A Call to Servant Leadershipনমুনা

Leadership Philosophy

Christian communities are not above succumbing to the celebrity culture prevalent in the world around us. Christian exhibitionism is alive and well in parts of the church, and it’s important for us to be honest about the dangers of this kind of practice, seeking clear and hope-filled perspectives on the kind of leadership philosophy Jesus and other biblical leaders modelled.

I was once invited to speak at a conference, and the event poster advertised me as ‘Apostle Afrika Mhlophe’ to attract more conference goers. Shockingly, the organisers were chiefly focused on attendance numbers. And yet, when Paul lists various leadership gifts in Ephesians 4, he makes it clear that the purpose of those gifts is to unify, equip, mature, build up, and encourage God’s people. Leadership functions are always given by God for a mission and a purpose – not for selfish gain. Leadership gifts exist for the glory of God and the good of His people. Jesus gives gifts to build up His church. It’s worth asking yourself: For whom am I currently stewarding my gift? Who is benefitting from my leadership? How are they benefitting?

Remember too that the person with a gift isn’t the owner of that gift. He or she is simply keeping the gift, instead of somebody else. Even Paul didn’t refer to himself as ‘Apostle Paul’. He was first just Paul – and then he was an apostle.

Jesus, the ultimate leader, invites us to learn His ways (Matthew 11:28-30). As leaders, we need to create a community culture of lightening the burden and easing the yoke of those we’re leading, intentionally taking the focus off ourselves and our own giftedness, and lavishing love on the people we’re called to serve. Please know that when it comes to Christian leadership, your brand or reputation is overrated. Instead, humility is all important. There’s a difference between people with a polished image, and people who are prostrate before God. The people who can kneel before God can stand before any person. Someone in a leadership position is never more important than someone without a leadership title. Whether you’re a leader or not, your value is determined by your unconditional acceptance by God.

This reading plan is coming to an end, but your journey as a servant leader is perhaps only just beginning. May you be inspired and comforted by the truth that you are stewarding your leadership gift on behalf of God and the people He loves. Your life is not your own. Trust God to use you mightily in this generation. Trust Him to fight for you and protect you when your reputation is called into question, and may you rest in the knowledge that you are in good standing with Him. As you humbly seek to make your leadership opportunities about the good of others, may you see God’s Kingdom come, and His will done.

This plan was adapted from the series, A Call to Servant Leadership, on RightNow Media. To find out more, visit:https://www.rightnowmedia.org/af/get-access