Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elders Who Aren’t Jackasses)

Yes, he’s serious.http://doroteos2.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/clergy20burnout1.jpg?resize=163%2C231

From Monday Morning Insight, by Todd Rhodes,

Forty-eight percent of them think their work is hazardous to their family well-being. Another 45.5 percent will experience a burnout or a depression that will make them leave their jobs. And 70 percent say their self-esteem is lower now than when they started their position. They have the second-highest divorce rate among professions.

They are pastors.

Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru, said that the four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are the president of the United States, a university president, a CEO of a hospital and … a pastor. …

A shocking statistic of Jimmy Lee Draper, former president of Lifeways Ministries, is that for every 20 people who go into the pastorate only one retires from the ministry.

This is serious stuff. The Churches of Christ are producing far too few capable preachers as it is. If 95% leave the profession, who will be our preachers?

The Telegraph reports,

MORE than half of clergy and other Church leaders have considered leaving the ministry because they feel that the pressures on them are too great.

A survey published today also shows that 38 per cent of clergy feel overwhelmed by the complexity of demands for pastoral care made on them. Stress was identified by two out of three clergy as the most common pastoral issue brought to them by members of their congregations.

Now, I’m sure every denomination is different, but this is all surely true of the Churches of Christ.  And I think most of the advice being given on avoiding burn out is (what’s the word?) balderdash. While I’m all for our ministers getting plenty of exercise and hydration and taking time off appropriately, I don’t think that sort of thing is the core of the problem. I think the core of the problem is —

* our elders,

* our congregations, and

* our ministers.

We are the problem.

Therefore, rather than following the usual line — get more exercise, take your vitamins, don’t work so hard — I intend to address what I imagine are actually the biggest reasons for burn out in the Churches of Christ: elders, congregations, and ministers. We start with —

Elders

Countless ministers have been brutalized by bad elders. The problem is endemic. We are who we are because we are who we are — if that makes any sense. Years and years of bad doctrine and bad attitudes have produced leaders with bad doctrine and bad attitudes. Of course, a lot of this bad doctrine and attitude has come from … our preachers. That means the preachers have to step up their game and help fix the problem.

I prescribe the following:

1. A steady diet of sermons on grace, with emphasis on the personality and character of God as revealed in Jesus. Phil 2 is the central proof text, but don’t forget the Gospels. Until our churches understand that God is a gentle, loving, forgiving, compassionate God who takes the first step — a painfully sacrificial step — to restore us to right relationship, we’ll produce graceless elders. Bad theology makes for bad leaders.

2. Better preaching on the qualifications for an elder. We do this terribly. TERRIBLY! You see, we focus on how many children an elder must have and whether he can be a brawler and a striker. As is commonly pointed out in these very sermons, the qualifications lists in Titus and 1 Timothy are largely qualifications that every Christian should meet — other than being married and having believing children.

Let me suggest some supplemental sermon material —

(Eze 34:12-15 ESV)  12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.  13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country.  14 I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.  15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.

(Psa 23:1-6 ESV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(John 10:11-15 ESV)  11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.  13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,  15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

(Mat 20:25-28 ESV)  25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,  27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,  28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

(2Co 1:24 ESV)  24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

(Act 20:28-31 ESV) 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.  29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;  30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.  31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

(1Ti 5:17-22 ESV)  17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.  18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”  19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.  20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.  21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.  22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

(1Pe 5:1-4 ESV) So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:  2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;  3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.  4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Don’t tell me these passages won’t preach! (I’d do a series, but surely the meanings of these passages are plain.)  It’s odd that we have kind-of canned sermons on the meanings of the different words for “love” or for “worship,” but we don’t preach on the meanings of the words used for “elders.” Nor do we preach the whole counsel of God. We routinely skip some of the most important texts.

Worse yet, after doing a pitiful job of preaching the subject, we tell the church they can only object to a nominee for a “scriptural” reason, as though the man would have to be a polygamist or drunkard to be denied the office. Well, he might just need to be gifted by the Spirit for the task, right?

And this is why we are so very wrong to refuse to preach the Spirit from the pulpit. (I’m so frustrated with preachers who believe the indwelling but are afraid to preach the indwelling — and then complain that the church ordains men without the gift of leadership to the office!)

