Christian ministry leadership, as ordained by Scripture, is fundamentally built on the principle of servant leadership. Any deviation from this principle leads to autocracy, a system in which one individual holds absolute power, often resulting in oppression, control, and spiritual harm. The Biblical model of leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to autocracy, emphasizing humility, service, and love. The notion of servant leadership is deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV), Jesus explicitly contrasts worldly leadership with godly leadership. The Bible says:
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’”
This passage underscores that leadership in the Christian ministry is not about exerting authority over others but about serving with humility and selflessness. Jesus Himself, though Lord of all, washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:12-17, NKJV), demonstrating the heart of a true leader. The Bible says:
“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
Autocratic leadership contradicts the biblical model of ministry leadership in every sense of the way. First is that it undermines and weakens the Body of Christ. Now, in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, with different members functioning together. If you read especially from verses 20-27, we will see clearly the interdependence of every member of this body and how one cannot “absolutely function” without the support of the other member. The Bible says:
“But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
An autocratic leader disrupts this unity by imposing their personal will rather than fostering collective spiritual growth. Another danger of autocratic leadership in Christian ministry (if not checked for a long time) is that it leads to spiritual abuse. Leaders who demand unquestioning submission often manipulate and oppress their followers. In the book of Ezekiel 34:2-4, prophet Ezekiel expressly warned us against such leaders. The Bible says
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them: ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.’”
Leaders who control and dominate rather than serve go against God’s design for spiritual oversight. Another danger of autocratic leadership in Christian ministry is that it completely ignores the role of the Holy Spirit. An autocratic leader often assumes the role of sole decision-maker, disregarding the leading of the Holy Spirit and the collective wisdom of the church body. Now, the apostle Paul showed us why and how the Holy Spirit should take the wheels of leadership in Christian ministry. The Bible says in Acts 15:28: “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things…” Notice the expression and phrase; “for it seemed good to the Holy Spirit…” If you look at this statement viz-a-viz what we see today in many Christian ministries, the reverse is most likely the case and this is not how it should be.
Christian ministry leadership is not autocratic because it is founded on the principle of servant leadership, as modeled by Jesus Christ. True leadership in ministry is characterized by humility, service, love, and accountability, standing in direct opposition to authoritarian rule. Any church leadership that seeks to control rather than serve contradicts the teachings of Christ. As believers, we are called to uphold the biblical model of leadership, ensuring that our ministries reflect the love and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is of utmost importance that every Christian leader puts this scripture before them always: “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
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Article Source: Centre for New Dimension Leadership
