The Bible presents to us various descriptions about what church leaders are and how they should be carrying their roles and responsibilities. Despite all of the descriptions in the holy book, we should all realise that our church leaders are fully human and imperfect, and thus they will have their shortcomings once in a while. The best thing to do would be to pray for them.
The greatest example that we could have of any church leader would be the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Head of the church, the Great Shepherd of the flock, the Bridegroom of the bride, and the Master of every Christian. Yes, there's no one better than Him.
Christ Jesus, despite being God Himself, was fully human just like us. He had limitations and natural weaknesses such as hunger, thirst and fatigue. He didn't have superhuman abilities: if He had, that would be cheating. He was just like us, but He is our role model, and we should learn from Him.
Here are some qualities that church leaders should learn and strive to possess, according to the Lord Jesus' example.
1. A life that seeks to do all the will of the Father
"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will." (John 6:38)
The Lord Jesus, despite being God, did not come here to do what He wants for Himself. He came to do what the Father, our very Father, wanted Him to do. Can we also say, with all humility and honesty, that we are alive only for the sole purpose of doing what God wants?
Jesus didn't have any ambition except to do what the Father wanted Him to do. He didn't go around making Himself famous or parading God's glory that was visible in His face. No. He only lived to do what God wanted Him to do.
2. A love that goes unto the end
"Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end." (John 13:1)
This is such a tremendously heart-rending part of the gospel. Jesus knew that His time had come, and so what did He do? He showed His love to His disciples to the very end.
How many of us are willing to lay down our lives to love those whom God gives us? Think about it. Some of us, if we knew that our time is up, would probably pack up our bags and go have some fun. Jesus instead chose to love His disciples – the very people who He knew would abandon Him after that same hour.
3. A commitment to never abandon those entrusted to Him
"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
The Lord Jesus is so committed to all who follow Him that He will never leave them or forsake them. Think about it: After giving His disciples the great commission in Matthew 28:18-20, He assures them that He'll be with them always.
Wow. That's what I call commitment. We should all learn to never abandon those whom God has entrusted into our care.
It's all about Him
Church leaders should realise and learn that being a leader in church is not about us. It's all about Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.
