As I troll through the Internet, doing research for an upcoming article, I became aware of the many articles written about leadership. Seems the Saints are quite concerned over WHO the leaders of this “movement” should be or, at the very least, who will lead their House Church. HOW should they be selected and WHAT it is they will actually do? Many who are attempting to “think outside the edifice” have only tasted of Institutional-style leadership and, well…we become what we surround ourselves with. When it’s all we know, it’s all we do. Reminds me of the elders of Israel in 1 Samuel Chapter 8. They had direct access to God Himself through Samuel the prophet but wanted a king like all the other nations had. God gave in but warned them of what to expect. It was a disaster. Such is the Adamic nature of man: somebody tell me what to do!
I’m resisting the urge to say anything further regarding leadership a la Ephesians 4:11. That dead horse has been beaten into glue sticks by better writers and theologians than I within the House Church camps. The two extreme schools of thought range from doing what we’ve always tried to do in traditional settings to a complete absence of any leadership but the Holy Spirit.
And everything in between.
What’s burdening my heart as I scanned the many articles and titles I read was that the focus was so much upon the subject of leadership tainted by what we’ve known and experienced, NOT leadership as Jesus portrayed it - the One who said that He came as an example.
If I asked the question, “Who is the King of this Kingdom?” the vast majority of would say, “Jesus!” Good answer. We often forget that His Kingdom is an upside down Kingdom where the last are first, the weak are strong, the rich are poor, the dead are alive, one must lose oneself to find oneself, and where godly foolishness confounds the wisest among us. We forget that, rather than functioning as some sort of political leader or gangster kingpin, Jesus washed the feet of His followers and laid His life down for them. Compare that to the leaders of an Islamic terrorist group, encouraging his followers to lay down their lives as martyrs and strapping a bomb to their chests while he builds his diabolical empire.
Having counseled many a struggling married couple, far too often have I heard men declare how “unsubmissive” their wives were, while he sits in his leather reclining throne with remote control scepter in hand, barking out brief commands for all his subjects to obey: “Sit down!” “Be quiet!” “Go to sleep!” “Where’s my supper?”
On the other hand, Jesus exemplified what a REAL godly leader was like. He accepted children, calling them forward and blessing them. He honored women. He forgave the seemingly unforgivable. He loved the seemingly unlovable. He accepted those who had been rejected by everyone else. He showed future leaders how to be prophets, priests and kings. A Prophet hears from God and blesses the people. A Priest offers up prayers to Heaven on their behalf. And a King - a King along the family line of Jesus - serves His people. I’ve heard the word “meekness” defined as “Power under control.” King Solomon comes to mind. Remember? The Queen of Sheba marveled at the fine robes his subjects wore, how well the king fed them, what an incredible King he was; a type of Christ, I’d say.
In Acts 3:22-26 (NKJV), we read: For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
The phrase “my servant” and “thy servant” are used quite allot in Scripture. I couldn’t help but notice an interview yesterday with the Indianapolis Colts head coach, Tony Dungee. He is about to play in the Super Bowl against a protégée of his, Coach Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears. Dungee caught my attention when he was asked why he hired Smith years ago as one of his assistants. He said something like, “I knew he was knowledgeable of the game of football…I wanted someone who could teach.” He humbly referred to Smith as ” a man with Christian values, like myself.” Incidentally, he went on to say how similar Smith’s coaching style is to his own and how, in Chicago’s camp, just as in his own team’s camp, you won’t hear coaches cussing but you will hear lots of teaching going on. I like that. After all, what is a “coach” but a vehicle for transporting important people? These young men who play football are more than mere athletes; they’re fathers, husbands, citizens. In a land that’s lacking role models, how refreshing it is to know some “servants” take their job seriously.
Question: So, who are YOU coaching? As I often say, every one of us needs a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy in our lives: One to learn from, one to learn with and one to whom we can teach what we’ve learned. Water that’s not ebbing and flowing becomes a stagnant pool. If you are in a position of influence in the life of ANY other person - even at work or in your own home - serve them. Coach them. They may see you as their leader; so be it.
We serve God by serving others…whether we’re given a title or not.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
His mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Since ‘99, he has broadcast over 600 inspirational articles and a dozen booklets on subjects sure to interest the thinking Christian and accelerate the process of spiritual development.
He is the founder of t.e.a.m. ministries. An Author, Pastoral Counselor and Teacher, his eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” are read around the globe. Subscribe at team1min@our-town.com.com
A licensed/ordained minister, a Certified Workplace Chaplain, and a Professional Member of NIBIC, he has ministered in Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, College and Cowboy churches. He is the Workplace Chaplain for a Texas firm, overseeing the Spiritual Development of over 500 employees at ten facilities throughout the state. He is a strong advocate for the House Church Movement, readily available to assist Christians feeling that same inclination. A Speaker on the Christian Speaker Network, he may be available to speak to your church or Christian group.