week 4 db 300 words

DB 2

Topic: Why is taking on the role of a servant so difficult and so necessary for those who are committed to ministry? How does one nurture the attitude and lifestyle that places others above oneself? Provide concrete examples from your observations or experiences of a “kingdom leadership” pattern, as discussed in Howell, chapter 16.

Why is taking on the role of a servant so difficult and so necessary for those who are committed to ministry?

 The difficulty with assuming the role of a servant is rooted in human nature. There exists a conflict between human nature and Kingdom of God purposes. That conflict occurs between humanity’s natural desire to seek comfort, wealth and recognition and the surrender of these pursuits as one takes on the identity of servant as Jesus describes himself in Matthew 20:28. [1]  To be a follower of Christ one must assume Christ’s role and mission. As the “son of man” Jesus gave his life in the ultimate example of complete denial of self-interests. He did so for the promotion of the Kingdom of God and the welfare of others through his role in the mission of redemption as he died on the cross. [2]  Just as Jesus’ death serves as the means of redemption for many, the setting aside of one’s own self-interests so that others may come to know him is required of those who follow him. [3]  Aubrey Malphurs states that in Matthew 20:25-28 and John 13:1-17 Jesus teaches that servant leadership “…is the humble service of others based on our love for them.” [4]

How does one nurture the attitude and lifestyle that places others above oneself?

In Colossians 3:1-4 Paul gives some indication of how one begins to nurture an attitude and lifestyle that manifests a servant heart. A believer in Christ must should recognize that they have been resurrected to a new life where the ambitions of earth are replaced by God’s ambitions and concerns. Life is judged in light of the cross and what has been given to believers through Christ’s love for them. [5]  Interactions with people, actions taken and words spoken, are viewed in light of what is important to Christ, the making of disciples. 

Provide concrete examples from your observations or experiences of a “kingdom leadership” pattern, as discussed in Howell, chapter 16.

In Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership Don N. Howell notes that “kingdom leadership” entails the willingness to occupy less esteemed roles and to undertake menial tasks so that others might succeed. This activity is undertaken voluntarily without concern for recognition purely out of a desire to promote the welfare of others. [6]  Paul expressed this thought in Romans 12:9-11 as he calls on believers be devoted to one another. A servant leader will willingly take on a supporting role so that others may accomplish God’s work and/or grow as disciples. This may occur as a Sunday school leader takes time to help another person learn how to read, interpret and deliver a lesson so that that person can begin to get comfortable teaching. It may occur as a leader serves in a supporting role in a ministry being led by one they customarily lead. A leader who takes the time to just sit and listen to the thoughts and opinions of one he leads instead of offering his own is a simple example of a servant leader. In all these cases the leader “steps out of the spotlight” so that another may grow.

 

[1]  Don N. Howell, Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 189 and 203.

[2]  Ibid., 198.

[3]  Ibid., 200.

[4]  Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2003), 34.

[5]  William Barclay, The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians, The Daily Bible Study Series, rev. ed. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1975), 147-149.

[6]  Howell, Servants, 202.

Bibliography

 

Barclay, William. The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians. The Daily Bible Study Series. Rev. ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1975.

Howell, Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003.

Malphurs, Aubrey. Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2003.