In what ways can church leaders practice being "servant of all"? The Call to Servant Leadership Mark 9:35 “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.’” Heart Posture Behind Serving • Philippians 2:3-4 – humility over self-promotion • 2 Corinthians 4:5 – proclaim Christ, regard ourselves as servants for His sake • Matthew 20:28 – follow the pattern of the Son of Man who “did not come to be served, but to serve” Everyday Ways Church Leaders Live as “Servant of All” • Listen first, speak second – Take time for personal conversations, hospital visits, phone calls • Share ordinary tasks – Set up chairs, wash dishes after fellowship meals, clean classrooms • Prioritize the vulnerable – Widows, orphans, the poor, newcomers, shut-ins (James 1:27) • Model financial integrity – Transparent budgeting, modest lifestyle, generosity toward missions and benevolence • Offer spiritual care, not just administration – Personal prayer, counseling, discipleship rather than merely managing programs • Celebrate others’ gifts – Publicly commend volunteers, release qualified members to preach, teach, lead • Accept inconvenience – Adjust schedules, forego preferences, travel long distances when a sheep is in need • Practice restorative correction – Confront sin gently, aiming for repentance and healing (Galatians 6:1) • Stay reachable – Open office hours, answer messages promptly, be approachable before and after services • Keep learning – Receive feedback, seek mentorship, attend training to serve the body better Servant Leadership in Decision-Making • Begin with prayer and Scripture, not personal agendas • Invite wide input—from elders, ministry heads, and lay members • Weigh how choices affect the least-visible congregants • Choose transparency: explain reasons, acknowledge limitations, admit mistakes Modeling and Multiplying Service • John 13:14-15 – wash feet moments: create regular, visible acts of service the flock can imitate • 1 Peter 5:2-3 – lead by example, not by domineering • Mentor upcoming leaders in humility, letting them shadow visits, benevolence calls, community outreach Safeguards Against Self-Promotion • Routine self-examination before the Lord (Psalm 139:23-24) • Accountability with fellow elders or a trusted board • Guard Sabbath rest to prevent burnout that breeds resentment • Keep the cross central in preaching; the spotlight stays on Christ, not the pulpit personality Encouragement from Scripture • “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28) • “Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples” (1 Peter 5:2-3) • “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15) Living as “servant of all” keeps leaders close to the heartbeat of Jesus, builds trust in the congregation, and displays the gospel in action. |
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