You know, folks, I've been thinking a lot about what real leadership in the church looks like. Jesus showed us so clearly in John chapter 13. He knew His time had come to leave this world and go to the Father. So what did He do? He got up from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet. He wiped them with the towel that was around Him (John 13:4-5). Think about that, the Lord of glory, the Creator of everything, down on His knees doing the work of the lowest servant.
After He finished, He sat down and said, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you... If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:12-17, NKJV).
Jesus wasn't just giving a nice illustration. He was setting the pattern for all of us who follow Him. He said it another way in Mark 10:43-45 “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” That's the kingdom way, greatness comes through serving, not through being served.
In our ministry family, we've always tried to hold to that. The ministry isn't about lording it over people or building big platforms for ourselves. It's about being servants first to the Lord, then to His people. I remember at Bible college, I would be the first in to make the coffee pots up for the students, put a glass of water at the lectern for the lecturers and not because anyone expected it, but because if something needs doing, a servant does it. Nothing's beneath us if it helps the body. We teach the Word verse by verse, rely on the Spirit, and lead by example, washing feet in whatever way the Lord calls us.
But it's sad to see how things have shifted in many places today. Some churches chase after celebrity-style leadership, big titles, personal branding, crowds, and recognition.
Pastors want to be served rather than serve. They want to measure success by numbers or influence rather than by faithful, humble service. We have seen scandals online where authority gets misused, and people get hurt. It really breaks my heart because it's the opposite of what Jesus modelled. The world says, “Lord it over them.” Jesus says, “It shall not be so among you.”
When faithful folks serve quietly, helping, teaching, praying, encouraging, and feel taken for granted, it hurts. Maybe someone called you “servant of the servants” as a term of honour for your humble heart, but if it came with being overlooked, that's not right.
Yet remember, Jesus washed Judas' feet too, knowing betrayal was coming. He served perfectly even when misunderstood. And He sees every act you do in His name. “Whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water... he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42, NKJV). Your labor isn't in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
The blessing is in doing these things, just as Jesus said. Studying John 13 with your wife brings that home, knowing and doing bring blessing. At Born Again Christians, we stick to the basics ~ teach the whole counsel of God, love people humbly, and trust the Spirit to work. We don't need hype or programs to draw people; the Word and the Spirit do the work.
If you're feeling the weight of serving in a world that doesn't value it, take heart. Jesus was the ultimate Servant. Keep washing feet as unto Him.
God still uses humble servants who don't seek the spotlight.
Let's pray the Lord raises up more who follow His example, not seeking thrones, but towels.
May the Lord keep our hearts soft and our hands ready to serve.
God bless you as you continue in faithful service.
Your labour in the Lord matters more than you know.
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