I was recently privileged with the blessing of ordination. As I was studying and preparing for this role, the Holy Spirit convicted me to think about what it means to lead as a servant. I have seen misuse of leadership to manipulate and control. I have witnessed those who have been led this way, follow […]

I was recently privileged with the blessing of ordination. As I was studying and preparing for this role, the Holy Spirit convicted me to think about what it means to lead as a servant.

I have seen misuse of leadership to manipulate and control. I have witnessed those who have been led this way, follow with fear and powerlessness. Yet when we read about the God of the Bible, we discover love for the oppressed and comfort for the broken hearted, release for those who are imprisoned and an intercessor for those who are condemned. Unlike the kings mentioned in the Bible who were oppressive in their leadership, God constantly aligned himself with those who were powerless – the widows, the orphans and those who were marginalised.

As I carry out my role as a pastor, my calling is not to power, control or authority, but rather about serving others and putting their needs before my own. Jesus exemplified this when he washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating that true leadership involves serving others with love and humility (John 13: 1-17). Jesus was not a dictator; he was an educator.

I have been called to serve among those who are in need of a Saviour and who need to be reminded of the gospel truth. That truth is that our Saviour left his place of power and come to live with us on earth to serve those who do not deserve it so that they can be reconciled and redeemed to the God who alone makes life worth living, both now and forever.

I have been called to give my life for others. To cry with those who cry, to laugh with those who laugh, to share my own painful and joyful experiences vulnerably. Jesus used human terms, rather than heavenly terms, to share God’s Word and I have been called to share the Word of God in terms which those who are listening can understand. I have been called to encourage church members to use their daily conversations to share the gospel message and to focus on Jesus rather than on themselves or on me.

I have been called to use my gifts to support and enhance the capacity of others. To have my eyes outward-looking and my hands outstretched, open to how God will use me, confidently and with humility, knowing that God walks within and beside me.

Although I have his example to lean on and live out of, I know that there will be times when I fail to lead as Jesus would. I am not perfect and there is always much I can learn. This is because I live in a world where it is more comfortable to domineer and exercise authority over others. Even with good intentions, I know that my human sin has and will be used to oppress others, rather than to remind them of their worth.

This is why I need the Holy Spirit to guide my leadership and interactions with others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, each one of us can forgive rather than retaliate, can love rather than be hostile and can listen to understand rather than immediately judging those who look or think or act differently from us. As we dwell in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we become the church – a communion of God’s beloved.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Indonesia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/indonesia/