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Nov. 1, 2019 

Dear Beloved in Christ: 
 
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
 
In my Episcopal Address, I requested that you join me in reading Piloting Church: Helping Your Con by gregation Take Flight by Cameron Trimble (Chalice Press, St. Louis, Missouri, 2019).
 
Trimble writes:
 
Your job is not to be the saint of the church, working yourself to death in the service of your congregation. Your job is to equip the saints. Let me say that again: your job as a leader is to make sure that you equip others to be the ministers of the church. 
 
Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds us: "The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ' (NRSV, emphasis added). 
 
You are not called to burn out, over-function, or justify your existence by making yourself invaluable to your congregation. Actually, your calling is the opposite. The greatest gift you give a church is building teams that enable ministry to flourish without the sacrifice or suffering of individuals.(page 49). 

 
This quote makes me pause! During my ministry over the last four decades I have observed that most leaders fall into two broad groups. 
 
Those in the first group nominate themselves for everything in the local church, often getting burned out and showing ineffective leadership, but not allowing others to take leadership roles. 
 
Those in the second see leadership not as chance to hold power, but as an opportunity to give of themselves following Christ’s example of servanthood leadership. They encourage, equip, and mentor others to carry out the ministry of the church! 
 
In this context, may I share two observations?  
 
Over the years, I have witnessed churches of all sizes (as well as districts and conferences) that are growing, and one of their salient features is the ability to equip others for ministry, making sure everyone has a place in leadership — not because of privilege or entitlement, but based upon the spiritual gifts each person brings to the table. 
 
These are not institutional churches, but rather movements or missional churches! I have heard it said that institutions have places for only a few people, whereas movements have a place for everyone. I totally agree! 
 
I made my second observation as a visitor at an international gathering. Our church was called on to nominate people for an important committee. One of the great leaders who was likely to earn a nomination yielded their spot to an emerging leader saying, "This person has special gifts and talents to serve the church and provide leadership."
 
I had seen this saint mentoring others. One of the definitions of a saint is "an agent of change." Again, I agree! 
 
Friends, it is my hope and prayer that as we celebrate All Saints Sunday, we not only celebrate the saints of the past but also the saints who live among us and who are just beginning their time as leaders. As we do, may we take time to ponder two questions? 
 
First a question of celebration: Who are the saints in our midst, the great leaders who, with the spirit of Christ-like humility, always nudge, mentor, or equip others to do the ministry and mission of the Triune God, our creator, redeemer, sustainer?
 
Second a question of self-examination: Am I a person who, in seeking leadership roles for myself, blocks others from being in the ministry and mission of our Triune God? Can I better serve by being someone who seeks opportunities to mentor others to join me as a leader for such a time as this? 
 
This All Saints Sunday, as we sing with gusto, "For All the Saints," may the words inspire us to reflect on these questions. 
 
Have a blessed and celebrative All Saints Day! 
 
In Christ's love, 
 
 
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar


 

 

 

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Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

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