Forty Days Full - An Invitation To Real Life

though they know more pain is ahead they return headlong into the fray called 'the congregation' with a genuine desire to see lives changed. It is the call of God that drives them on. It is the love of Jesus that compels them. Yes, they are often wounded leaders who need healing themselves, but sometimes the position puts them in a place where it is unsafe to share their pain with anyone. I have several friends who faced anger and rejection when they were found to be less than perfect. Those they had ministered to for years dropped them like a hot potato. They lost their job, their friends, their colleagues and sometimes even their marriage. Why would they be open if this is the way church people treat those in leadership who stumble. This reality sends ministers farther into secrecy and pain. Shepherds need to be seen as people who are also in process. Please know I am not defending or making excuses for every wrongdoing by church leaders. I am asking that the Body of Christ would embrace grace for leaders—as they have received grace from Jesus. As amazing as it sounds, God is a humble king. It's true that He is the Creator and Lord of the universe, but He's not arrogant. He has an accurate opinion of Himself. Jesus demonstrated this attitude when he came to serve, not to be served. This is part of God's nature. “For God so loved the world that He gave...” (John 3:16a). The Kingdom of heaven flows out of this humble, serving attitude. We enter the Kingdom through surrender and submission. When you discover God is a servant leader, how can you not love Him and follow Him. Our challenge here on earth is to love and follow flawed human leaders. God appoints servant leaders to carry His message and lead His people. This is a rock solid, biblically based fact. To deny it is to act in the same spirit of Korah and his cronies.