Servanthood Culture
All believers are called to lead others by example. Jesus Christ gave the perfect example when we explained to his disciples that those who are considered great in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. A heart of servanthood can be imparted to leaders, church members, and anyone in your sphere of influence through example. We are called to serve regardless of what title, position, or rank we hold in the church or in the world. When leaders serve, those under their leadership begin to follow and duplicate what they see.
A church with a servanthood culture most likely has senior leadership who are friendly, humble, and willing to go out of their way to assist others in need. A church without a servanthood culture is more likely to lack volunteers and be in need of staff members to carry the majority of the ministry load. Not having a servanthood culture can place heavy burdens on ministry leaders who can often get burned out with their many responsibilities. Ultimately we should follow the example of Jesus and lead others to do the same.
A church with a servanthood culture most likely has senior leadership who are friendly, humble, and willing to go out of their way to assist others in need. A church without a servanthood culture is more likely to lack volunteers and be in need of staff members to carry the majority of the ministry load. Not having a servanthood culture can place heavy burdens on ministry leaders who can often get burned out with their many responsibilities. Ultimately we should follow the example of Jesus and lead others to do the same.
"But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28 NLT)
Leadership & Volunteer Qualifications
Leadership, by nature, requires a walk that others should follow. Leaders are held to a higher standard in purity and conduct, and as such, should not be a believer who wavers, but should be someone who is consistent in their faith. They have an ability to counsel, be led by the spirit, and understand spiritual atmospheres. Ministry overseers also have the ability to lead ministries, and can creatively bring the Kingdom into whatever ministry they are heading.
In order to have a healthy church and a spirit-filled environment, great leadership must be set into place. Just as children are often a reflection of their parents, the church culture is a reflection of the pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Leadership can either make or break the effectiveness of a ministry. Before volunteering or becoming a leader, be sure you are ready to commit to the responsibilities you are given and are willing to serve with all of your heart. If you are a leader already, it would be best to ensure that the rest of your team follows the biblical guidelines for leadership. Setting standards and accountability can help ministries run much smoother.
Biblical qualifications for leadership can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 6:1-9 and are as follows:
In order to have a healthy church and a spirit-filled environment, great leadership must be set into place. Just as children are often a reflection of their parents, the church culture is a reflection of the pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Leadership can either make or break the effectiveness of a ministry. Before volunteering or becoming a leader, be sure you are ready to commit to the responsibilities you are given and are willing to serve with all of your heart. If you are a leader already, it would be best to ensure that the rest of your team follows the biblical guidelines for leadership. Setting standards and accountability can help ministries run much smoother.
Biblical qualifications for leadership can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 6:1-9 and are as follows:
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Leaders: It is your responsibility to ensure that your area of ministry is being executed properly and effectively. You must train and schedule volunteers and work with them to accomplish your ministry objective. If a problem arises, it is your responsibility to either wisely diffuse the situation or bring it to the attention of an Usher, Elder, or Pastor without causing unnecessary commotion.
Volunteers: It is your responsibility to follow the directions of your leader to effectively accomplish your ministry objective. If you cannot fulfill your duties as a volunteer, let your leader know in a timely manner so they can prepare appropriately and the ministry will not suffer.
All leaders and volunteers should always be in communication with their overseers and follow through with their responsibilities in a timely manner and to the best of their ability. Always remember that we are here to serve the needs of the people and in doing so we are also serving God. Leaders and volunteers should keep their ministry areas clean and organized at all times. Regardless of title or position, leaders and volunteers should work together to keep the church clean, greet people, answer questions, and fully support church services and events by attending and participating. If someone has a question you do not know the answer to, find out for them or guide them to a person who does. Lastly, keep in mind that working in ministry is not about your needs; it’s about serving others and reaching the lost. Remain respectful to everyone, speak in grace and love, and always remember that you are glorifying God through your servanthood.
Volunteers: It is your responsibility to follow the directions of your leader to effectively accomplish your ministry objective. If you cannot fulfill your duties as a volunteer, let your leader know in a timely manner so they can prepare appropriately and the ministry will not suffer.
All leaders and volunteers should always be in communication with their overseers and follow through with their responsibilities in a timely manner and to the best of their ability. Always remember that we are here to serve the needs of the people and in doing so we are also serving God. Leaders and volunteers should keep their ministry areas clean and organized at all times. Regardless of title or position, leaders and volunteers should work together to keep the church clean, greet people, answer questions, and fully support church services and events by attending and participating. If someone has a question you do not know the answer to, find out for them or guide them to a person who does. Lastly, keep in mind that working in ministry is not about your needs; it’s about serving others and reaching the lost. Remain respectful to everyone, speak in grace and love, and always remember that you are glorifying God through your servanthood.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NLT)
Senior Leadership & Elders
All Senior Leaders are expected to oversee every area of ministry with a basic knowledge of their individual functions and responsibilities. Everyone in a senior leadership role is encouraged to gently correct ministry leaders and volunteers who may be out of order, as well as delegate or rotate to fill any servanthood roles where more volunteers are needed. Elders and Pastors are expected to diligently seek the Lord and work together to make impactful decisions, ensure every area of ministry is running as smoothly as possible, and handle every negative situation in a spirit of Wisdom.