Consider —

(1Co 12:28 ESV)  28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

The Greek word translated “administrating” is the word for the pilot of a ship — and the way we do things, that’s the elders. Indeed, countless commentaries have concluded that Paul is likely speaking of elders here — but we are afraid to preach the obvious lesson: the only men who should be ordained as elders are men gifted by the Spirit for the work of piloting the congregation.

(Rom 12:1 ESV) 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Leadership is explicitly listed as a gift from God. Same lesson, right? Thayer’s notes that the word can be used of one who protects or a guardian (rather like a shepherd, isn’t it?)

(Eph 4:1 ESV) 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. … 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Shepherds aren’t appointed by the church. They are appointed by God through his dispensation of gifts. We recognize those so gifted and ordain those whom God has given us. I can’t think of another way to read the text.

(1Pe 4:10-11 ESV) 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:  11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We are commanded to use the giftedness we find among ourselves as favors from the hand of God. It’s about more than marriage and fertility. Preach all the word — and you’ll have better elders to work with. Keep preaching a Spirit-less, grace-less religion, and there will be no end to the plague of burn out.

About Jay F Guin

My name is Jay Guin, and I’m a retired elder. I wrote The Holy Spirit and Revolutionary Grace about 18 years ago. I’ve spoken at the Pepperdine, Lipscomb, ACU, Harding, and Tulsa lectureships and at ElderLink.My wife’s name is Denise, and I have four sons, Chris, Jonathan, Tyler, and Philip. I have two grandchildren. And I practice law.
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23 Responses to Clergy & Laity: He says he’s suffering from burn out. Is he serious? (Elders Who Aren’t Jackasses)

  1. In my experience, the most effective elders have been appointed accidentally, rather than deliberately.

    We simply have not figured this out yet.

  2. Matthew says:

    Jay –

    I'm enjoying this series a lot – thanks. Would you be willing to analyze the historical trajectory/reasons in the Churches of Christ which keep CofC preachers from being elders (as in other congregational churches)?

    Best, Matthew Dowling

  3. Royce Ogle says:

    Matthew, Our church has two co-preachers who are both elders. I have contended that preachers should not automatically be disqualified as elders.

    Jay, You have nailed a huge part of the problem. Elders! You can't take a man who has shown no shepherding qualities, has not discipled anyone, who has not resolved any conflicts, who is not a soul winner, appoint him as an elder and suddenly expect him to do the work of an elder. As you point out, God equips men and places them in the congregation, we only recognize them and officially appoint them. So elders are a big part of the problem.

    Preachers/pastors/teachers, whatever you choose to call them, are perhaps a larger part of the problem. Did it ever occur to anyone that not everyone with a degree from a "brotherhood" school should be in the pulpit? I am convinced that "MOST" of the young men who give preaching a try should be doing something else. Maybe some should be teaching in Christian schools, and some should be truck drivers or plumbers. As with elders, 3 to 4 years in a Christian school will not make a man God's servant to communicate the Word. If he is not chosen by God to that job he should do something else. Have all of us heard preachers who were just awful at what they are doing? Why are they doing it? Because we have no spiritual standards for them.

    If those who only serve tables, look after widows, etc. are required to be men full of the Holy Spirit why should we expect less of elders and preachers?

    All of these problems are the result of decades of poor teaching. We have been masters of debate, rote memory of a dozen or so proof texts, and as you have pointed out, missed grace, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and have ill equipped people serving in key roles in our churches.

    Both "Spirit" and "Truth" are needed in these matters just as in worship. We are big on truth but lacking on Spirit. The proof is exactly what you have said about the way we qualify our elders.

    Great post Jay,
    Royce

  4. Brad Adcock says:

    One of the statements from Dr. Willie Nettle has stuck with me as we studied through Timothy and Titus at Magnolia Bible College: appointing someone an elder (or a deacon) should not be a signal to begin shepherding, it should be a recognition of what that man is already doing for the flock, and an affirmation to continue caring for them at even greater depths.

