A FEW GOOD LEADERS
“A Few Good Men” was a hit movie staring Jack Nicolson, Tom Cruise and
Demi Moore. The climax of the movie was a courtroom scene where 2 U.S. Marines,
Lance Corporal Dawson and Private Downey, were being court martialed for the
murder of fellow marine, Santiago. Ultimately, the testimony at trial revealed that
Dawson and Downey followed the directive of their superior, Colonel Jessup, played
by Jack Nicholson to administer a “code red,” a form of punishment meant to
discipline Santiago who, in Jessup’s opinion was a “weak” marine. Unfortunately,
Santiago dies. At trial, naval lawyer Markinson, played by Tom Cruise, was able to
establish through Jessup, who, while testifying, loses his temper, snaps, extols his
own importance to the national security of the United States, and admits that it was
him (Jessup) who gave the “code red.” The movie ends with Jessup being led away
in handcuffs for ordering the “code red” and Dawson and Downey being cleared of
the murder charges, but found guilty of conduct unbecoming of a U.S. Marine. While
Dawson accepted the verdict, Downey was at a loss as to why they were being
handcuffed since Jessup admitted to ordering the “code red.” Dawson explains to
Downey that they had failed to stand up for those too weak to fight – like Santiago.
This movie shows us the dynamics that exists between leaders and those
over whom leaders direct or govern. It also paints an example of a leader who
abuses his power and allows his ego to run amuck and cause his ruin. “A Few Good
Men” takes a poignant look at “servants” and what it means to be a leader while
serving and how standing up for right, and the rights of others, while it may not be
popular with the masses, is still the right thing to do. In no uncertain terms we learn
from this movie that a true leader develops the skills to become an effective leader
through crises and challenges.
What the Christian church needs more than anything today are a “Few Good
Leaders” – those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work required to
build the Kingdom of God and His Christ. And so the two questions we must
therefore examine are: (1) what does it mean to be a leader in the Church and, (2)
who is qualified to be a church leader? Let’s ponder these two questions throughout
this study of leadership.
We could have no greater example of Christian Leadership than we see in our
Lord Jesus Christ. Two scriptures that give us a snapshot of Christian Leadership
can be found in Mark 10:35-45 and John 13:1-5, 12-15. Let’s examine these briefly:
Mark 10:35-45
Here two of the disciples (James and John, the sons of Zebedee) approach
Jesus and request positions of leadership from him. It is uncertain as to what
motivated the disciples to ask this of Jesus, but perhaps they truly wanted to “do
good,” or it could have been that they were looking for position or importance in the
eyes of Jesus, but what ever the motive, we do have a clear impression of what Jesus
thought of the request. Jesus responds by telling the disciples that he could not
grant them the positions they sought. Jesus called all the disciples unto him and told
them all “ …. You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it
over them, and their great men exercise authority over them, …. whoever would be
great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must
be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to
give his life as a ransom for many.” (vs: 42-45). Jesus contrasts the Gentile approach
of leadership which was the “exercising of authority” with that of servants” and
“slaves” which was how the disciples and we are to exhibit leadership.
John 13: 1-5, 12-15
The night before Jesus was to be crucified, he washed the disciples’ feet. This
act of humility demonstrated by Jesus was generally regarded as the “job” of the
lowest person or “slave” to wash the feet of the visitors. Through this singular act,
Jesus gives the disciples an example of a leader striping himself of the position of
power and performing the tasks of the lowest of persons, which in itself shows us
the ultimate characteristic of leadership – “servanthood.”
So in answering the two questions above (namely (1) what does it mean to
be a leader in the Church and, (2) who is qualified to be a church leader?) we have
our answer from scripture. In order to be a church leader, one must be a servant,
and if one is able to humble himself and “serve,” then one is qualified to be a leader.
This therefore raises the question of what is the relationship between position and
leadership in the church, and what are the characteristics of the servant leader? Is it
possible to “rise” in leadership (be it in religious or secular circles) while
maintaining a “downward journey?” In pondering this question, read this excerpt
from The Samaritan’s Posture, by Gordon Cosby:
“Part of the scandal of the gospel is that when you meet the
abandoned, crucified Messiah, he grabs you and you belong to him.
Wherever you are in privilege and power and status and opportunity,
you start the movement down, not up….. One keeps going down and
down until one is identified with the victimized poor wherever they
are scattered throughout the earth. Wherever you see them and hear
about them, you know that your lot is cast with them, that they are
your people.”
It does seem possible to lead from the bottom or the rear! Let us further
examine this concept of servanthood and servant leadership by reading Acts 20:2938:
29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and
will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise
and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So
be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped
warning each of you night and day with tears. 32 "Now I commit you to
God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you
an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not
coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know
that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of
my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind
of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord
Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " 36
When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37
They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved
them most was his statement that they would never see his face again.
Then they accompanied him to the ship.