What is a “Servanthood Role”? A servanthood role is any area of ministry in which a volunteer willingly serves under a ministry leader. If an area of ministry is lacking volunteers, Senior Leadership is encouraged to delegate a trusted church member to fill that role or fill the role themselves temporarily. Senior Leadership may ask any trusted church member to assist them with a task at any given time if assistance is needed. We work better together!
Pastoral Leadership: Pastors should be able to lead the church administratively, in preaching godly and Spirit-led messages, in holy conduct, in a love for people, in finances, event planning, and in all areas of leadership. The Pastors are accountable to the Elders and are expected to effectively lead and train ministry leaders. They are expected to strategize for event planning, outreaches, and overall ministry growth. Pastors should look and act approachable as well as be available for personal ministry time outside of regular church services and events. They are expected to conduct leadership meetings and meet with ministry leaders on a regular basis to ensure the health and wellness of each individual minister and ministry.
Elder Leadership: Elders are essentially fulfilling the roles of advisers and be able to shepherd people, provide counseling, and keep a vigilant awareness of anyone during church that may be in need of prayer or assistance. Elders simply take charge and serve well to make sure leadership and fellow believers are not lacking. They also should be able to provide feedback and advice to the Pastors and ministry leaders to ensure every ministry is being led and structured according to biblical standards, the church vision, and the church mission. Elder Leadership should above all be a voice of wisdom to everyone in the church.
What is a “Servanthood Role”? A servanthood role is any area of ministry in which a volunteer willingly serves under a ministry leader. If an area of ministry is lacking volunteers, Senior Leadership is encouraged to delegate a trusted church member to fill that role or fill the role themselves temporarily. Senior Leadership may ask any trusted church member to assist them with a task at any given time if assistance is needed. We work better together!
Pastoral Leadership: Pastors should be able to lead the church administratively, in preaching godly and Spirit-led messages, in holy conduct, in a love for people, in finances, event planning, and in all areas of leadership. The Pastors are accountable to the Elders and are expected to effectively lead and train ministry leaders. They are expected to strategize for event planning, outreaches, and overall ministry growth. Pastors should look and act approachable as well as be available for personal ministry time outside of regular church services and events. They are expected to conduct leadership meetings and meet with ministry leaders on a regular basis to ensure the health and wellness of each individual minister and ministry.
Elder Leadership: Elders are essentially fulfilling the roles of advisers and be able to shepherd people, provide counseling, and keep a vigilant awareness of anyone during church that may be in need of prayer or assistance. Elders simply take charge and serve well to make sure leadership and fellow believers are not lacking. They also should be able to provide feedback and advice to the Pastors and ministry leaders to ensure every ministry is being led and structured according to biblical standards, the church vision, and the church mission. Elder Leadership should above all be a voice of wisdom to everyone in the church.
Check Your Heart
Regardless of your gifts, talents, and anointing, always check that your heart is right before ministering. There are many people who flow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit that do not represent Jesus properly because their hearts are not right with God. Hidden sin isn’t always the culprit.
“For everything in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16 NIV)
Your gifts and talents have the capability to be misused if you are lusting for the person you are ministering to or if you have a side agenda. Spiritual gifts are intended to edify people and bring them to God. Words of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy can be given in a misleading or manipulative way. Though the word given may be generally right, the method and implications may be totally out of God’s order. In 2 Corinthians 14:32, we are informed that “the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” This means that we have the ability to willingly change how we give messages. All ministering should be done in love and honor to both God and the person being ministered to. Selling the gifts as a form of monetary gain is also out of order. Jesus gave of Himself freely and never charged anyone for an encounter with Him. Though offerings and tithes are collected for the church, individual solicitation for ministry should never be done. Ministry is not about getting rich; it’s about reaching unsaved people for the kingdom of God.
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
(Matthew 10:8 NIV)
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
When David was chosen by God to be the next king, his heart was judged. He was not prepared or trained to be a king, but God saw that his heart was right for the job and chose him. David was a loyal shepherd and an obedient servant. He did everything he could to honor those in authority as well as protect the flock he was overseeing. We too should always ensure that when we minister to others, we truly have their best interests in mind.
