Jesus’ model of leadership has always been anchored on servanthood. This is expressed in Mark 10:43-45 as an insight in response to a request of the brothers James and John wanting to be seated on his right and left hand implying key leadership positions.
“You do not know what you are asking.” Jesus responded. “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or be baptized by the baptism that I am baptized with?...Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” This statement was a radical declaration of what leadership means especially in his time when Roman conquest projects leadership by military power, political influence and economic control. The Jewish religious leaders were not at all different from their Roman counterpart for they used their positions to gain control and be served, fanning their ego and whims.
Jesus exemplified servant leadership in the way he ministered to the people. Reflecting on the wounds on his hands and his side which remained even in his resurrected body that the disciple Thomas sought out as proof before he believes, I see these as “marks of servant leadership” that is rooted on the spirit of humility. The wounds on his hands shows Jesus’ hard work as servant leader; the wound on his side that was pierced for human transgressions indicates the pain in his heart yet joyfully submitting to the ways of God who called him to serve and save humankind. In his wounded side near the heart was the heart of God whose love is so great for all creation. Jesus indeed walked in God’s ways, stood with compassion for the poor and oppressed, and a lover of justice and peace. Hands and Heart, Head and Health in servant leadership!
This theme for May was inspired by the Vacation Church School 2010 theme, “God, Give Us a Servant Leader” in connection with the National Elections that is getting hotter as May 10, Election Day draws near. It is a prayer, a supplication that God would give us a servant leader which God answers as in the old days. The Israelites in the time of Judges prayed in the midst of crisis that they be given a leader that would deliver them from their enemies. God appointed judges to rule his people which they did so but only for a time. Mostly were not known and hailed from less popular and weaker tribes. One was physically strong but of weak character (Samson); one needed to have some proofs for his call (Gideon); another so impulsive in making promises causing his daughter’s future to take a not normal course as other girls of her time (Jephtah). There was a woman prophet who had to bear in her shoulders a man’s dependency and wavering nature (Deborah/Barak). In all these, God’s power and sovereignty prevailed. Thus, the servant leadership that we need to pray for in our leaders
and in ourselves being leaders in our own ways wherever we are placed, is recognizing that it is God who raises leaders, anoints them and so must always draw wisdom and strength from Him.
The servant leader’s vulnerability is complemented by God’s invincibility. It is therefore imperative for servant leaders of God to acknowledge his/her weaknesses and shadows lurking in him/herself which only by God’s power could be transformed into strength thereby casting more light than shadows as described by Palmer in his book.[1]Servant leaders of God lead from within, that is, being consciously aware of the shadows in his/her inner self upon which God’s Enemy could sit on towards the goal of taking first and foremost him/her as a leader away from God and then those he/she is leading. As written in 1 Peter 5:8, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The leader is the first one to be attacked, hence, quoting again from the same passage, “discipline yourselves, keep alert! Resist him!”
While the primary goal of VCS 2010 theme is creating awareness on the choice of leaders this upcoming election through educating the children and the young people who may be non-voters but whose witness in the home may shed light in the decision-making process, we are all called to make a difference as servant leaders in whatever task and position of responsibility God has placed us. In the pastoral leadership of SCCD there will be a “changing of guards” in June 2010 with my term ending this month that calls for everyone having to watch carefully the taking advantage tactics of the “adversary, the devil” who would always make ways of dividing the church. Let us discipline indeed ourselves by bearing each others’ burden not only the pastors being left to do the work for it would surely tire them. Let us keep watch of what we say and do in relating to the new pastoral leadership. SCCD would be entering a vulnerable time that could be utilized by the adversary to achieve his goal. Servant leaders lift each other up. Do so, the way Jesus lifted up and restored his disciples who have erred and succumbed to their vulnerabilities. I believe that God who has started a good work in this church will bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
SUNDAY ATTENDANCE REPORT
1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th / Ave.March / 172 / 175 / 179 / 165 / 172
April / 215 / 250 / 179 / 133 / 194
“Servant Leader Wanna Be”
UCCP Churches will have to undergo screening and members of the NOMELEC will have to be meticulous in leading the Church Election process. Church Board members, organization officers and Church Council officers will have to be serious in their commitment in holding offices with integrity no matter what. Elected Officers and those who made it to passing the Board Exams will have to make an oath, indeed becoming a leader is not a joke. Becoming God’s servant leader is never a joke.
This year’s VCS theme advocates leadership focused on the principle of servanthood not head and supervisory. GOD GIVE US A SERVANT LEADER is a prayerful request to God. Why do we need then to seek God’s approval in choosing our leaders? There are qualifications and corresponding gifts and abilities in order to experience systematic governance; a leader should be wise and mature, to experience abundance in our economic situation; a leader has to be learned and at least should have knowledge in economic stability and developments. To experience a “Matatag na Republika,” a leader has to be an economist. These are just few of the many details to consider in choosing a leadership.
Prophet Samuel said to the people of Israel: if you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord get rid of your foreign gods and your images, be determined to obey the Lord, then he will rescue you in the hands of the Philistines. So the Israelites destroyed their images and obeyed and worshiped the Lord. It was once a very good relationship between human and God. (1 Samuel 8:1-6)
Samuel’s life was shaped by God from the beginning. He was called to become a person performing many different roles, a priest, a prophet, a judge, a counsellor, and a man of God. His willingness to serve the Lord is his goal in life - indeed a servant of God. Prophet Samuel did finish his work for the Lord.
