Humble Pie for Pastors
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Mon, March 26, 2007
- Viewed 260
- (2) comments so far
A true leader recognizes that leading is neither more nor less than serving. Humility is not the opposite of power, healthy pride, and self-esteem. In fact, it engenders strong, confident, effective leading. Humble leaders recognize that their job is to serve others with their gifts so that their followers, in turn, may maximize their own gifts and talents.
Common leaders think of themselves as people who seize opportunities and help others and organizations get things done. Some see themselves as leaders who serve. But uncommon leaders think of themselves as servants…who lead.
Just as waiters use menus and trays to serve and teachers use textbooks and knowledge to serve and trash haulers use containers and trucks to serve, servant-leaders use the tools of their trade to benefit others. These tools—position and the ability to influence—are the towel and basin for washing others’ feet. While a common leader has servants who wash his or her feet, the servant-leader washes the feet of those he or she serves.
After you’ve been in the company of a servant-leader, you feel more impressed with yourself, not less. You don’t feel intimidated; you feel motivated. You’re enthusiastic about participating, and you desire to commit. Trust, a staple in leadership, grows faster with a servant-leader. You don’t que
Alan Nelson writes, "Americans look more for character in their leaders than ideology, according to a poll in regard to the current presidential campaign. It’s a good reminder for those of us in ministry to emphasize what matters most. In Spirituality and Leadership (NavPress), I’ve written about some of the ways that leadership endangers the soul. One danger is power. While power is necessary for effective leadership, it can be toxic to one’s character and spirituality. Power and humility often seem mutually exclusive; it’s tough to have both at the same time. Another danger is egotism. Leaders tend to be upfront, go-to people for permission granting, problem solving, and advice giving. They’re better known than others. All of this tends to inflate their egos. Fame, influence, position, and perks can easily lead to excessive pride, arrogance, and conceit..."
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dpastordan on Tue, March 27, 2007
Unfortunately, in my experience, most of the folks that fit the humble servant leader role were not pastors but sergeants in the Army. Why? A good NCO takes care of those he is responsible for. If he does it well, he knows that when the soldiers are cared for they will do their mission. I think of Sergeant Major Abraham, when I was on ROTC duty, who brought in a heavy duty sewing machine to sow patches on the cadets uniforms - to help them save on expenses. I remember Master Sergeant Timney with an Army reserve unit who called from his civilian job to check on his soldiers on their civilian jobs, was there for them for their special moments. I remember SGT Jordan who took me under his wing on my first duty assignment - mentoring me and showing me that leadership was more than just giving directions. He often gave money [he did not believe in loaning] to soldiers who had financial troubles [and expected them to improve their finances].
I believe if more pastors served as NCO’s or Petty Officers, we might see some improvement in pastoral ministry. Just my two cents worth.
Rick on Mon, April 02, 2007
Right on, dpastordan. Too many pastors come off like LTs in need of an ego-check.
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