There is a power model of leadership that exists in our churches today. But what should leadership really look like if we truly believe that Jesus is the head of the church? I heard a preacher recently that asked the question: “where did we get the idea that a CEO was an appropriate Biblical expression leadership”? He went on to ask: “have we become a commercial enterprise where the strong survive and the weak perish?” “Was Jesus the CEO of His followers? Was Paul the CEO of the early church?” All very poignant questions that deserve some discussion and examination. I truly believe that when a business model replaces the shepherding model - the sheep are overlooked. It is the most common complaint of those whom I’ve come in contact with who have separated from the church. The 99 stay and oftentimes work mindlessly within the programs established in the church, while the 1 sheep perishes apart from the pursuit of a loving shepherd.
I read a blog entry published by “Backyard Missionary” that broke down this power model of leadership. It went into great detail but here is a basic synopsis: The pastor as the CEO, leads to the church leadership as politics, which then leads to an abuse of communication. The Pastor as the CEO, by it’s very definition, puts the pastor in a position of boss, as opposed to that of servant leader. Church leadership as politics leads to doing anything to push their agenda and to stay in their positions. Then the abuse of communication ensues. This model suggests that a corporation is being run and in my opinion, that is not a legitimate way to lead a body of Christ. The author of the blog post went on to break down the four levels of communication. The top level was revelation from God and the lowest level was verbal communication (which most of us heavily rely on). I believe that verbal communication, however, is the most untrustworthy. It is here that people are told things by the world or even those in the church that may or may not be true. it is here where leaders manipulate information and as a result character assassination takes place. It is here where relationship with one another is broken. The bible tells us not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly. This is where we have to be so careful in whom we are listening to. If we are not careful we will listen and even act on the information given. I believe that we should ask ourselves of those who have our ear - does scripture ever come out of their mouthes or is it all deconstructive criticism and negative talk about someone or something? All communication should be judged by Biblical principles. If it is not we run the risk of taking action on a lie.
One pastor I was reading broke politics in the church down like this:
Politics is appearance. Christianity is a matter of the heart.
Politics is spin and the twisting of information. Christianity is bound to truth.
Politics is whitewashing the outside and not dealing with the heart.
Politics makes people into liars. ("Yeah. I heard Jesus say He would destroy the temple!") Christianity does not parse words to twist meanings in order to trap other Christians.
Politics twists Scriptures to say what the political/religious leaders wish it to say. Christianity exegetes Scripture honestly.
Politics seeks to "kill" people in any way possible for the leader’s political advantage. Christianity casts aside politics and power and enhances the other person’s ministry.
Politics is deadly to the soul. Christianity brings people alive in Christ.
My prayer is that we begin to embrace and follow the example of Jesus’ ministry. HE alone is the model. This is not to suggest that business is not relevant in church. We have to manage money, pay bills, maintain property, etc., however when the business model is deployed over the shepherding model - the “program” is exalted and people get lost. Imagine if CEO Jesus had met the woman at the well, or the man at the pool at Bethesda. Imagine Jesus had listened to the disciples (or church leadership if you will) before he fed the multitudes - when they suggested that He send the people home for them to fend for themselves:
That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves. "But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary—you feed them." Matthew 14:15-16.
Follow Jesus - the good shepherd - the ultimate model. Do not loose heart. Know that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He cares and will provide for you, just like He cared for the multitudes. If Jesus had listened to His disciples, those people’s need would not have been met. Instead, Jesus, being the supreme shepherd, saw their need and instructed His disciples to meet that need. The disciples could only accomplish that by full sufficiency in Christ as there was not enough food. But God provided and all were fed. What an impact from a loving and merciful savior. Not only towards the multitude but toward His disciples as well. We can have the same impact in our churches if we follow the Shepard’s model and not that of anything else.
Be blessed.......
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