3. We are in danger when we think we our staff, servant leaders and community of believers belong to us.
We say words like “my staff” or “my church.”
NO! We lead and serve Jesus’ church. And the staff is Jesus’ staff, which we have the privilege of blessing and being blessed by as we journey toward maturity in Christ together.
To guard my heart, I am thoughtful to say “our staff,” “our church.”
4. We are in danger when we are no longer approachable and no longer interact with the congregation.
Instead of being a shepherd, we act more like a CEO of a business called church.
If I hear another pastor say, “Ministry would be great if it wasn’t for the people,” I may go Evangelism Linebacker on him. “Ministry is the people.”
To guard my heart, I love people. I shake hands and hug people after just about every service. I have the honor to care for and counsel people. I have the honor of going on hospital visits. I’m a shepherd; I want to smell like the sheep I’m called to connect with and care for.
5. We are in danger when we think people exist to serve only us.
To guard my heart, I want to embody Jesus’ leadership model as displayed in John 13 when Jesus put on a servant’s towel and washed the feet of disciples.
Pastor/church planter, our influence on people’s lives is much greater than we realize. May we walk closely to the Father of Love. May Jesus be our greatest treasure and may the unlimited riches of HIS grace be sufficient. And may the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives keep us faithful.
