Not too long ago, I was interviewed about the nature and character of leadership within the church.
In this short video, I answer three questions:
You can find the text of the questions and answers right below the video. I hope you enjoy this content.
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1. What does it mean to be a servant leader to you? Being a servant leader first and foremost means to imitate the suffering servant, Jesus Christ (Isa. 53:5). It is he who should be our primary area of study. It is Jesus who remains to be our primary mentor. Anything and everything we could ever demonstrate as servant leaders should be gleaned from our glorious Savior. This practically means that we forget about what we want and solely focus on what Jesus wants. The needs of other people become our focal point. The hurts of other people become our hurts. We help others because the gospel saved us. This means that my heart breaks because of what breaks God’s heart. I weep over the current sin in society because Jesus wept over it. I am persistently pursuing the help of Jesus through my prayer because I am impotent without it. Being a servant leader means that the spot-light, while attractive, can become dangerous if I do not keep my pride in check. A servant leader is one who is constantly aware of the needs of other people and serves them to the best of their ability for the glory of Jesus and the joy of those whom he is serving. Jesus reiterated this point when he washed the feet of the disciples, a task reserved for the lowliest of servants. He said to his disciples that the one who is greater is the one who serves (Luke 22:27).
2. How does being a leader inside the church differ from being a leader outside of the church? Being a leader outside of the church differs functionally, not principally. In the church, the functions you are assigned will obviously differ from the functions you complete outside of the church. The principles that govern you within the church should be active within any space you find yourself in. So, the way you would demonstrate your leadership practically might look different, but principally, you are functioning out of your gospel-centered convictions whether you are teaching a Sunday school class or helping out a client within your company.
3. What is your favorite part of being a leader in the church? My favorite part of being a leader in the church is seeing people being saved by the gospel. God has confirmed and called me to do that which I do, exclusively for his glory and for the joy of the people who I have been entrusted with. It is both sobering and exciting at the same time. It is exhilarating to see how the gospel takes root in the life of a person. It is invigorating to see biblical truths become physical realities in the life of a person. My favorite part of being a leader in the church would have to be seeing a person come from death to life by the power of the gospel. I have personally witnessed this many times, right before my eyes, and it never gets old!
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