Whenever I revisit the narrative of Jesus feeding the 5000 with five loaves and two fish, I contemplate not just the miracle itself but its administration (John 6:1-15). The disciples served the meal immediately after Jesus had blessed and multiplied it (John 6:11). So I always ask myself: who benefited first from the miraculous ‘manna’? Was it Jesus; his disciples; or the crowds? The Bible hints that the meals were first served to the multitude. The disciples and our Lord ate later, if at all (John 6:12-13).
The disciples and our Lord ate later, if at all.
Thus the disciples demonstrate selfless love, in obedience and humility they put the people first. But something very different is on display in our families, institutions, governments, society and even churches today. Today many would consider those disciples foolish. Of course they wouldn’t state this outright. But their practice says enough. There is an undeniable tendency among many leaders today to prioritise personal gain, stowing away the ‘juiciest’ part of the meals for themselves.
I wonder what you or I would have done with the miraculous food in hand. Would we prioritise our own needs first? Would we have looked after our immediate circle first, incase there wasn’t enough to go around? Like many with position and power, we very likely would have settled ourselves first. This is, tragically, a widespread leadership mentality in Africa, and the church isn’t excluded. But it is a stark contrast with Jesus’ teaching and his disciples’ example, who served others first.
Examining Popular Ministry Models in Africa
In churches across the continent today we hear pastors cursing their members for not paying tithes; others are shamed for leaving. Christian leaders demand to be treated like royalty and to be called “papa” or “mama.” The man of God reigns and profits. In many places, he is richer than his entire congregation combined. We’re seeing a Christianity where the man of God is bigger than the God of man. And churches are divided according to strata or giving. This describes many churches and ministries in Africa.
When did Jesus Christ cease to be our model for living and ministry?
Built around these mighty figures are security details and brainwashed fans. They benefit little, if anything at all from being under the covering of these supposed great men and women of God. They don’t become rich, but are instead paid paltry sums or remain unpaid. Then they give up their dignity and sometimes their very lives to shield the anointed ones from criticism or correction. All the while, the mamas and the papas are unperturbed. Furthermore, they lie about having development plans for their children in the faith.
Where did we get these models? When did we decide on having “shepherds” who’re far away from their sheep? Uninterested. Indifferent. The only thing most of these pastors care about when it comes to their flocks is that they bring their “seeds.”
Wherever these models and ideas come from, I know for certain it isn’t God. For they’re miles apart from Jesus’ example. Our Lord was accessible and humble. He lived a simple life and loved every human being that came his way. When did Jesus Christ cease to be our model for living and ministry?
Christian Leaders Exist to Serve
Genuine, actual Christian ministry isn’t about material possessions, titles, or power. It’s about our commitment to God’s mission on earth. Therefore a believer should always consider God first; others second; and themselves last. This should, perhaps, be especially true of ministry. For ministry is to take up a place in what the Lord is doing. It’s about profiting God; not ourselves. Pastoral positions exist for the glory of God and the good of his people.
Christian ministry isn’t about material possessions, titles, or power.
Our model must always be Jesus Christ. We also shouldn’t forget that his disciples didn’t sit on thrones or earn piles of money. Most of them died in obscurity. In service of the church, witnessing to Christ. They gave their lives to God’s mission. Are we? This demands devotion, hard work and faithfulness. And it doesn’t promise wealth, status or comfort. Christ’s ministry points people to God rather than to himself. This is the ministry model we should all strive to follow. All others are counterfeit.
So let us examine our hearts. Are we multiplying blessings for others? Or are we hoarding them for ourselves? Are we tending to God’s people or plundering them? We can choose to obey Christ’s exhortation or ignore him: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28).
