Reflection of the week

By Linda Sutton

Posted Nov  1, 2017 in Faith

It’s almost time for our congregation’s AGM, as well as the November Presbytery & Synod meeting. I survey the nominations for leadership in the congregation, and wonder who I might choose. I think about the kind of leader whom I would support. I would look for someone who is a playing coach, encouraging and motivating others to use their gifts for ministry and mission.

Unlike leaders in secular society, a Christian leader is not out to further his or her career, but to serve God alongside the other church members. I wonder if this is what Jesus had in mind when he described the leaders of his time who used their power for their own ends in Matthew 23:1-7:

Then Jesus talked to the many people and to His followers.  He said, “The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers have put themselves in Moses’ place as teachers.  Do what they tell you to do and keep on doing it. But do not follow what they do. They preach but do not obey their own preaching.  They make heavy loads and put them on the shoulders of men. But they will not help lift them with a finger.  Everything they do, they do to be seen of men. They have words from the Holy Writings written in large letters on their left arm and forehead and they make wide trimming for their clothes.  They like to have the important places at big suppers and the best seats in the Jewish places of worship.  They like to have people show respect to them as they stand in the center of town where people gather. They like to be called teacher.”

These are words to keep in mind as we discern leadership in our congregations and in the wider Uniting Church.

Prayer

Lord, give me the gift of discernment so that I can wisely choose those leaders who will inspire me and your people to participate in the work of your Kingdom. In your name, I pray. Amen.

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