Ask PastorDave: This thing about "church leadership"
Should I accept a position of leadership in my church?
First, let me say I have a problem with the terminology. It is a common phrase, “church leader”, but it is borrowed from the corporate/political world and really has no place in the church. Jesus, the founder and head of the church, has much admonition toward service and little toward being served. As the disciples argued about who would be greatest in the coming kingdom, He used a little child to illustrate his intention for their approach to life. “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all…” (Mark 9:35). It seems to me our foremost goal in life is to be a faithful servant of God. Especially in the church our place is to be far removed from the pedestal and the limelight.
I remember as a young pastor attending a convention of my denomination. By nature, the attendance of these meetings is largely composed of pastors and “church leaders”. As soon as I walked into the door, I was greeted by a stranger in a nice suit. His hair was greased, smile was big, and handshake firm. Systematically he was glad-handing everyone as he mouthed his name and feigned interest. Soon I found out his name was up for nomination for president of the convention. Now, I was young and inexperienced in denominational politics, but it seemed odd to me that a person would campaign for a voluntary position within the church.
It has been twenty years since that evening, and I have learned a thing or two about the nature of church folk. But I still find it incongruous for a person to politic for a place of authority within the church. Jesus could have set any example, and He chose to model servanthood. I am pretty sure He wants us to carry on with the lifestyle.
So, in whatever capacity you find yourself within your activities of the church, keep in mind that you are there to serve. Any glory and praise is to be reflected to God. And you will serve Him, not by exercising power, but by following the example of Jesus in John 13- He washed feet!
Shortly after becoming pastor of a small church, I was greeted by a big, tall, self-confident member. With vigor he boasted, “I’ve run this church for 14 years!” That hit me the wrong way, and before I could get my humility in gear my mouth blurted out, “That’s funny. I thought the Lord was supposed to run the church.” This man was serious about exercising his power, and proved to be a great source of hindrance to the health of the church and its ministry.
Should you accept this position?
*With initial response, do not say yes or no. Pray about it until God gives you a peace about what should be your response.
*Feel honored about the opportunity.
*Understand clearly that what is being offered to you is a place of service, and in no way a place to be served.
*If you accept the offer, use it magnify God and minimize self.
*Personally, I think you should read John 13 over and over. Then, before you ever accept the title of your new place within the church, .grab a towel and a wash basin and get to work.
