Stewardship

Called to Serve

by Philip Aiyabei 
07/29/26
Not For Sale
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There are moments in life when God uses an ordinary experience to reveal an extraordinary truth. Sometimes the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to something we have seen many times before but never fully understood. This book was born out of one such moment.

For many years I have observed the growth of the Church with great joy. Across cities, towns, and villages, new the concern arises when the pursuit of leadership becomes more important than the purpose of leadership.

Instead of asking, "How can I faithfully serve God's people?" many have begun asking, "What position can I hold?" Instead of seeking God's calling through prayer, some seek recognition through appointments, elections, and influence. Leadership, which should reflect humility and sacrifice, can become a competition for visibility and authority.

Sadly, this spirit has not been confined to one denomination, one congregation, or one nation. It is a temptation that can confront any church whenever personal ambition overshadows the mission of Christ.

One particular Sunday brought this reality into sharp focus for me.

I was visiting a local church for worship. Like many first-time visitors, I expected a morning filled with prayer, praise, the reading of God's Word, and fellowship with believers. As the service progressed, however, an announcement was made that immediately captured my attention.

The congregation was informed that the coming week would be dedicated to leadership elections.

The church program was adjusted to allow aspiring leaders to address the congregation. One after another, candidates came to the pulpit and were given several minutes to present themselves. They spoke about their qualifications, outlined their plans, and explained why they believed they should be elected. Members listened carefully, applauded, and prepared to cast their votes in the days ahead.

As I sat there observing the proceedings, I could not help but reflect on what I was witnessing.

There is nothing inherently wrong with churches establishing orderly processes for selecting leaders. Scripture teaches that all things should be done decently and in order. Churches often require practical systems to organize their ministries and ensure accountability.

Yet my heart was troubled by a deeper question.

When did ministry begin to resemble a political campaign?

When did the desire to serve become overshadowed by the desire to lead?

When did titles become more attractive than faithfulness?

Those questions remained with me long after the service had ended.

As I reflected upon them in prayer, I realized that the greatest danger facing the Church is not merely the existence of leadership structures. Rather, it is the condition of the human heart. Long before positions are sought publicly, ambition often grows privately. It begins when recognition becomes more important than obedience, when influence becomes more valuable than character, and when visibility becomes more desirable than faithfulness.

This struggle is not new.

Even the disciples of Jesus wrestled with ambition. On one occasion they argued among themselves about who was the greatest. On another, two brothers sought places of honor beside Christ in His kingdom. Their desire for prominence reflected the world's understanding of greatness.

Jesus responded by completely redefining leadership.

He taught that greatness in God's Kingdom is measured not by authority over people but by service to people. The rulers of this world exercise power to elevate themselves, but His followers were to demonstrate an entirely different spirit. Whoever desired to become great must first become a servant. Whoever wished to lead must first be willing to serve.

Then Jesus did something even more remarkable.

He lived what He taught.

The One through whom all things were created knelt before His own disciples and washed their feet. The Master performed the work of the lowest servant in the household. In that simple yet profound act, He forever established the pattern for Christian leadership.

Leadership in God's Kingdom is not about climbing higher; it is about stooping lower.

The closer we walk with Christ, the more willing we become to serve others without seeking applause. The more we understand His grace, the less concerned we become about recognition and the more concerned we become about faithfulness.

This truth is beautifully illustrated again in Acts chapter six.

The early Church was experiencing extraordinary growth. Thousands were coming to faith. New believers were being added daily, and the apostles found themselves carrying enormous responsibilities. Alongside this rapid expansion came practical challenges, including complaints that certain widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.

The apostles faced a critical decision. They could attempt to meet every need personally, or they could organize the ministry according to God's wisdom.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they chose faithful men who were known for their godly character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity to oversee this important ministry. In doing so, they affirmed a timeless principle: every assignment in the Kingdom of God matters, but not every believer has the same assignment.

The apostles remained devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word, while others faithfully served in practical ministry. Neither responsibility was superior to the other. Together they strengthened the Church and enabled the Gospel to continue spreading with power.

This example challenges many assumptions that exist within the modern Church.

Some ministries are highly visible, while others remain largely unnoticed. Yet heaven does not measure importance by visibility. God looks at faithfulness.

An usher greeting people at the church entrance.

A deacon caring for widows.

A Sunday school teacher patiently explaining Scripture to children.

An intercessor praying in secret.

A worship leader preparing their heart before leading a song.

A cleaner ensuring the sanctuary is ready for worship.

Each one serves the same Lord. Each contributes to the health of Christ's body. Each ministry, when offered in love and obedience, becomes an act of worship.

The Church desperately needs leaders, but it needs leaders who first know how to serve. It needs pastors who shepherd with compassion, elders who lead with humility, deacons who serve with integrity, worship leaders who minister from surrendered hearts, and believers who understand that no act of faithful service is ever insignificant in the eyes of God.

Congregations have been planted, ministries have expanded, and countless people have come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The Gospel continues to transform lives, and for this we give God all the glory.