Titles and Leadership: A Biblical Reflection on Humility and servanthood

 

Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV:
‬‬ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant.“

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Church, the call to leadership resonates with a profound responsibility—one that necessitates a reflection on the biblical principles laid out by Jesus Himself. In Matthew 23:8-11, Christ's teachings challenge our perceptions of titles, honor, and pride within the church, providing timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary challenges.

The Disapproval of Titles:

Jesus distinctly discouraged the use of titles such as 'Rabbi,' urging us to recognize the equality among believers. In a world often obsessed with hierarchies, the contemporary church must heed this call to eliminate prideful structures. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 3:28, emphasizing that in Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

There are many Bible references that emphasize the disapproval of titles or positions that elevate individuals within the community of believers. Let’s explore a few more passages:

In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul addresses divisions in the Corinthian church and emphasizes unity in Christ, discouraging the formation of factions around particular leaders.

In 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 , Paul reiterates the folly of dividing the church based on allegiances to specific leaders, emphasizing that leaders are mere servants of God.

In Ephesians 4:11-13, While this passage acknowledges various roles within the church, it emphasizes that these roles exist for the purpose of equipping believers and building unity in faith, rather than creating hierarchical distinctions.

In Colossians 3:11, Paul emphasizes that there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free. These distinctions are not to be used as titles to elevate one group over another.

In James 2:1-4, James warns against showing favoritism based on worldly distinctions such as wealth and status. Such distinctions should not result in titles that create divisions among believers.

In 1 Peter 5:2-3 ; Peter, addressing elders, encourages them to be shepherds who serve willingly, not lording it over those entrusted to them. This emphasizes leadership as a service rather than a title of dominance.

In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus explicitly instructs His disciples not to lord it over others as the Gentiles do but to be servants. Leadership in the kingdom of God is characterized by humility and service, not titles of authority.

These verses collectively reinforce the biblical principle of humility, equality, and servant leadership within the community of believers. They discourage the formation of divisive titles or distinctions that may lead to pride and hinder the unity that Christ desires for His Church.

Recognition of the Father:

The directive not to call anyone on earth 'father' redirects our focus to our singular divine Father in heaven. This challenges the Church to guard against the elevation of human leaders to a position that competes with the reverence due to God. Ephesians 4:6 reinforces this by reminding us that we have "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

The Ultimate Teacher :

By discouraging the title 'teacher,' Jesus underscores that He (God) is the ultimate Teacher. This challenges the church to resist the temptation to exalt human wisdom above Christ's teachings. Colossians 2:8 cautions us against being taken captive by "hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."

The Bible cautions believers against relying solely on human philosophy and emphasize the supremacy of God's wisdom:

1 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV): "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"

   - Paul challenges the perceived wisdom of the world, highlighting the contrast with the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil."

   - Proverbs encourages reliance on God's understanding rather than leaning solely on human wisdom.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"

   - Isaiah highlights the incomparable wisdom of God, surpassing human understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:5 (NIV) "so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

   - Paul encourages placing faith in God's power rather than human wisdom.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV) "This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD."

   - Jeremiah emphasizes that true wisdom comes from knowing and understanding God and His Word.

These verses collectively underscore the importance of seeking divine wisdom over human philosophies, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the surpassing greatness of God's knowledge.

Application in Today’s Church:

The call to eliminate hierarchical pride is not a rejection of leadership but an embrace of servant leadership modeled after Christ. Philippians 2:3-4 implores us to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

Valuing every church member equally is reinforced by 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, where Paul speaks of the Church as one body with many parts, highlighting the interconnectedness and equality of all believers.

Redirecting honor to God finds support in Revelation 4:11, acknowledging that all things exist for God's pleasure. Recognizing Christ as the ultimate Teacher aligns with John 13:13, where Jesus declares, "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am."

Addressing pride in titles resonates with Proverbs 16:18, reminding us that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

The Bible does acknowledge the diverse roles within the body of Christ, including apostles, prophets, etc…. These roles, however, are given for the edification of the Church and the glory of God, rather than for personal glorification. 

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) emphasizes that these roles are given by Christ for the equipping and building up of the body of Christ.

   - "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

   

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) highlights that spiritual gifts, including roles like apostleship and prophecy, are given for the benefit of the entire community.

   - "Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

   

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) encourages the use of spiritual gifts for service, with the ultimate aim of bringing praise to God.

   - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."

   

Romans 12:3-8 (NIV) urges humility in recognizing and using the various gifts within the body, emphasizing that they are given by God's grace.

   - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

These verses collectively emphasize that the roles and gifts within the body of Christ are divinely given for the purpose of serving and edifying the community, ensuring that the glory goes to God rather than individuals. It highlights the importance of humility and a focus on the common good rather than personal glorification.

In the midst of our reflections on titles, honor, and humility within the Church, it's crucial to acknowledge the role of the Holy Spirit as the Helper, and Teacher. Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, will teach us all things and remind us of His teachings. John 14:26 (NIV)

Importance of servant leadership 

In today's church, the importance of servant leadership cannot be overstated. Here are key aspects highlighting why embracing servant leadership is crucial:

   - Servant leadership aligns with the very essence of Christ's teachings and example. Jesus Himself declared, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, NIV). Leaders in the church are called to emulate this selfless model.

   - Servant leaders prioritize the unity and well-being of the community. Philippians 2:2-4 (NIV) underscores this: "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

   - Servant leaders empower and uplift others, fostering an environment where each member can contribute and grow.

   - Servant leadership reflects God's heart for His people. Leaders are entrusted with a divine responsibility, and 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV) reminds them of their role: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

   - Servant leadership serves as a powerful witness to the world. John 13:35 (NIV) states, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." A church led by servants reflects the transformative love of Christ.

Servant leadership is not just a leadership style but a Christ-centered philosophy that permeates the entire body of believers. It fosters a culture of humility, empowerment, and unity, ensuring that the church operates in accordance with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, as we delve into the teachings of Matthew 23:8-10, let us be intentional about fostering a culture within the Church that mirrors the humility, equality, and Christ-centered focus that Jesus called us to embody. Let our leadership be title-less, our honor redirected to God, and our unity reflective of the diverse yet unified body of Christ.

As we strive for title-less leadership and seek to embody humility and equality in the Church, we do not journey alone. In our pursuit of Christ-like leadership, let us rely on the guidance and wisdom provided by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within each believer, empowers us to lead with humility, reminding us of the teachings of Christ and enabling us to navigate the challenges of our contemporary Church context.

Stay blessed and rapturable!

Fleury Ndongozi