  5. Guy says:

    Jay,

    i don't think #1 follows at all. There are plenty of denominations who have emphasized grace for years who still have leaders that are cantankerous and abusive toward clergy. i agree we've had, as a trend, years of doctrine that hasn't really confronted people's bad attitudes, but i've met plenty of bad attitudes in other denominations as well. i don't think a barrage of sermons on grace will magically transform bitter, fuddy-duddy elders into nice guys.

    (Too many elders i've met are all-too-capable of mentally separating "church" from "business," and they put their dealings with the preacher in the latter category.)

    –Guy

  6. Rich W says:

    The congregation where I was baptized as a teenager made the preacher one of the elders. It didn't work. People thought it gave the preacher/elder too much individual power. The reasons I heard was it did not provide the proper balance of power and influence. The analogy given was making the U.S. President also a member of Congress. I was too young at the time to have a strong opinion on the subject.

  7. Rich W says:

    Guy,

    Thank you for expressing my observations on the subject. I generally agree with many of the observations concerning issues within the cofC's. However, the proposed solution seems to be to rewrite our theology to match those of other groups who are having similar problems.

    For example, the "Join the church of your choice" groups have formally split into far more separate entities than anything I've ever seen within the cofC's.

  8. Darin says:

    Great thoughts.

    I think a better understand of what an elder is incredible important. Some great work has been done over the past several years by people like Lynn Anderson trying to help the church become healthier as it relates to elders. It is hard to deprogram but there is no other choice. We constantly work with our elders trying to make sure they are shepherding instead of simply being glorified deacons.

    I think at times we are tempted to give up on this process because the elders may not change as quickly as we would like. It can also be hard because an entrenched elder may see no reason to change but it still needs to be taught for those who will follow. You may never see the fruit of your labor but it certainly will not be in vain.

    Again, excellent post.

  9. Tina says:

    I must belong to a very unusual congregation, because it is the ONLY congregation I have ever been a part of where the reason the preacher left is because he retired rather than resigned.

    He's also one of our elders.

    And I get the impression that our current preacher and elders work reasonably well as a team.

  10. Jay Guin says:

    Matthew,

    Response to your request will be up tomorrow morning.

  11. Jay Guin says:

    Guy,

    I think you may be right. Grace is necessary but not sufficient. The other element that's especially lacking from our preaching is the sacrificial nature of Christ and the sacrificial life Christians are called to. Teach grace and sacrifice coming from grace, and you'll have dramatically better elderships.

  12. Jay Guin says:

    Rich W,

    See my response to Guy.

  13. One of the dilemmas congregations face is how to recognize those God has gifted to be elders. We don't always get it right and in the processes I have witnessed, it is easily manipulated by those who wish to do so.

  14. abasnar says:

    While I largley agree on your post, Jay, I don't believe that preaching more grace and the Spirit would be sufficient. Because the statistics you quoted (if I am not mistaken) included all denominations, also those Evangelical congregantios who do exactly this.

    We have started rethinking leadership. At the moment we have "recognized" elders but not "appointed" elders. This means, the brothers are there and they are recognized (by some at least) as elders because they act like elders. Which is a good starting point.

    What is kind of frustrating, though, is having no real authority. The church (or churches today in general) have not learned nor accepted that we must submit to and obey our leaders. So what happens: I a preacher says somenthing that goes against what we have practiced so far, he will face strong opposition.

    Example: When I taught in Bible class, that we make a mistake if we let unbaptized persons partake in the Lord's Supper, I could not even finsih my thoughts, because some very heated reactions. One sister who is married to an unbeliever who sometimes came to church eventually left our church because of … me (!), called me legalistic and gave me one of these modern "grace"-books by Philipp Yancey ("What's so amazing about grace") – a terrible misrepresentation of Biblical grace, in my opinion.

    Anyway, this was an intreresting experience and not the only one I or the other brothers in our teacher's team made.

    I once laid awake in bed at night praying again for Biblical teaching to sink in in the church, and the answer I seemed to get was: "Preach it! I won't do for you for what I have apppointed teachers in my church!" This, together with Jas 3:1-2 gave me the creeps.

    As one elder who evetually resigned once said about 20 years ago: An elder has not alone to fight his own flesh, but the flesh of the whole church.

    I believe this is part of the reasons for burn-out, too.

