Religion
FAMILY FAITH:
He who leads does so with kindness
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By KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN
When I witness a leader in the church directing others with humility, I am always impressed. Sometimes younger pastors can come across as believing their knowledge makes them a bit better than the rest of the congregation. But when a minister, whether starting out or well seasoned, leads with humility, it is evident that wisdom resides within them.
I have had the unfortunate experience of witnessing pastors who have wrongly thought they were better, wiser, or had a greater calling than those in the congregation. I have worked with senior pastors who treated other ordained staff as “less than” themselves — and even verbalized this to their staff. This pride does not go unnoticed by God.
It is those men or women who have led with understanding and respect for others that I have learned my greatest lessons from. God never intended for individuals who work in the church to come across as superior to other members of the Body of Christ. In fact, this goes completely against what Scripture teaches.
Pastors are to shepherd their flock. A shepherd’s role is to protect the sheep. If one is called to be a minister in the church, it can be a very difficult road. You are often underappreciated, underpaid and overworked. But one does it out of obedience to God. When we are called by the Lord to do something, we are to serve, not lord over or behave as if we are somehow higher than God’s other children.
The model we have for service is Jesus. Being God Himself, He was a servant. He held no high office, did not work at fancy headquarters. He simply traveled, taught and served. Mark 10:45 tells us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Holy Bible, New International Version). He came and suffered for our gain. That is the model of a servant, the very portrait of a leader. This is a model people comply with.
I never have responded to Christians who were legalistic or brow beaters. That type of leading is not why I rededicated my life to God as a young adult. I grew up under the thumb of a father who was abusive. No, disgrace never would have won me over.
It was God’s gentleness and love that wooed me to Him. God does not shame or abuse us. He gently draws us close, bears our burden, heals our soul and shows us our sin in such a way that we repent and are thankful. It is the care that wins us, the love that led Jesus straight to the cross.
If you work with people, are a leader in the church, or are trying to win unsaved souls, remember, it is not guilt or shame that draws people in. It is not the idea that they are less than or should somehow model you.
It is the love of God that allures — the very prompting of the Holy Spirit. And God witnesses when harm or emotional or spiritual abuse is occurring to one of His precious sheep.
Let us all learn to live and love in reciprocating relationships, with the fruit of the spirit in abundance.
And to serve one another in humility. In this we follow the model of our Savior, who never acted as if he was better than — even though He embodies omnipotence.
The Rev. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN can be contacted by e-mail at holyhouse9@gmail.com or by mail at Holy House Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, La Vie Counseling Center, 650 Sierra Madre Villa, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91107.
I have had the unfortunate experience of witnessing pastors who have wrongly thought they were better, wiser, or had a greater calling than those in the congregation. I have worked with senior pastors who treated other ordained staff as “less than” themselves — and even verbalized this to their staff. This pride does not go unnoticed by God.
It is those men or women who have led with understanding and respect for others that I have learned my greatest lessons from. God never intended for individuals who work in the church to come across as superior to other members of the Body of Christ. In fact, this goes completely against what Scripture teaches.
Pastors are to shepherd their flock. A shepherd’s role is to protect the sheep. If one is called to be a minister in the church, it can be a very difficult road. You are often underappreciated, underpaid and overworked. But one does it out of obedience to God. When we are called by the Lord to do something, we are to serve, not lord over or behave as if we are somehow higher than God’s other children.
The model we have for service is Jesus. Being God Himself, He was a servant. He held no high office, did not work at fancy headquarters. He simply traveled, taught and served. Mark 10:45 tells us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Holy Bible, New International Version). He came and suffered for our gain. That is the model of a servant, the very portrait of a leader. This is a model people comply with.
I never have responded to Christians who were legalistic or brow beaters. That type of leading is not why I rededicated my life to God as a young adult. I grew up under the thumb of a father who was abusive. No, disgrace never would have won me over.
It was God’s gentleness and love that wooed me to Him. God does not shame or abuse us. He gently draws us close, bears our burden, heals our soul and shows us our sin in such a way that we repent and are thankful. It is the care that wins us, the love that led Jesus straight to the cross.
If you work with people, are a leader in the church, or are trying to win unsaved souls, remember, it is not guilt or shame that draws people in. It is not the idea that they are less than or should somehow model you.
It is the love of God that allures — the very prompting of the Holy Spirit. And God witnesses when harm or emotional or spiritual abuse is occurring to one of His precious sheep.
Let us all learn to live and love in reciprocating relationships, with the fruit of the spirit in abundance.
And to serve one another in humility. In this we follow the model of our Savior, who never acted as if he was better than — even though He embodies omnipotence.
The Rev. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN can be contacted by e-mail at holyhouse9@gmail.com or by mail at Holy House Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, La Vie Counseling Center, 650 Sierra Madre Villa, Suite 110, Pasadena, CA 91107.
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