The Bible, both the Old and New Testament, demonstrates that God has
mediated His rule over man in the earth. In the Old Testament this was
accomplished through patriarchs, judges, prophets, priests, and kings. The New
Testament is a revelation of God’s mediated rule over the earth through the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit that governs evangelists, pastors, and all believers.
Consequently, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God intended for all
believers, irrespective of title or position to be “servant leaders.”
God instituted how His order of leadership was to operate in the earth when
man fell and sin erupted as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Where
there was once peace on the earth, there was now chaos. Calm and order in the
Garden of Eden was replaced with discord, strife, and unruliness. God had no other
choice but to establish rules that would govern the family, church, and state. In each
of these areas, God has designed that there would be leaders and followers:
authority and submission. Acts 20:17-38.
The standard by which leadership is to be measured in scripture is through
precept and example instead of precept and power. See 1 Peter 5:3; Philippians
3:17, 4: 9; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 & 9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7.
The prevailing point God makes in these scriptures is that leadership is a
responsibility not to be taken lightly, and that God’s servant leaders are accountable
to God, (Hebrews 13:7) and those who “teach” or preach the gospel are held to a
higher standard as their teachings impact the lives of others. (James 3:1). While God
has appointed and anointed believers to be in positions of authority within the
church, these servant leaders too must look to Christ ‘s example of serving and the
costs of leadership. Let’s take another look at Christ as The Servant Leader and
what leadership cost Him.
CHRIST – THE SERVANT
“Behold, my servant whom I have chose, my beloved with whom my
soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will
proclaim justice to the Gentiles.” Matthew 12:18.
What a marvelous example we have in Jesus as a servant. But what did it
take for Jesus to become a servant?
(Philippians2:5-8)
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Christ was intentional and deliberate in His choice to become a servant – despite the
cost to Him personally.
How did God respond to Christ’s choice to become a servant? (Philippians
2:9-11)
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What was the basis upon which Christ demanded His followers be servants?
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What was Christ’s greatest act of servanthood? __________________________________
Mark 10:45
Why did Christ serve people? ______________________________________________________
How did Christ serve others? ______________________________________________________
Did Christ need the empowering of the Holy Spirit for his act of service? (John
13:5-14.)
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Do Christians need a special anointing from God in order to serve others? (John
13:14)
Christ shows us that in order to serve others on God’s behalf, it is the Holy
Spirit that gifts and enables us to serve through our talents. Christ, while still being
fully divine, relinquished His power as God to become a man, and through the
empowerment of the Holy Spirit, Christ was able to serve others and leave us with a
model of service.
A life of Christ is one of humility. We see that serving costs. It requires
sacrifice. There may be no fanfare while you serve and you may be misunderstood
and not appreciated. In short, serving can be down right hard. But when seeking
God, a believer can “do all things through Christ.”
THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT
“If anyone serves me he must follow me; and where I am there will my
servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” John
12:26.
In Biblical times there was no government welfare system to provide
food or medical care for people. Instead, if families were in need, they would
borrow food, money, or equipment at an interest rate set by the creditor. If a
debtor was unable to pay, the debtor and his entire family were sold as
slaves for a set period of time in order to satisfy the creditors’ debts. As a
slave, debtors, whether they liked it or not, were required to do whatever
the master required – whether the debtors liked it or not.
What model of service does Christ give us as His followers and how
we are to serve? (Luke 17:7-10).
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Does this passage challenge you in any way? If so, how?
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Read Matthew 5:40-41. How do the beatitudes reveal the type of
service Christ is looking for in His followers? And why is it so hard for
Christians to serve in this way?
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Service for God and to others may seem pointless and leave us at
times feeling unappreciated. Read Acts 13:36. In what way does our sense of
being unappreciated in service have a higher purpose?
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What does Paul say about how else he served the church in Romans
1:9?
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How does Romans 12:11 challenge us in how we are to serve God?
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What does Romans 14:17-19 say about the type of service that brings
God’s acceptance and the approval of others? ____________________________________
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SERVING AS LEADERS
“But is shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you
must be your servant.” Mark 10:43
Christians have held positions of power since the early beginning of
civilization, and historically, they have abused their power. This has resulted in
church decline, public mistrust, cynicism and a systemic loss in evangelical zeal.
In what way does Luke 22:26 speak of the attitude of Christ’s followers?
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How did Christ’s statement in Luke 22:27 give Him the right to ask that His
leaders become servants?
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How can Christian leaders best serve those they lead?
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In what ways does Hebrews 13:7 suggest ways in which leaders can serve
those they lead?
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If Christian leadership means sacrificial serving, is there a similarity in how
Paul the apostle led like Nehemiah? Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-5; 11:25-29.
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How can “non-servant” “leaders” be identified? Romans 16:17-18. Note:
Paul says these “non-servants” are so called leaders who do not lead with a
servant’s heart. Romans 16:17-18.