    Alexander

  15. A. Amos Love says:

    Pardon the interruption. I'm not a member of your tribe. CoC.
    Do believe to be a member of "The Body of Christ." 😉

    Is it possible the reason “Burnout” and "Depression"is such a problem
    for **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is they have found themselves

    with a “Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?

    Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
    Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
    Were any congregations “led” by a “pastor” in the Bible?

    And every “pastor” I’ve met also had the “Title” “Reverend.”

    Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?

    Does anyone have the “Title” and “Position” – “Pastor/Leader” – in the Bible?

    Jesus taught “His Disciples” NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
    For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ. Mat 23:8-10 KJV

    Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about “Idols of the Heart,”
    and now God will speak to us according to the “Idols of our Heart.”
    Has that “Title” “Pastor/Leader” become an “Idol?”

    In my experience…

    Titles become Idols.
    Pastors become Masters.

    Along with the "Title" and "Position" comes something "A Little Bit Extra."
    Power, Profit, Prestige, glory, Honor, Reputation, Recognition, etc..

    All "Idols" of the heart, heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.

    And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
    them also I must bring, and they shall “hear my voice;”
    and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
    John 10:16

    One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.
    If Not Now, When?

    Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus.

  16. Royce Ogle says:

    Opps, I meant Eph 4:11

    "Pastor/teacher" in other versions pastor is translated shepherd but has the same meaning.

  17. A. Amos Love says:

    Royce

    Yes – the word pastors is in Eph 4:11. Greek poimen = shepherd.

    I was asking…
    Is anyone in the Bible was actually "called" "Pastor" or "Shepherd?"
    Does anyone in the Bible have the "Title" "Pastor?" Or "Reverend?"

    Where in the Bible does it say a pastor/shepherd is a leader?

    Jesus taught “His Disciples” NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
    For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ. Mat 23:8-10 KJV

    Seems Jesus wants to be our “ONE”"Leader."

    Seems we are to return to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. 1 Pet 2:25

    }}}}}} Jesus {{{{{{

    Royce Ogle says:

    Amos,

    One a Lord's day morning the believers gather together and all agree, "Jesus is our leader". Then a problem arises, there is a question about scripture, etc and they all sit and look at each other…

    God over and over calls his people sheep. Sheep by nature need a Shepherd. Yes, Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep but he has many who shepherd under him. Have you not read 1 Timothy 5:17? Those "who labor in preaching and teaching" are 'elders" or "shepherds".

    Not only should you and I acknowledge them, we are to give them double honor.

    It is easy to pick verses here and there and get off track. Is Jesus head of the church? YES! Should men lead in local congregations? YES! And instead of talking down about them, if you want to be a good Christian you need to honor them.

    Royce

  18. A. Amos Love says:

    Royce

    I am honoring them by letting them know they bought the “Lie.”
    Pastors are special, God needs me to build “His Church.”

    When you buy the lie you start to die…

    I have seen the dangers of "Titles,"
    and “Position,” of **Today’s** "Pastor/Leader."
    “Spiritual Abuse” for both the "leader" and those “being led.”
    IMO – The “Title” “Pastor/Leader” is very, very, dangerous for both.

    In my experience…
    No matter how loving, eventually…
    No matter how humble, eventually…
    No matter how much of a servant, eventually…

    Pastor/Leader = exercise authority = lord it over = abuse = always

    I'm not not new to "ministering healing" to those who have been “Abused”
    by those who took the “Title” and “Position”- “Pastor/Leader."

    Folks who've been **burnt,** ** burnt out,** ** kicked out,**
    and **crawled out** of "the religious system" most call “church.”
    with it's leaders, submission to authority, tithes and offerings,
    and other unbiblical "heavy weights" put on folks shoulders.

    I also spend time with pastors,
    "so called leaders," who can't do it anymore.

    Trying to please the denominational leaders,
    the congregation and it's leaders, his family,
    and of course Jesus.
    Who is often relegated to last place. Hmmm?

    Serving so many masters, that's tough; Yes?

    Preaching every week… and it better be good, being the CEO,
    the team leader, councilor, marrying, burying, smiley face. etc. etc.

    **Today’s**“Pastor/Leader,”and their family, pay a horrible price.
    Just look at the stats again at the top of this post.