Because of old age, Samuel had to pass on the baton. Leadership has to continue. He proclaimed his son Abijah and Joel to become Judges in Israel. These leaders did not follow their fathers’ footstep. They became corrupt, greedy and pervert in the execution of justice.
Samuel warned against a kingdom. He declared what will happen, and how a king will treat them. The king according to Samuel shall draft their sons for an army; some will be forced to plow fields and harvest his crop. The king will force to get your daughters to cook and bake, make perfumes for him, he will demand for the finest donkeys and cattles for his own use. But the Lord God said to Samuel, do as they say, if they want a king, allow them, for it is me they are rejecting not you. The people of Israel do not want me for a king any longer. I brought them out of Egypt and they have continually forsaken me and followed other Gods.
Leadership i believe is still God’s appointment and God’s opportunity to employ his most delicate way of treating his sons and daughters with love and we praise the Lord for giving us point of reference in identifying servant leaders. Someone who will stand firm in the midst of the storm. Servant leadership is one of the most popular leadership models around today. The servant leader serves the people, not the end in themselves; they are the means to an organizational purpose. One of the many roadblocks to Church Growth is called “pioneer-home-steader conflict” - the conflict between old times and new members. Old timers usually protect their personal interest & motive, are threatened and uncomfortable if ever the budding leaders are given opportunity in the leadership circle. Leadership becomes prestige and pride and it losses the very essence of Jesus Agenda.
Marks of Servant Leadership are those who possess the following:
Devote themselves to serving the needs of others. Remember that a King carries the finest skill of winning the war, not only to protect his castle and his crown but the poorest of his people in the courtyard.
Focus on meeting the needs of those they lead. Not compliance and reporting purposes only.
Develop people to bring out the best in them. Someone says an administration that is developing its leaders is a mature leader not insecure leaders, he/she is doing the task while conscious of the fact that someday, somebody will have to take the position and grow.
Coach others and encourage their self expression. Not pursuing our own plots of programs and influenced by powerful individuals but pursuing for God’s determination no matter how painful it is. A pastoral ministry that is focused to God is measured in the end, when the flock is focused and dependent on God alone not on individuals.
Facilitate personal growth to those who work with them. Servant leaders are enabling not disempowering.
Listen and build a sense of community. This is allowing ourselves to be pruned in order to grow.
Selflessness is a valuable trait of a leader. The selfless leader is willing to risk his or her own providence in order to do what is right. Peter describes several characteristics a leader should do in managing the work, and our guidelines as well, a servant leader has to care for the flock, care for his office and keep the integrity, because he/she is entrusted, that leader should be eager to serve and pursue God’s plan, watching over not lording and ruling over. 1 Peter 5:2-3
May Samuel’s prayer to God and Peter’s guideline in choosing the leader who will lead in the midst of suffering prevail. The church and the community is looking for Servant Leaders not celebrities.
/ by: Rev. Ronell A. Hernandez“Discerning the Will of God”
It is often defined that confusion is setting of two or more opinions, groups, and plurality into conflict and struggle. If this is true, Confusion then could lead to major cause of misunderstanding, thereby, leading to hatred, separation, and abandonment. It may even lead to twisting ideas from moral standard to ideology, ethical and orientation. Herod is a great example of confusion. He was found having difficulty in recognizing between the divine will of God and that of human. Giving various options is not always a good idea to come up with a good decision. Leadership position should advocate its fundamental elements of its objective, reasons and purpose. In the upcoming national election, media and various publications are now very useful; added to its versatility is the internet opportunity. It has become the pervading weapon of the ruling elite who are able to hook up with its accessibility to manipulate innocent and less fortunate citizen. The less fortunate masses only access what is easily available without exercising their critical understanding of choosing candidates. Aspiring politicians used their acquired knowledge in school and make themselves worthy to people. Some may struggle with their propagandas and self proclaimed accomplishments. Indeed, people don’t have a full grasp of choosing politicians anointed by God in serving our nation.
Determine what is acceptable and pleasing to God
In the Gospel of John, it was mentioned by Christ Jesus, “You are witnesses of these things. And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you.” The power from above as revealed by the Holy Spirit will illumine humanity, guide believers to do what is right and acceptable to God. Its empowering ability will dwell us to do the will of God in its continuing mission in the creation while restoring and redeeming endangered species. The third person in the Trinity will minister deeply in liberating people under oppression, poverty, injustices, slavery and other forms of sin that are against God.
Living According to Jesus Christ.
In Luke 18:19-21, as Jesus read the Scripture from prophet Isaiah saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me to bring, good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed and announced that the time has come, when the Lord will save his people…This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read.” Jesus as rejected in Nazareth indicates the socio-political economic advocacy. Bringing good news to the poor is a proclamation of God’s will and God’s reign, hope is being presented by means of cancellation of debts, slaves’ freedom and people’s return to their own ancestral properties. Isaiah and Jesus had that same Spirit of the Lord, in accord with their own context and time the observation of God sent leaders concerned with justice, peace and integrity of creation. In John 6: 15, Jesus is longed by people to be their king by force, but Jesus knew it and he went to a higher hill alone. Jesus has much concern on the transformation of human heart rather than political interest. To know the will of God we are to learn and read the Scripture, contemplate and always pray.
Three Trees
by Max Lucado
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down.
The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard."
The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay.
This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.
The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.