Although Paul refers to himself as a “super-apostle” (2 Corinthians 11:5,
12:11) did he really think he should be regarded as such? 1 Corinthians 4:1?
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What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 20:25-26 about what is the basis for
“great” leadership? ________________________________________________________________________
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Why do you think Christians struggle to exercise ‘servant-leadership? Can
you identify some of the challenges Christian servant-leaders face?
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DOING GOD’s WORK HIS WAY
In order that we might serve as leaders in Christ, we must do it His way,
otherwise our natural tendency to do things “our way” will take us off course and
out of His will. Consider these principles as you continue to develop the heart and
commitment to being a servant leader.
1. A vision for the future: Being a servant leader requires constant
planning and assessment of the needs of God’s people. How can you position
yourself as a servant to meet those needs? And assuming you are currently
meeting the needs of those you serve, then never grow complacent or satisfied.
There is always more work to be done, so continue planning and holding to a vision
for the future in order that you are ready when God presents another opportunity
to serve. (1 Corinthians 16:5-6 & Romans 15:24-28)
2. Remain flexible: While planning for the future is key to an eventual
successful outcome, rarely does the journey to success unfold according to man’s
plans. As servant leaders doing work for God you must remain flexible, adaptable
and pliable in case God exercises His divine prerogative to change course. Remain
open to direction of the Holy Spirit while holding fast to the vision of serving the
people of God. (1 Corinthians 16:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:15-17, Acts 16:6-7).
3. Thoroughness requires commitment: The Apostle Paul was thorough.
He was committed to thoroughness and paid painstaking attention to the details of
the Holy Spirit’s leading in his ministry. (Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 3:10,
Ephesians 4:13; Acts 20:27). Unless a believer commits to being thorough in their
ministry, ineffectiveness is the harvest that will be reaped. Do all you can for the
building of God’s Kingdom. Do it to the best of your ability. Work as a servant
leader with commitment that will yield to thoroughness in everything you do, and
all will be done to the honor and glory of God the Father. Amen.
4.
A commitment to present service: While being an effective servant
leader requires planning, it also requires one to be a doer. A balance must be
struck between looking toward the future and being engaged in the present that
lays the groundwork for future plans coming to pass. Paul (1 Corinthians 16:6-9)
was a planner; he was committed to the future and remained engaged in the
present even while his greatest plans had to be deferred until his current work was
done.
If one can remain faithful in their present assignment or level or
responsibility, then God can use them at a higher level of service in the future.
(Luke 12:41). The servant leader should not envision their current responsibility as
a stepping-stone to something greater. Rather, just like the Apostle Paul who was
committed to his present area of service, so too must the servant leader be
committed to the door that God has currently made open. (Acts 14:27; 2
Corinthians 2:12). As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and His servant leaders,
we know that tomorrow is not ours. We therefore must labor and pour our lives
into the present because “now” may be all we have.
5.
Conflict and challenge come with the territory of service: If
where you are serving is conflict free, hold on to your seat belt because God
specializes in using servant leaders in tough situations. When situations get tight,
and difficulty looms forebodingly on the horizon, lean all the more on the Lord.
God works His miracles and exerts His might when all seems impossible. Be
encouraged in your service to the Lord. Listen to the Holy Spirit and hold fast to
where it leads you – even if it’s a hard place and a tight fit. God will “never leave
you or forsake you.”
6.
Serving the Lord requires a team spirit: John Donne wrote “No
man is an island unto him self; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the
main.” This says that we all are connected to our surroundings. We don’t just live
in a vacuum for ourselves. Rather, we live in such a way that what we do in life
impacts others whether we like it or not. So too is service for the Lord. There are
no superstars in the Kingdom. We are not called “out of darkness and into His
marvelous light” just for our own sake. We cannot minister to ourselves. We can
not keep the Great Commandment without witnessing to someone – we can’t just
keep it to ourselves. The Apostle Paul was dependent on others and equally loving
to them. (1 Corinthians 16:10-11; Romans 16)
7.
Being an effective servant leader requires sensitivity to the Holy
Spirit leading others: “Lording” over someone in ministry in an attempt to do the
work of the Lord is not only ineffective, but also isn’t the Lord’s way of getting
people to serve in ministry. Paul gives a perfect example of this in 1 Corinthians 1:
10-12). Here Apollos chose not to accompany Paul to Corinth. While Paul very
much wanted Apollos to go, Paul also recognized that forcing Apollos, or guilt
tripping him was not the Lord’s way of service. Instead, Paul remained sensitive to
the working of the Holy Spirit and realized patience was key with Apollos. While
serving the Lord is exciting, and spiritually rewarding, we must not forget that as
His servant leaders, we are merely vessels through which the Lord’s “will shall be
done on earth as it is in heaven.” Thus, we should not lose our sensitivity to the
movement of the Holy Spirit within the confines of our service in ministry, and we
should always remain cognizant that the Lord will call into service the right people
at the right time – we merely need to be patient, present, and plan.