Providence Points: Humble Leadership Is Rare

[shawn...@gmail.com]

Providence Points:
Biblical, Devotional & Informational
November, 26, 2007
Vol. 2, No. 18

Recently, I was again reminded of the necessity of a humble church
leadership.

In this age of American independence, it is quite common for men to
assign themselves as leaders, especially in the church. Men, by force
of arrogance, arrogate to themselves the office of minister. In turn,
these erstwhile pastors start new congregations on the power of their
personality, preaching or popularity.

But it does not stop there. Some pastors (even legitimate ones) take
accolades upon themselves, asserting an air of authority in some
specialized field before anyone has legitimately recognized them as
experts. They readily assume supposed leadership upon the supposition
that popularity implies authority (a common American error). To be a
leader amongst leaders is always a temptation.

Yet, what if one were popular? What if accolades and leadership and
the public limelight were offered? How should it be approached?

Again, history (within a biblical framework) yields fruitful advice.
In this case, a very similar scenario arose in the early 1800s at the
then famous St. Andrews college. Thomas Chalmers (a Scottish
Presbyterian) was making great spiritual progress within that area. He
quietly started a children's Sabbath-school, which in turned quickly
grew in popularity amongst the families (Christian and non-Christian
alike). This in turn, spawned more such schools and increased his
popularity.

He was popular enough (through his engaging teaching and preaching
ministry) that Christian societies wanted his face on their boards:

"Soon after he came to St. Andrews Dr. Chalmers was invited to become
President of a Missionary Society, composed of Christians of different
denominations."

Surely, he prayed; surely he sought advise. Yet, he did more:

"He would not accept this office till it had been offered to and
declined by others whose [senior] official position entitled them to
that mark of respect." [Memoirs, 198]

How many pastors today would take such an approach? Such self-
effacement is rare today. Such high respect for those with more
experience is refreshing.

The senior professors turned down the job and Chalmers' humility was
rewarded. He greatly influenced the cause of missions through the
legacy of his students, the St. Andrews Seven.

The rest is history.

SDG