I remember the day she declared I was an “army of one.” It sounded like a compliment, but something in it didn’t sit quite right. She was in leadership under my ministry, and recognized me as her Christian leadership. She also refused to give regularly, assist with various projects, and wasn’t the best with mutual support. Her “army of one” statement felt a lot like I was capable, so there was no reason for her to assist or help in any way. Whether or not she admitted it, that’s exactly what she was saying.
It wasn’t the only time I received such a message. Throughout my ministry history, there have always been those who hope to avoid obligation through backhanded compliments. When I would call out the motive, things didn’t tend to go well. As people who were also leaders, they should have understood why such thinking is both detrimental and also isolating for leaders. In a word that expects Christian leaders to shoulder every burden, we all need to learn how to work together for the Kingdom good.
Here I present reasons why “army of one” mentality is bad for leaders – and how members (whether Christian leaders or laity themselves) can help overcome this mindset.
Leaders – even spiritual leaders – are still human
Christian leaders are often portrayed as being above the limits of normal human experience. We’re depicted as being closer to God, more moral, and better at spiritual achievements as compared to others. These are stereotypes! As with all stereotypes, these hurt both Christian leaders and those who develop essential Christian skills under their leadership. While Christian leaders are often extremely interested in the ins and outs of Scripture, faith, and Christian living, this doesn’t mean they are closer to God. Romans 12:1 tells us, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (KJV) In other words, God asks us to bring ourselves to Him. In our unique offering, we offer “acceptable service.” In the case of a spiritual leader, their “acceptable service” is leadership.
Having the ability to lead doesn’t make a leader a better person than someone else. There’s no question spiritual leaders should be good examples, but much like anyone else, we deal with temptations (and some don’t deal with them well). We are still people with opinions, feelings, thoughts, needs, and yes, things we need to work out that much better in our walk with Christ. This doesn’t disqualify us, but it does mean that like everyone else, we need grace, too.
Solution
Rather than seeing leaders as larger-than-life figures, embrace the humanity in your spiritual leadership. Respect their acceptable service, but remember that they are more than just the way they serve you and the rest of the church. Sometimes they need quiet time, prayer time without the rest of the congregation, and time away from ministry demands. Remember to respect their boundaries and encourage their individuality.
The responsibilities of Christian leadership are endless
One of the reasons why Christian ministers don’t always master ministry is because it’s not just one thing. It’s not as simple as doing one thing and doing it really well – such as public preaching. Ministers all have their unique combination of spiritual gifts. Along with those gifts comes different abilities, some of which are stronger than others. Some Christian leaders excel at public ministry but aren’t the best with things like counseling or one-on-one instruction. Others are very strong in personal instruction and guidance, while not much for public ministry. Both examples are needed, but unfortunately, many ministries demand leaders be good at all these things rather than dividing duties.
Even in the best of circumstances, Christian leadership takes a lot of facets. Ministry today is a far cry from Acts 6:3-4: Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. (NIV) We must have the ability to oversee financial matters, maintain different divisions of ministry, delve into pastoral care, consider public teaching and preaching, network, handle complaints, and keep ministries functional day-to-day. It can feel like a minister’s job is never done.
Solution
Many think volunteering to help in a ministry is beneath them. The truth is that ministries need all of us to function. The best ministries don’t just thrive on a do-it-yourself leader, but a leader who knows how to embrace the diversity of gifts present in a congregation. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your leader or another member of the church staff for a list of available ministry and volunteer opportunities. Get involved!
Leadership is lonely
It can easily seem like ministry is a social position. Church leaders are often seen greeting people, holding public meetings, or doing activities in a social setting. The truth of Christian leadership, however, is that it can get very lonely. Christian leadership is a competitive game, and there are many behind-the-scenes stories of hurt feelings, betrayal, disappointment, and isolation. Most ministers (of any capacity) report having few friends. It’s also common for ministers to deal with conflicts at home. The demanding nature of ministry sometimes clashes with the demands of home and family life, and that can leave ministers feeling very alone.
Solution
I’ve often said that one of the ways we go sideways as leaders is spoiling our congregations. In never expecting them to understand the demands of ministry, they take Christian leadership for granted. Now, I don’t believe our struggles are for everyone. We shouldn’t voice every issue we face, ministers need to be open with their congregations about what leadership is like. Even if a group isn’t set aside for leadership, they should know its difficulties, pitfalls, and circumstances so as to bring about understanding and respect for the leadership experience.
Likewise, members should be there – and as appreciative – as leaders are there for them. As 1 Timothy 5:17 says, Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching. (AMPC)
Leaders are not the only ones with obligations in a church setting
Contrary to popular belief, ministry isn’t just for an “elect few.” Yes, there are some called to ministry full-time as leaders. The word “ministry,” however, simply means “service.” Every Christian is called to serve in some capacity in this life. Whether you’re called to work in the world and volunteer at the church or do something else, you still are called to serve and impact the lives of others. This means you’re also called to impact the life of your leader in some way. Maybe you’re not the church secretary or the armor bearer, but there’s still some way you can be of service for the betterment of your church community.
Solution
Keep in mind the words of 2 Timothy 4:11: Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (NIV) Things like ministry anniversary and minister’s appreciation are nice. They’re great opportunities to celebrate a leader, but truth be told…most church leaders aren’t really looking for these special events. Your leader is most appreciative of the things you do that help them not feel like an “army of one.” Faithful attendance, regular giving, and participation in some ministry of service are much more consistent things that show your leader you appreciate them and their contribution in your walk of faith.
Summing it all up
Ministers get lonely, feel burnt out, and deal with different emotions because they are doing too many things that aren’t part of their call. Let’s remember why God calls people to ministry in the first place! Ephesians 4:11-12 says, 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… (NIV) Leaders are here to help build up, not do everything themselves. As they build up, they too need others to do their part to build the Kingdom of God. If we all work together, we receive the promises of God that much more abundantly.
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