Power structure and platform presence.

Dr. Franklin Pyles did an interesting survey of some "key Alliance official workers who are considered to be young and thoughtful, and considered to be leaders among us."  A lot of good observations were made as to what effective churches will look like in the future.  One comment, however, caused me to reflect on what kind of leadership we older pastors and missionaries have been modeling for the younger generation.  The comment had to do with the noble goal of inclusivity.  "Ethnicity, gender and race must be included in the power structure and in platform presence."  

Perhaps the author of this comment was just reflecting on his desire to let people minister in the area where they are gifted.  It's more likely, though, that he was echoing values that he had learned in the world, and which have been carried into the church.  Jesus confronted these upside-down values when the mother of James and John requested that her sons be part of the Kingdom's power structure.  The other ten disciples were upset with the blatant politicking, but only because it meant that they would not have equal access to power structures and platform presence.  Jesus very graciously reminded them that the Kingdom concept of authority is different than the world's.  "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave..." (Mathew 12:20-28)

Lord, help me to be that kind of a leader.  Wean me from my desire for position and power.   May the younger generation see in me a servant's heart.