“Every leader is in some sense a follower. If a man does not follow, he cannot lead.”
These words, spoken by a pastoral mentor, summarize the humble character of pastoral ministry. But unfortunately, it likewise exposes an endemic issue among disqualified pastors. They were taken down by a proud, authoritarian spirit that couldn’t follow.
Such pride threatens every pastor’s heart—the arrogant refusal to acknowledge God’s goodness to limit his competency and authority. No pastor is omnicompetent. Nor is his authority absolute. Consequently, godly leaders must also be humble followers.
In this regard, every senior pastor should submit to several sources of authority: his Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4, Heb. 13:17), his own congregation (Matt. 18:17–20, Gal. 1:2, 6–9), his fellow elders (Acts 20:28), and the biblical standards for “life and doctrine”, particularly those that are summarized in his church’s
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