Lords or Servants

To most people the term "servant leadership" is an oxymoron. In virtually every culture, servants are not leaders and leaders are never considered lowly servants. Yet, that is the concept Jesus introduced as the pattern for His Church. While most religious leaders often use the term, their leadership style is often far from the Biblical model of a servant leader.

The concept in Scripture comes from the ancient cultural role of "elders" in extended family structures and one of the most common occupations of the day, tending sheep. The term "elder" by definition, simply refers to an older person in years. It was not a position to which one was appointed or elected, rather one earned by living a long time (hence the term "elder") and earning the respect of the extended family to represent them in whatever issues arose that needed a family representative. Elders in New Testament churches were appointed by the apostles or preachers to serve as "bishops" or "overseers," but they were "elders" because they were the older, respected members of the church community, hence ones whom others would admire and follow.


The role of the older person (elder) selected to a leadership role in the church was that of a "pastor" or "shepherd." Both of these terms referred to one who tends sheep. Nobody in Old or New Testament times would have thought of a shepherd as a person of authority who occupied a great position of leadership. Exactly the opposite. Shepherds occupied one of the lowest rungs on the social order of the day. They were servants...usually tending someone else's sheep. They had no authority over anyone. They did not even "command" the sheep, because that is impossible. Anyone who knows the nature of sheep knows they cannot be commanded or driven. However, a gentle, loving shepherd who earns their respect and trust can lead sheep anywhere. This is precisely why the Apostle Peter said to the early church leaders, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."


Lords or Servants examines in detail the Biblical concept of servant leadership, specifically the role of elders, deacons, and ministers in the local church. It is a concept that is foreign to our modern culture, but the only one that works. Most church problems are a result of the perversion of God's leadership style. Discussions about positions of authority are as out of place in the church of our Lord today as similar discussions would have been in a group of shepherds during Biblical times.


All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to the King of Kings...Jesus. The rest of us are servants in His kingdom. Lords or Servants just may give you an entirely new view of leadership in all areas of life. It is the model of the Son of God... worth emulating.


Lords or Servants is recommended for all Christians, not just leaders.