Gifts of Leadership and Service: The Heart of Christ for His Body
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
🌿 A Heavenly Calling to Build Up the People of God
From the Garden of Eden, God created humanity to share in his rule of justice and love (Genesis 1:26–28). Throughout Israel's history, Moses received wisdom to delegate responsibilities to avoid exhaustion and maintain justice (Exodus 18:17–23). Prophets led by declaring the word of the Lord, and righteous kings brought peace (2 Samuel 23:3–4). In Christ, Ephesians 4:11–13 reveals leadership and service as gifts for the entire body, so that every part may be built up, strengthened, and prepared for the work of God's Kingdom. “True leadership reflects the heart of our King.”
🚨 Challenges and Clashes of Perspective
The Pride of Power: When leadership is turned into a platform for self-glorification, as with the Pharisees who loved status and honor (Matthew 23:6–7), the heart of service dies. The eyes turn from God to humanity. It’s like a captain steering a ship for their own fame instead of the safety of the passengers. True leadership measures honor by the standard of service, not position.
Over-reliance on one gift: When the church depends on one person, it loses the richness of the entire body, like a body trying to do all tasks with one hand (1 Corinthians 12:21–22). It's a dangerous situation, like a team that relies on a single player—if they leave the field, the whole game falls apart. The body of Christ is built by the participation of all its parts.
Service without love: Great deeds without love are like an incomprehensible trumpet (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). It's like a hospital with equipment but no compassion from the doctors—the patient will not truly heal. Love is the breath of service; without it, the work dies.
Failing to develop others: Not preparing others goes against the example of Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). It's like a farmer who eats all the seeds instead of planting them, missing out on future harvests and weakening the field. Service that reproduces builds the next generation of servants.
🌈 Biblical Interpretation and the Fulfillment of the Gospel
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers: Ephesians 4:11–12 identifies these servants as a team that builds the body of Christ, like craftsmen who laid the stones of Solomon's Temple with unity and order (1 Kings 6). Each has their role—apostles as foundation-setters, prophets as speakers of God's heart, evangelists as planters of the gospel seed, pastors as guardians of the flock, and teachers as nurturers of the mind and heart. “Together, these ministries form a strong body of Christ.”
The ministry of mercy and aid: Romans 12:7–8 and the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33–35) show a ministry that touches the world’s wounds, like a doctor arriving at an accident scene to provide first aid, stopping the bleeding and instilling hope. “The ministry of mercy carries the heart of Christ for the wounded.”
True leadership: This is a life-giving service, just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:14–15), an example of a shepherd who sleeps at the door to protect his sheep (John 10:11). It's a leader who climbs the mountain first to open a path for others, counting the cost and paying it with joy for the sake of his sheep. “A true leader leads with sacrifice and love.”
🛤️ Steps to Living Out the Gifts of Leadership and Service
Identify and use your gift. Reflect on Romans 12 and Ephesians 4, like a captain who knows every wind and wave, using his knowledge to sail the ship safely to God's peaceful harbor. "An unused gift is a treasure buried in the sand.”
Learn from others. Seek the inheritance of wisdom like a student who sits at the feet of the best teachers, taking on their virtues and experience. “Wisdom is built by the humility of learning.”
Serve with love. Prioritize the growth of others (Philippians 2:3–4), like a gardener who waters all plants without discrimination so that every seedling can grow. “Love is the soil that sprouts service.”
Prepare others. Build the next generation of leaders (2 Timothy 2:2), like a painter who teaches their students to paint with courage and beauty. “The best leadership produces the best leaders.”
🙋 Questions for Discussion
What are the main differences between worldly and spiritual leadership? Can these two perspectives intersect or clash in the life of the church?
What steps can you take to identify your gifts of service? And what are some ways to help them grow and bear fruit?
How can we ensure everyone gets an equal opportunity to participate? How can the church put this into practice in ways that build unity?
🙌 A Blessing for the Sent
“May the Lord strengthen you to lead with humility and a heart of service, make you an example of his love, and protect you on your journey of building the body of Christ.”
🤝 Partnership and Feedback
Have you witnessed or participated in these gifts? Share your comments, questions, or testimony.
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