Servant Leaders

A popular idea that is often preached from a church pulpit is servant leadership. Those in full time ministry often express this as their heart’s desire. No one seems to see a strange paradox in how this message is practically worked out between parishioners and clergy.

Many Christians are very happy aligning themselves with and paying a minister to preach to them about servanthood. In fact, they are very uncomfortable with someone who doesn’t align themselves with a paid servant of God.

The average Christian makes no money as they serve and are often very committed to the group they are in. Their pastor on the other hand is usually only there because he/she receives a paycheque. If they don’t get paid they move on to a group that is willing to pay them. This is called servant/leadership.

Is it any wonder that those on the outside of the church question the leadership model within the church?

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:42-45