Today in our seminary chapel, I heard a wonderful exposition of Mark 10:35-45 on servant leadership. After his exposition, he left about 20 minutes for specific and and pointed application (reminded me of the old Puritan sermons!). I post them here for your encouragement (and conviction!):
Practical ways in which a pastor can be a servant leader in the local church:
- Don’t listen to people who tell you what a great preacher you are! It’s a lie!
- Studiously avoid the place of honor (or the head table) at church banquets and potlucks
- Regularly perform custodial duties around church property.
- Make it a habit to volunteer yourself to serve in a low-profile ministry (jail, walk for life, evangelize, elementary school chapel, etc).
- Consider adopting another title besides “Senior Pastor”—perhaps “Undershepherd” or “Teaching Pastor”.
Let us all learn from these truths for, after all, our Savior was the greatest servant of all. Finally, hear a quote I also heard from his sermon:
It's hard to wash the feet of people when you're standing on a pedestal.
