Hakata Letter 87. Leadership That Helps Others Succeed

Hakata Letter 87. Leadership That Helps Others Succeed

When we hear the Bible say that we are servants of Christ and should become servants of others, what thoughts come to mind? Honestly, it can be a bit confusing at times. I've also been confused about what it means to be a servant. If I'm a servant, shouldn't I rush to be there whenever and wherever the congregation calls? If members have something special come up on Saturday and ask me to come, shouldn't I drop all other plans and go? Furthermore, wouldn't giving instructions to members be inconsistent with the attitude of a servant? These thoughts often made me uncomfortable.

However, I gradually came to understand through observing Jesus' service. Jesus clearly said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45, NIV). Yet when we look at Jesus' service, it wasn't a method of unconditionally granting the disciples' wishes. When Peter thought wrongly, Jesus clearly rebuked him, saying, "Get behind me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). When the disciples argued about who was the greatest, He also corrected their thinking (Mark 9:33-37). Why did He do this? Because that was the way to truly help the disciples succeed.

The servant leadership and serving leadership that the Bible speaks of is not about unconditionally doing what others want. It is about "helping that person succeed spiritually." Helping others succeed means not so much making them prosper worldly, but rather shaping them into people who please God. It's about firmly building up that person's faith and life so they can receive great rewards in heaven.

When you look at the House Church logo, at the center of the three axes—Sunday Mokjang Joint Worship, Life Course Studies, and Mokjang gatherings—is the "Senior Pastor's Leadership." However, this triangle is in the shape of an inverted triangle (▽), supporting from below. It means that leadership should not reign from above like worldly leadership, but should firmly support the three axes while serving from below. And this principle applies not only to the senior pastor but also to shepherds, shepherdesses, and all of us.

As I gained this perspective, changes came to my heart as well. The congregation began to appear not as tools for my ministry, but as precious people I should serve to help them succeed spiritually. Shepherds and shepherdesses also appeared not as people who help me, but as precious people I should serve to help their ministry succeed and to build them up so they can receive even greater rewards than me in heaven. When this happens, I can do things I couldn't do before. I can speak honestly when needed. Just as parents sometimes speak sternly because they truly love their children, if you have a heart to help others succeed spiritually, you can say what needs to be said, leaving the results to God.

The apostle Paul also encouraged us: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV). Looking to the interests of others includes not just being kind, but also helping that person stand spiritually right. Of course, those who hear such words may feel a bit disappointed at first. However, if they understand that it comes from a heart truly wanting to help them succeed, they will ultimately gain benefit beyond the momentary discomfort. When we serve in Mokjang gatherings, at work, and at home, thinking "How can I help this person succeed as someone God delights in?" amazing things happen.

When leadership becomes a tool of domination, we collapse together with the mindset of "I must kill you to survive." But where there is servant leadership, beautiful symbiosis occurs: "If you live, I live too." After Jesus washed the disciples' feet, He said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:14-15, NIV). How beautiful would it be if our church, our Mokjang, and the workplaces and homes we serve were filled with this servant leadership? The world would also recognize us as people with true leadership. I hope all members of our church become beautiful servants who help others succeed. (February 1, 2026)
Pastor Kim Ju-Young, together with you.