Being called Reverend, Bishop, or Pastor does not mean anything except to be a servant who preaches by example
The first time I met a top church official was when I offered my creative services for free. Before I embraced mission work, I was a businessman who supported missionaries behind the wheels.
Naturally, I was busy, so I asked if the meeting could start on time. Instead, I was told to wait. The Bishop was still having breakfast—not to be disturbed. It felt like an appointment with a government official.
I redesigned a poster he gave me, and I removed his photo to give way for a bolder title. He insisted I put it back so others could recognize him. Fair enough, so I did.
Months later, I headed a ministry with the help of a missionary couple. As it turned out, they were using a youth project I ran to expand their ministry that had the same goal. They undermined my leadership, and so we parted ways.
They blocked me on social media, called me names, and used me as a bad example in their pulpit. Incidentally, they were good friends with the Bishop, so I wrote him a formal letter, hoping he will mediate and rebuke his friend.
I heard nothing—not even a courtesy reply from the office of the Bishop.
Today, I realized that titles and positions could get in the way of true servant-leadership—something we all need to heed and be careful with.
titles and positions could get in the way of true servant-leadership.
The higher you climb, the harder you fall
The fall of Ravi Zacharias and the pastors caught in scandals are warnings to all church leaders. Gravitating on one’s church position is the apex of Christian pride—the reason leaders fall.
Superstar Pastors in social media
Well-meaning pastors quote “paraphrased Bible verses” with their name and picture on the post. What they say comes from the Lord, and placing one’s photo or name beside it is stealing God’s glory.
Are you a servant or a boss?
Do you feel shortchanged when people don’t address you as “Pastor, Reverend, or Sir”? Another Pastor I know did because I called him by his first name. Our title means nothing; a servant attitude is what sets Christian leaders apart.
a servant attitude is what sets Christian leaders apart.
