Leadership and Lordship

We talked about elders today. In our staff meeting we read Hebrews 13, which to me seems to settle the issue about who wrote it because it's so Paul in this chapter, but we spent a lot of time talking about the authority of elders. It was interesting to reflect on why we totally twisted the biblical picture of shepherds into something more closely related to business bosses and military ranking. Jesus warned his apostles that leadership in the kingdom would not be like the world thinks of leadership. It's a call to serve, to lead by example, and to mentor members into a closer walk with God. How can "people of the Book" see the servant shepherd role as primarily a decision-making job? They had executives in Bible times! If Jesus wanted us to understand that it was a job for Lording, he would have said so. I still remember, in the past, how "toxic" it sounded to hear elders dismiss the staff from the meeting so they could have an "executive session." And yet, in my 40+ years as a Christian, some of the most wonderful, compassionate, and highly respected men I've ever know where shepherds. Some of the biggest encourager's in my life have been elders, and the most disappointing Christians in my ministry have been elders. I guess most people could say the same thing about preachers. Nevertheless, I thank God for everyone of them. I'm thankful for the ones who showed me so much love and Christ-like character, and yes, even the one's who where very un-Christ-like. Maybe the negative ones even more because they drove me to a deeper relationship with Jesus as I sought help, guidance, and wisdom. I have been so blessed to know so many wonderful men of God and some absolutely incredible shepherd's wives too. Presently I have been placed with some of the most humble, sensitive, and godly disciples of Christ that I have ever known. It's a joy to be in their presence and witness their unity and servant hearts in action. A great church family with wonderful shepherds; what more could a preacher ask for? I can only think of one thing. I'd love to be able to do it for nothing. I'd love to remove any possibility of having an employer - employee relationship. But then, I don't think I'd enjoy making tents.