Over the past two months, the church where I serve has been undergoing a leadership transition. In addition to requirements regarding character, spiritual life, and capabilities, the church also enforces strict age limits for leaders: men must be under 65 years old, and women under 60.
Before stepping down, the outgoing leader offered valuable insights to his successor and fellow coworkers. Having served as the church's head for over 20 years, this senior leader shared a key spiritual lesson he had learned: how to respond to praise. He cautioned, praise is a trap. "One must stay vigilant or risk falling into it unknowingly. Once caught, escape is difficult."
He recalled that before serving in the leadership role, few people complimented his preaching, likely due to his limited formal education and lack of theological training. However, after becoming the church's head, he began receiving frequent praise. At first, he believed he had genuinely improved. But a former leader once asked him, "Do you really think you've become better? Why didn't people praise your preaching before?" This remark prompted a realization: sometimes, the position itself can bring unwarranted affirmation.
Secondly, the senior co-worker also encouraged the younger generation to rejoice in the presence of gifted individuals within the church and to embrace and support them.
He observed that while some leaders pray for the Lord to raise up capable workers, they may feel uneasy or even threatened when someone more talented appears. In some cases, they may go so far as to impose restrictions in an attempt to hinder or suppress these individuals.
What's more, he emphasized that a leader must be able to harness the strengths of others, particularly within a team. One person alone is limited and cannot possess all knowledge or manage everything, nor do they have sufficient time to do so. This is where the value of a team becomes evident. If a leader can effectively mobilize the team, then each member can contribute their strengths, and tasks can be accomplished efficiently. A truly capable leader is one under whose guidance the work continues to function smoothly, even in their absence. That is the mark of a qualified leader.
The senior co-worker reminded Christians to remain vigilant; even if addressed as a 'leader,' one should never truly regard oneself as such. In the context of church ministry, roles are not defined by leadership but by servanthood.
He quoted the words of the Lord Jesus: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." Similarly, church workers must continually remember that their identity is not found in leadership but in servanthood as servants of God, called to serve others.
For this reason, the responsibilities of a church leader differ significantly from those of ordinary co-workers. While regular co-workers may not draw much attention, church leaders are often under close observation. Their words and actions are scrutinized to see whether they align with what is right and appropriate. Therefore, it is crucial for them to be cautious in speech and conduct, striving to be worthy of the grace and calling they have received. Ultimately, those who serve should not seek public recognition or praise but should instead focus on faithful service behind the scenes.
After hearing the senior co-worker's sharing, I am more deeply convinced that anyone who serves must cultivate a humble heart, especially when receiving the valuable insights offered by elders and predecessors in the church. While they may lack advanced education or extensive theological training, their experience in ministry far surpasses that of ordinary believers. Therefore, it is essential to humbly accept their advice and guidance. Every faithful servant serves as a role model, offering significant support for one's own spiritual growth.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Poppy Chan
