What I’m Thinking: Leadership (Jesus’ Idea of Leadership)

Jesus’ harshest critique of the religious leaders of his day was “Do as they say, not as they do” – because they told people to do difficult things, and then didn’t help them do it. The true leader, said Jesus, is the one who serves.

Here’s a transcript:

I think we’re going to be very blessed this coming Sunday, because we’ve got a guest preacher. The Rev. Dr. Gary Augustin will be with us. 

He’s the executive director of the Samaritan Counseling Center on O’ahu, and most recently has been in Puerto Rico helping the survivors of the terrible hurricane that so afflicted that island.

But I am still thinking! I’m thinking of the 23rd chapter of Matthew. In it, Jesus delivers one of his most pointed critiques of the religious leaders of his age. He tells the people, “Do what they tell you to do, but don’t do what they actually do themselves.”

What they do, it seems, is they create burdens for others to carry, but they do not help them with the carrying. Unfortunately, I suspect that has been true of religious leaders in a lot of places and a lot of times through the history of the world. And that includes me.

Jesus closes by saying that the greatest among you will be your servant. Well, that’s nice. It implies that the world will be reversed.

But I think it also says something about what leadership is supposed to be like in the Christian Church (and which it all too often is not): Leadership is servanthood. Those who serve, those who are considerate of others, those who practice each day to help their friends and companions on the journey meet their needs: these are the true leaders of the Christian Church.

And I pray that I, and that all of us, may be true leaders through our service.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious about what you’re thinking, so leave me your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!