The value system of our world tells us that in order to be successful in gaining people’s respect, we must be impressive in every way possible. Education, wealth, skill, aggressiveness, creating vision, and having charismatic charm are absolute necessities for gaining a following and being a good leader.
For many churches, our culture’s definition of leadership has also become the definition of leadership for the body of Christ.
That’s why Paul’s words are so shocking.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 11:31
Paul was dealing with the problem of the “super apostles” (11:5; 12:1), who were impressive teachers and leaders for whom the Corinthians had exchanged the humble message from Paul. The Corinthians preferred the polished stage presence of these great and influential speakers to the “embarrassing” nature of Paul’s personality and the seeming weakness of his sermon delivery (10:1; 11:6).
I wonder how many churches today would invite Paul to fill their pulpits. Imagine it. A beautifully executed presentation of rehearsed music, complete with dramatic scripture reading in a wonderfully decorated room perfectly lit for the occasion. Then, up comes this awkward, soft-spoken, and often stumbling speaker.
In spite of the profound insights and biblical accuracy of his homily, once the announcement is made that he will be the speaker for the next eight weeks, how many people would actually come back to listen?
Churches today are in danger. Rather than expecting their pastor to be a professional top drawer presenter, local churches must learn to appreciate their own pastors who give themselves in love to shepherd their own small flock.
That doesn’t mean pastors are excused from laziness resulting in unclear sermons. That certainly deserves a condemnation of its own (2 Tim. 2:15). However, when a pastor seems weak in speaking ability compared to those with “super ability,” that should not necessarily discredit him from leading the flock.
If we discredit a leader who stumbles a bit in sermon delivery, despite loving Jesus and giving accurate, biblical truth, then we are embracing the value system of our fallen world. We might even prevent Paul, the greatest theologian who ever lived, from preaching to us.
Remember Paul’s stern warning to take into account the weakness of Jesus, without which the church has neither origin or life.
“He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Cor. 13:3-5
May we boast in our weaknesses as we continue to minister to one another.