Church Leaders: Be a Servant

Category: Leader Qualities

Servanthood requires the right attitudes and ambitions, not merely the right actions. Playing the part eventually shows itself. Leaders must serve from the inside out. Servanthood begins in the heart.
 
The Right Attitude

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8)

You need a Christ-like attitude to be a servant. Jesus became God in the flesh so He could serve us. -- "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." (Matt. 20:28)
 
Jesus willingly submitted to the will of the Father to sacrificially lay down His life .... the ultimate in servanthood.
 

You need a humble heart willing to submit.

You must rid yourself of pride that can so quickly settle in the hearts of leaders.
 

Leaders, think on these questions:
What kind of entitlement issues might you be holding onto that prevent you from truly serving others?How much is your self-esteem wrapped up in your status or position as a leader?How far are you willing to go in serving the people in your sphere of influence?
 
The Right Ambitions

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Gal. 5:13)
 
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (Matt. 5:44-46)

You are there to serve people, not yourself. People matter more than programs, agendas, etc. It's not about getting your way but rather what is for the good of everyone.
 
You are there to serve people by building them up, expressing appreciation and encouragement. It's not about manipulating them with praise to gain their cooperation but rather genuinely seeking to edify others in all you say and do.
 
You are there to serve all kinds of people, even the unlovable, critical, backstabbers, etc. It's not about what makes you feel good or affirmed but rather loving as Christ served.
 

You need a grace-filled heart of love that genuinely cares for and values people.

You must rid yourself of personal prejudices and be willing to step out of your comfort zone for others.


Leaders, think on these questions:
What motivates you as a leader?How purposeful are you at acknowledging people in your care?How do you treat people that get in your way or seem to oppose you?
 
The Right Actions

Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Lk. 22:25-27)
 
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet. 5:2-3)

A servant is not stifling by a need to maintain control but rather open to the contributions of others . . . does not lord it over.
 
A servant is not self-serving but rather selflessly yielding to the opinions of others and not always having to take the credit for what is done . . . does not consider oneself the benefactor.
 
A servant is not superior but rather meek not feeling it beneath themselves to do menial task or that which someone in a "lesser" position might do . . . does not have to act like the greatest or the one who rules.
 
A servant is not stingy but rather giving of their time and resources to people . . . does not give begrudgingly or with thought of return.
 
Acting this way as a leader does not mean you become a doormat, allowing people to take advantage of you. For the sake of your own personal health and God-given responsibilities (i.e., family, spouse), you may need to set some boundaries. -- "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" (1 Tim. 3:5)
 
Being a servant leader does not mean letting everybody simply "do what is right in their own eyes" as that would only lead to troubles and chaos. Parameters must be provided that work toward the good of the whole and glory to God. We do not serve by seeking to please people but rather God who is the One to whom we are ultimately accountable. -- Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Gal. 1:10)
 

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submit your music to hungryandhumble409@gmail.com
and listen in Sundays from 2pm to 5pm
hope to hear your music played soon!

Happy "Hump Day" Saints! Today is want to recognize and refer two great laboring online  stations in the body of Christ. Bonnified Talk Radio under the direction of Evangelist Felana
is a great place for new artist to submit your music as well with keep up other artists and listen in to God's anointed speaking on Real Life Topics that we face daily in our walk of faith.
email your music to evangelistfelana@gmail.com
Join the awesome Gospel Conference call every Tuesday @8pm and listen daily to their spotlight artist on Let's Talk Gospel! The outpouring of information on the Dove and Stellar events, music business, radio connections, branding,networking and for benificial outlets for artist as well as executives and Christian business owners. My ministry has gone to another level in Christ since connecting on the call. submit your music to letstalkgospel@gmail.com  YES! THEY WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC! It was put in my spirit to share this info  with you all and I hope it is a blessing to the vision the Lord has given you to fulfill. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!♡♡♡♡♡♡

The word of God states that Because He's for us nothing can stop us........ And that because He's with us nothing can stand against us......
walk into the power and authority that has been placed in you..... and constantly remind yourself that because of the Blood shed on calvary by Christ..... WE CAN DO ALL THINGS!! #BeBlessed

Have you been hurt by a church?  If so, you’re not alone.  I’ve heard stories from people who have found church confusing, contrarian, or even damaging.  Not every church hurts people, but most churches have hurt someone at some point.  Some people are hurt through their own mistakes, others because of sin committed against them, and still others because of failed leadership.  This reality can leave them reluctant to re-engage, afraid of being hurt again, wanting to protect themselves, and questioning the place of church in their lives.  The good news for the hurting is that God has spoken to your pain in the Bible.

Most of the writing in the New Testament about how to live in a church exists because the church has never been perfect.  Most, if not all, of the letters were written to solve problems in the church:

  -- Galatians to solve legalism (Galatians 1:6–7, 3:1–3, 4:9, 5:1).

  -- Colossians to solve heresy (Colossians 2:4, 8).

  -- 2 Timothy to solve tension in succession (2 Timothy 4:9–16). 

  -- Philippians to solve conflict and selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3–22).

   --1 and 2 Corinthians to solve a whole host of problems centered around the issues of human pride
          in gifting and speaking that led to loveless and arrogant religious activity. 

   --And that’s not even to mention the letters to the churches in Revelation (chapters 2–3), one of which is
          so unhealthy, it makes Jesus want to vomit (Revelation 3:16).

What types of experiences have encountered dealing with "Church Hurt?" And how did you resolve the problem?