Church Leadership is Not About a Title

I listen regularly to the “Preachers in Training” podcast. I recommend it to all who preach. In fact, this podcast always has some good information for all Christians, regardless of where we find ourselves in the Lord’s body. 

Brother Robert Hatfield hosts this podcast. He also serves as the director/administrator of The Light Network. If you would like more information about any of the podcasts on The Light Network, you can find that at www.thelightnetwork.tv.

Recently, Stephen Sutton was the guest on “Preachers in Training.” Primarily, he was talking about something he does in addition to, and in conjunction with, his work as a local preacher. Brother Sutton serves as a chaplain with his local law enforcement and fire department personnel. It was readily apparent that this work is very close to his heart.

During the podcast, brother Sutton made a comment (three times, I think) that I hope will challenge all of us who wear the name “Christian.” Specifically, I’m hoping that all who are looked upon as leaders in any way will consider seriously what he said.

What Leadership is About

As he spoke of his work as a chaplain, he tried to get the point across that:

Serving as a chaplain is not a title or a position. It is about relationships.

As I listened to brother Sutton, one thing became very clear. As he interacts with law enforcement officials and fire department personnel, his “calling card” is not a badge or any form of official credentials. When these people see him, they see a friend. He has demonstrated love, concern, and compassion for them. He has done that even when he was not on duty.

As many who will be reading these words know, I try to serve as both an elder and a preacher in our local congregation. As I type the words to follow, I am not pointing a finger at anybody other than myself. At the same time, I’m hoping that this will serve as food for thought for my brethren who may also serve in one or both of these capacities.

When my brothers and sisters think of me as an elder, do they think of my title and/or position? Do they see me like they would see me if I happened to be a member of the local school board or the board of directors of some corporation? Am I, to them, some anonymous member of some group that really has little or no impact on their daily lives? 

Do they even know that I am supposed to be serving as one of their shepherds? Sadly, I’ve been in situations in which members of a local congregation did not even know the names of their elders; much less have any idea of what they are supposed to do.

Hopefully, my brothers and sisters will see me as having shared in their lives (during good times, bad times, and “average” times). When I am with members of my church family, I pray that they see things in that light. I hope I come across as a brother who loves them and cares about them. I hope that they do not see my presence as an intimidating visit from “one of the bosses.”

Similarly, my goal is that I am seen as more–much more–than merely the preacher. I am the first to admit that it takes time to present something from God’s Word that is biblical and helpful. 

However, I never want what I have to say to be viewed at some sort of “pronouncement from the ivory tower.” I do not want people thinking that, because I may (or may not) have some training or time to study that somebody else does not have, I’m somehow a little above my fellow Christians. It seems to me that the man in the pulpit should also be the man in the hospital room, the man in the funeral home, the man in the living room, etc.

People Don’t Care How Much You Know…

I once heard a man present a lecture in which he was very critical of the old saying, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.” In my opinion, he could not possibly have been more mistaken. 

A statement that was made quite a while ago was funny to the people who heard it. As I reflect on it over a quarter of a century later, I think it may have been one of the better compliments I’ve ever received. It was made by a little guy who was all over the floors and pews playing with toys while I preached. According to his family and others who were sitting close by, one Sunday morning that changed for one brief moment. While I was preaching, he suddenly stopped playing, looked toward the pulpit area and said, “There’s old Jim.”

“Old Jim” is a lot older now. My goal is the same now as it was then. I want to help others and I want others to help me as we face life’s challenges and make our way toward heaven. I think I can do that better as a friend, rather than as a professional. 

I believe brother Sutton was exactly right. It is about relationships.

—————————-

To Receive Every Post via Email for Free, Click Here