I just finished “Reimagining Church” and it is a jewel indeed. Here is a quote from the Chapter “Reimaging Leadership”. There are like 50 quotes worth their weight in gold.
- In the Gentile world, leaders operate on the basis of a political, chain-of-command social structure-a graded hierarchy. In the kingdom of God, leadership flows from childlike meekness and sacrificial service
- In the Gentile world, authority is based on position and rank. In the kingdom of God, authority is based on godly character. Note Christ’s description of a leader: “Let him be a servant”, and “let him be as the younger”. In our Lord’s eyes, being precedes doing. And doing flows from being. Put differently, function follows character. Those who serve do so because they are servants.
- In the Gentile world, greatness is measured by prominence, external power, and political influence. In the kingdom of God, greatness is measured by humility and servitude.
- In the Gentile world, leaders exploit their positions to rule over others. In the Kingdom of God, leaders deplore special reverence. They rather regard themselves “as the younger”.
Pg 157 of Reimaging Church
Lionel, I thankyou for these quotes they are indeed gold.
I am sure there is a world wide reimaging of church going on in this present time like no other before it, your Blog and many others are adding to the debate. It is my prayer the debate continues in a spirit of love for it is on the shoulders of the “established church” we stand and are able to further advance the Kingdom of God.
Gold indeed brother Lionel. Why is their such a emphasis to be in this limelight of authority? Today seems like everybody wants to be famous. From time to time, I’ll have people say to me, “Hey little preacher, or I am going to come to your church when you get started!!” What? No, no, no, this is not about being in the limelight at all. Being a servant for the Lord Jesus Christ has nothing to do with being a great preacher. Why did Jesus do this?:
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (John 6:15)
Our real King was a servant obedient unto death (Philippians 2:6-8)! But today, we have created positions that can lead us to death! If you can talk a good game, “hey make him a preacher!” Good with finances, “hey put him on the deacon board as the cheif financial officer.” Don’t even ask whether he is a Christian, that brother is good with the money, he’s qualified to run things. Man has placed his own view of what leadership and authority really is. Is that why Jesus Christ will say this (some considered these words to be the most frightening words of the bible):
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
Are we trying to climb a status ladder in Christendom which has never existed? Gentiles seek to climb the status ladder. They set goals to become rich and famous, are Christians doing the same. I can understand why Derrick and Michael discussed that of 1 Timothy 3:1. I mean come on, how many truly want to be what is listed in 1 Timothy 3. Those things don’t give you status quo, they show that you are a servant, willing to sacrifice your life for Christ Jesus.
Karsten Miller
KM thanks for your remarks I appreciate it thanks!!
Thank you Karsten, your comment is spot on, I will again go on record to say they are wolfs dressed as sheep, praying on the children of God, their predator’s