Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
The Church has also been tainted by the corruption endemic in Africa, according to one of ABLI’s keynote speakers, Rev Mfanaleni Mkhatshwa.
Describing corruption in the Church as ‘disgraceful’, he said the only solution to greed and the abuse of power in churches would be to adopt Bible-based servant leadership.
‘Corruption has tainted church leaders,’ he said. ‘They are feeding upon the sheep rather than feeding the sheep.'
He said a major sign of declining leadership and bad governance was ‘personalised spiritual regimes’ where members are 'impoverished in the name of “planting a seed to the man of God”.’
Cries of recognition
At this, there were cries of recognition and agreement from many of the delegates at the ABLI Forum.
Rev Mkhatshwa continued: ‘The enrichment of their leaders at the expense of their followers is characteristic of a number of the new charismatic churches.’
Churches across Africa would have to develop models of servant leadership, based on the example shown by Christ, he said.
Citing a former lecturer at Harvard Business School, he continued: ‘Robert Greenleaf explained that the motivation of leaders must begin with a calling and a conscious choice to be of service to the needs of others. This must take precedence over any aspiration to lead them.’
Best test
The best test of servant leadership, according to Greenleaf, is:
Quotable quotes on servant leadership
‘All the kings in history sent their people out to die for them. There is only one king who decided to die for his people and that is Christ Jesus, the King of kings.’ – Charles Colson
‘When you become a leader, you lose the right to think about yourself... because sacrifice says you have to give up to go up.’ – John C Maxwell
ENDS
Picture credit: Bible Society / Andrew Boyd