    48% think their work is hazardous to their family well-being.
    45 will experience a burnout that will make them leave their jobs.
    That’s who’s running the show. That’s who are abusing God’s sheep.

    I started to notice that what I was taught about **today’s**
    “Pastors/Leaders,” wasn’t lining up with scripture.

    For starters…

    When searching for what a “Pastor/Leader” does **Today**
    in the Bible, I had a very rude awakening.

    I found…

    NO – Pastors – in Pulpits – Preaching – to People – in Pews.
    …… When folks come together, every one has a psalm, a doctrine,
    …… a tongue, a revelation, has an interpretation. 1 Cor 14:26.
    …… Every one can, and is expected to participate.
    …… Today, pastor in a pulpit model = spectators, pew potatoes.
    NO “disciple” “calling” another brethren – Pastor, or “My” Pastor.
    NO “disciple of Christ” “calling” them self – Pastor or Leader.
    ……”ALL” disciples called themselves “Servants of Christ.” Hmmm?
    NO “disciple” having the “Title”or “Position” – “Pastor/Leader.”
    …… Today that “Title” is on – Diploma's on walls, business cards,
    …… office doors, Sunday morning bulletin, street signs, and more.
    …… And everyone knows who the “Pastor/Leader” is. Why?
    …… Jesus, humbled Himself, made Himself of NO reputation,
    ……. took on the form of a “Servant.” Is that “Title” an “Idol?”
    NO “disciple of Christ” “Exercising Authority” over anyone.
    …… I was taught; You submit to me, “God Ordained Authority,”
    …… And, when you’re a Pastor, people will submit to you. 🙁
    ……. Power. Profit, and Prestige, highly esteemed among men.
    NO – Pastors, separating themselves as “Clergy-class.”
    NO – Pastors counseling anyone.
    NO – Pastors marrying anyone.
    NO – Pastors burying anyone.
    NO – Pastors visiting the sick.
    NO – Pastors wearing special clothes.
    NO – Pastors going from one congregation to another.
    …… What’s up with that?
    …… Elders, plural, matured within the group, when, if, appointed,
    …… they were known, already servants, serving the brethren.
    …… Today, Pastor, Paid, Professional, is hired, NOT known.

    And the list goes on…
    You could probably think of a few yourself.

    IMO – Not of much of what we see **Today,**
    with “Pastors/leaders,” has any reference in scripture.

    And we wonder why there is “Burnout” “Depression?”

    Jesus… I’m in agreement with David…
    The Lord is my shepherd.

  19. Anonymous says:

    I’m in agreement with David…The Lord is my shepherd.

    Amen!!

    And David was ordained by the Lord to lead His people.

  20. A. Amos Love says:

    Anon

    "And David was ordained by the Lord to lead His people."

    Amen!!

    And Jesus is the son of David. Yes?

    And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
    Mat 12:23

    And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple,
    How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
    Mark 12:35

    Now, it seems, Jesus, the son of David, wants to lead "His People."

    Jesus, in Mat 23:10 KJV, told **His disciples**
    “NOT” to call themselves “Master / Leaders,”
    for you have “ONE” “Master / Leader” “The Christ.”

    King James Version –
    Neither be ye called masters:
    for “ONE” is your Master, even Christ.

    The Interlinear Bible –
    Nor be called leaders,
    for “ONE” is your leader the Christ.

    Phillips Modern English –
    you must not let people call you leaders,
    you have only “ONE” leader, Christ.

    Today's English Version –
    nor should you be called leader.
    your “ONE” and only leader is the Messiah.

    Jesus told **His disciples** NOT to be called **leaders** and NONE did.

    Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
    Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
    Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ,
    Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God,
    Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God
    2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant

    **His Disciples** all called themselves **Servants.**
    None called themselves “leaders.” None? None.
    None called themselves “servant-leader.” None.

    If Jesus instructed **His Disciples** NOT to call themselves “leaders”
    and someone calls them self a "leader"
    or thinks they are a "leader;"

    Are they a "Disciple of Christ?"
    Or, just a “disobedient” "Disciple of Christ?"

    Why isn’t what Jesus said important? 😉

    And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
    them also I must bring, and they shall **hear my voice;**
    and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
    John 10:16

    One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.
    If Not Now, When?

    Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus.

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