“The church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose”, C. S. Lewis said in Devotional Classics.
The challenge is, many Christian leaders are acting more like our secular counterparts than the Servant Leaders Christ intended us to be. James MacDonald titled his article in Leadership Journal, I’m in charge here. He states, “Christian executives generally were more authoritative than their pagan counterparts (and) tend not to seek input from their subordinates as readily as do unbelieving administrators.” Further, David Lundy in Servant Leadership for Slow Learners, theorized that, “Many churches fail to grow because leadership is hoarded by the chosen few”.
As Christian leaders we need to live the Biblical model of Servant Leadership. Autocratic management models and the newest fad from the leadership style of the month club are not for the Christian Servant Leader. According to C. S. Lewis and David Lundy, the responsibility for improving the health of our churches rests squarely with the Christian Leader. Note (Ephesians 4:11-12) “…Christ gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” Secular leadership styles do not produce effective character building or servant-oriented leadership. Christian leaders must be different. As effective Christian leaders, we need to demonstrate God’s love through our relationship with Christ, loving our neighbors and ensuring the spiritual health of those under our care.
I like to remind Elders and Leadership Boards that they are legally, ethically and spiritually responsible for their churches.
Leadership is committing us to a life of service integrated with prayer.
Are you leading responsibly?
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach