Alignment-Serving Leaders and Insecure Leaders

Alignment, Serving Leaders and Insecure Leaders

Leaders Serve! Leaders are called to be servants not tyrants’, dictators, or slave owners. I have seen my share of leaders who are rude, angry, and controlling toward the sheep. It is as if they feel that they are to rule over the sheep with a rod of iron. Look at what Jesus said about serving and being great. Matthew 21:25-28 TPT, “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, called them to his side and said, “Kings and those with great authority in this world rule oppressively over their subjects, like tyrants. But this is not your calling. You will lead by a completely different model. The greatest one among you will live as the one who is called to serve others, because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served but to serve and give his life in exchange for the salvation of many.” Look at that word. Being a tyrant, is NOT your calling. If you cannot serve without being a tyrant, rude, angry, and belittling the sheep; get out of the ministry. I just saw a quote from an unknown author, “Rudeness is the weak persons imitation of strength. There is no strength in rudeness, its only meant to intimidate.

Several years ago, while in a round table meeting, I spoke about working with leaders in colleges, universities, etc. At the break a pastor said to me privately, “If that lady, that you’re working with at the university attended my church, she would have to get my permission, to work with you.” I was shocked. When did it become a requirement, for members of any church to get the permission of their leader before they serve the Lord? I said to him, “That’s a slave owners’ mentality. Church members do not need your permission. It would be great if they received your blessings, but they never need your permission to do what our Lord has called them to.” (Note: What I’ve just said does not give anyone the license to trample on the leaders ministry.  Build your own platform.) This pastor’s concept was that of a tyrant not of a servant.  This type of leadership wants to control, manipulate and smother, in order that members just serve the leader’s vision.

Another thing I want to say to those who have felt the verbal oppression of a leader. I apologize to you for the abuse that has come from my fellow ministers. You do not have to take that. Do not submit to that oppression. Walk away from it. The oppressive leader does not deserve to lead any sheep.

Top Position

I see several leaders today, who salivate for the top position and never want to serve the body of Christ. Their plan is to build a platform for themselves. Young men come to me and say, I want to preach from your pulpit. I say, “okay, are you willing to serve?” Are you willing to help at the church? Are you willing to go and help others in the body here?” Eight out ten, just want to preach, without serving. They just want to use my platform for their agenda. This is different from what Jesus taught. Recognition, prestige, success, affirmation is all at the top of the list of those who refuse to serve.

The word of the Lord says, in Psalm 100:2 “SERVE the Lord with gladness.” Serving one another is a calling that Yahweh graciously gives to us. Galatians 6:2, Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

Ministry Over Relationship?

Several years ago, a certain minister would come to me repeatedly and tell me about the great things he was doing in ministry. The conversation began with him telling of his works. He did not bother to build relationship with me, he just wanted to tell me how great he was. Each time it was the same story. Ministry-Ministry-Ministry consumed the conversation. I finally told him, “I want to get to know you, not your ministry. Leaders, there is a time that you need to take the leader hat off, disengage and be yourself. Relationship allows us to do just that. To those in the body of Christ, allow your leaders to be themselves.  Allow them to be a friend! Work on getting close to your Ekklesia leader. Take them out to lunch, serve them. Say to them, “How can I help you?”

Most ministers today will not even attempt to build relationship with their parishioners. They’re submitted to the religious tradition that says, “You can’t get close to the people. Our Lord Jesus did just the opposite of that tradition. He spent time with his disciples, leaving us an example of relationship with those He served. In the book of Acts, we see this; “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42  “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

You never stop serving others.

Christmas is a big production at our home, as we celebrate Christ and our family. This is mainly for our grandkids. We love seeing them blessed. One Christmas, it was remarkably busy, and my mom was visiting us. On the way to do an errand, I drove by two women who were trying to change the tire on their car. As I was getting closer, Holy Spirit said, “Stop and help them.” “I don’t have time for this Lord,” and I kept driving. He repeated, “Go back and help them.” No, was my replay. He never rebuked me but continued to confidently urge me, “Go back and help them.” Finally, I turned around and made it back to their car. The shoulder of the road sloped and every time they tried to jack the car up, it would fall back to the ground. I managed to get the flat tire off and looked in the trunk at the spare. It was in as bad of shape as the one I just took off, but it did have air in it.  I put the spare on, let the car down.

As I put the flat tire into the trunk, Holy Spirit said, “give her that 50-dollar bill you have in your wallet. I only had one $50 and Holy Spirit knew it. You cannot hide your money from Yahweh. (More on the subject of money later.) I said, Lord, “I have changed her tire and now you want me to give her my money.” “YES.” I reached in my wallet took out the 50 and handed to the young lady. She was shaking her head NO, as her mom was nodding, YES. The young lady began to weep. I said, “this is your Christmas gift from Jesus.” She took the money and wrapped her arms around me and hugged me like I was her daddy. I began to cry with her and understood that day, my role as a minister. That role is to serve.

My answer to those who insist on being rude and angry toward the sheep. Stop or get out of the ministry. You have been called to serve those you are abusing. Repent of this sin. Ask those you abused to forgive you. Be humble and equip them through your ministry.

To those who want to preach but never serve. You are being prideful. Repent of that pride and begin serving the body of Christ with gladness.

Let’s pray:

Father, give all the leaders grace to walk in humility. Teach each one of us the ministry of serving. Say this, “Father, I agree with Your word on serving. Today I set myself to serve as Jesus did and be a blessing to others. We pray this in Yeshua’s name.

Ken Malone

forerunner-ministries.org

office@forerunner-ministries.org