Be Completely Humble (by John Russell)
No matter what size the church you serve may be, in every church, there are three different congregations whom you must pastor and attend to. The entire congregation. Second, the staff, and third, the leadership/elders. It is the third group that is the most critical for you to tend to the dynamics as carefully and tenderly as possible to keep it from developing into the almost natural tendency of an “us versus them” mentality.
During the time of ministering in the local church, I have found great help in tending to all three of these congregations from Paul’s encouragement in Ephesians 4. Years ago, someone outlined that chapter as being divided this way: Pursue Unity, Utilize Diversity, Develop Maturity, Display Purity, Speak Tenderly and Act Compassionately. Great advice!
Paul opened his chapter by stating, “Be completely humble...” (Ephesians 4:2). If there is to be success in relationship to the flock of elders you must be humble. When addressing elders’ retreats/conferences, I advise that many young ministers are often insecure, introverted, inadequately prepared with training, injured, and inundated with tasks. So please be patiently loving toward them and you’ll get better results. What the elders need from ministers is the spirit of humility, which will best enable unity and growth to occur.
We don’t have all the answers nor the clarity on all things facing the church, so we’d do well to listen more, be slower to speak, and avoid frustration/anger with the leadership (James 1:19). Ministry is most effective and best displayed with a humble spirit. Humility helps in several ways. First, by making you more listenable, your voice takes on a greater weight. And second, humility increases the likelihood of that same attitude in the eldership/leadership.
Remember the first word in our calling, “servant” leadership. Even in the most harmonious relationships, there come times of contention and disagreement. We do not all think alike and, honestly, some don’t think at all! Having the right attitude allows you to better utilize the diversity within the church leadership to create unity.
Teamwork and chemistry are often the most underrated characteristics in sports, business, and especially ministry. That means being able to work with those who might be irritating but necessary to the progress and harmony of the family. On another occasion Paul encouraged, “If it is possible, as far as it depends upon you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). The Apostle Paul gently reminds us that we will not be able to get along with everyone. But the “as far as it depends on you” encourages us to work hard at unity and avoid the selfish attitude of “my way or the highway.”
The humble man will stand strong on truth, spoken in love, and practice patience in the relationship. When we nurture leaders, it produces better results. It was a rumor that Pete Rose and Johnny Bench could hardly tolerate one another. But working hard to be a team resulted in several pennants and World Series rings. Let it never be said of us that harmony was sacrificed because of a selfish-demanding spirit. Instead, let our humble spirit win over the hesitant. At times bend to the direction and instruction of others.
Those who focus on power will always squelch love, but those who focus on love, unleash a power far beyond themselves. “Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
John Russell