what the say anymore – we are used to them. Sometimes, familiarity with a concept keeps us from practicing it. There is no excitement in it. Nothing new here.
Others in ministry aren’t convinced that the model works. To be sure, it doesn’t work for them. “I’m the leader; now follow me.” Much of the traditional, old-time fundamental movement functioned under this model. It almost seems as if everyone in the organization or church existed for the benefit of the leader’s ministry. Certainly, there are many casualties that have been left in the wake of this kind of ministry.
To be fair, not every fundamental leader was cruel or egotistical. Many men served with grace and dignity. Those whose ministries were patterned after Christ avoided the excess of the caricature. The fault lies not in conservative theology and practice but in the frailty of humanity. If I get in the way, it’s not Christ. Ego and a desire for power have no place in the leadership of God’s people.
The approach that we should follow sounds like this, “I exist to serve the people of God.” Don’t be confused. This is not an argument to undermine the necessity of leadership. It is a call to take leadership to the next level. One of the problems with the “old model” is that individuals viewed themselves as serving people by taking them somewhere. The servant model of leadership would recognize that as backward thinking.
A servant leader helps people go where they need to go and do what they need to do. The emphasis is on those being served not on those being led. What’s the difference? For one, it is an issue of development. One could use the word discipleship. Too many leaders are busy developing followers. Ultimately, the goal is not to produce followers who do not think for themselves. Servant leadership does not develop a ministry where the leader is essential to the future of the church. Instead, it produces mature followers of Christ who do not need another leader to draw them close to Christ.
Don’t misunderstand me, God has a special role for the pastor in the life of the believer. One’s style and method of leadership practiced in grace does not take away from spiritual authority. What is enhanced is the opportunity to see people take the next step in their spiritual lives.
The emphasis of servant leadership is on serving and not being served. The life of a servant leader is one of sacrifice and placing another before one’s self. The leader truly is seeking the best for those in his care. Best is not defined by crossing t’s and doting i's the same way. Best is defined by assisting people to take the next step in their spiritual lives. Best takes time. Best comes in small increments. Best is messy.
Sounds like work!
