Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5 – 11) NKJV
Today there is a strong emphasis on self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-assurance, self-esteem, and so on. Notice the reoccurrence of the word self. While these are not necessarily negative concepts, they do point out the real danger that Christian leaders can become too conscious of themselves, their popularity, and their importance to the church. A positive self-image can be distorted if one is very self-centered.
Some manifestations of this concern with self among Christian leaders are seen in leaders who demand high salaries and special considerations such as first-class. They seem to believe they deserve these things because they are “God’s servants”. Some Christian leaders expect the kind of recognition and attention that is given to celebrities of the world.
What a contradiction this is of the example of Jesus. Wherever He went throughout His ministry, Jesus never expected any welcome reception, banners or special honors. Indeed, the opposite was true. He told His critics, “I do not accept praise from men” (John 5:41). Jesus was content simply to do the will of His father and be a slave or servant. In the reference earlier, Philippians 2:5 – 11, it is recorded that He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (verse 7).
He was totally selfless, having no concern for self. Jesus’ security was in knowing that He was the Beloved son of God the father. He knew who He was and what He was called to do. He did not depend on the affirmation of others in other to be fulfilled.
JESUS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (John 10:14 – 15) NKJV
Shepherds without love view “sheep” as numbers on the membership roll. They see sheep as economic units (providing funds for the function of the church) or as an audience that comes to hear them preach.
Christian leaders must have the shepherd’s heart. Leaders who have modeled their shepherding on that of Jesus learn to know their sheep and to love them.
Shepherds in biblical times always stayed close to their flock and often put their own safety at risk for the sake of the sheep. That’s why David, for example, fought and killed a lion with his bare hands because his sheep were threatened (I Samuel 17:34 – 35). Jesus was a good shepherd who placed the needs of His sheep ahead of His own needs, even giving His life for them. Leadership takes everything that is within us, even our very self.
SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE
Good and proper self-care is a little – understood secret of a flourishing ministry. To properly care for his own spiritual fitness, a pastor/leader must reduce his busy schedules, priority pressures, unreasonable expectations, unnecessary distractions and focus on himself at a time.
Like everyone else, pastors should desire the best possible life. A life that is Christ-centered based on His teachings. The center of a minister’s responsibility is to find such a life for himself and then to share it with others, especially those who he serves. Thus, self-care multiplies ministry rather than trying to do it even when you know you are dried inside.
There is nothing on earth that could compare with Jesus way of life. Jesus knew when to be alone for His own personal refreshing. You cannot continue to give out without renewing yourself. If you continue that way, the end result will be burn out and outright tiredness in the pastor/leader’s life. For the pastor/leader to teach and live a Christ – quality life is the most gratifying style of life anyone has discovered or enjoyed on planet earth.
It’s easy for a pastor to feel that his personal spiritual development is hindered by other people’s problems, his own difficulties, including his limitation. Sometimes he may blame his shallowness on someone else in the congregation or even his own superiors sometimes. But the truth remains that it is the pastor who should be responsible for his actions and inactions. Every pastor must look beyond every impediment to realize a Christ-centered, Christ-quality life which, of course, can be cultivated anywhere. It is true that pastoral/leadership assignments offer enough stretching points for a pastor and his spouse to build a Jesus–permeated life.
To nourish this kind of life, a pastor must realize continuously that he is a grace consumer, not a producer. A pastor must learn to celebrate his services and glorious moments including memorable events of his life. Such as holidays, birthdays, recreation (etc). If you don’t value your life, no one will value it for you. Self-care is not only beneficial for the pastor alone, however, every member of the congregation also benefits from self-care especially as the see it modeled by their pastor.
Such bonding with Christ helps deepen the pastor’s devotion to ministry and portrays Christlikeness in the way and manner he expresses his ministry. It positively affects his preaching, teaching, counseling and worship leadership. Time alone with God produces tremendous benefits. When that happens, a holy contagion will then ignite his whole congregation. As a result, church members move nearer to Christ because they see spiritual adventure at work in their pastor’s life. As they see the life of Christ embodied in their leader, their spiritual appetites increase.
Therefore, vibrant personal spiritual self-care increases/enhances a pastor’s performance in the ministry. Anything short of that, a pastor may end up doing religious business enterprise, relief agency, or worse, a social club. A church that’s on the move for the Lord will follow on master’s example not a man-made religion that serve only a temporary purpose.