Growing up as a pastor’s kid has influenced me to become a pastor. However, I have observed that the times have changed between the time I was growing up and today. More and more pastors are becoming unbiblical in their approach to leadership. Many exhibit the traits of the government style of leading.
Statement of Need
I come from the Minahasa tribe which has been influenced by the secular government model in terms of leadership. Indonesia is rampant with corruption and misuse of power among government agents and agencies. It is all due to a long history of dictatorship and cronyism.
Soeharto ruled Indonesia for 32 years. He considered himself as the “Father of Indonesian Development.” This self-proclaimed title has proven his right for because of the accomplishments he achieved. People thought he would bring “Orde Baru” (New Order) in Indonesia, alas, he became a dictator. During his reign a phrase became popular among Indonesians was “asal bapak senang” (as long as the boss is happy), it developed to become the mentality widely practiced. This phrase coined by Mochtar Lubis, defined as “keeping those who are in power happy while saving your own skin,” became a standard norm expected by people in power and by their subordinates. Every means have to be exhausted in order to make the boss happy, whether it be straight or crooked while at the same time making a good image out of yourself.
Because of this mentality, people have been indoctrinated and disillusioned that this was the norm to be practiced and the best way treat leaders. Do everything to keep the boss happy. This does not leave room for a healthy relationship between the leader and his followers. Instead, it elevates the leader’s opportunities to abuse his leadership responsibilities.
Church Leadership Mentality
Supposedly the kind of worldly leadership style should only exist in the government organizations, not inside the church, sad to say that it is not the case.
As observed, it appears that our leaders have the tendency practice an absolute style of leadership. This trait, however, is not the rule of the thumb, unfortunately, this kind of mentality have propelled and driven many pastors to crave for leadership positions.
Below are some of the observed factors that drive pastors into this dilemma:
1. Financial Factor. By becoming a leader, either a department director or an institution president, you have a higher income due to other 'allowances' that is not enjoyed by any other pastors.
2. Influence Factor. The influence they gain is wider than in a district setting.
3. Recognition Factor. He will more likely be known among the church members.
Because of the above reasons, many aspiring young pastors long to hold leadership positions regardless of the way they obtain it. Therefore, our church organizations are plagued by this kind of mentality. This is especially true among pastors particularly the younger generation of pastors. They have observed that when someone becomes a leader the status and lifestyle is elevated up to a certain level.
Whenever a pastor achieve leadership status this way its effects are disastrous. It is no doubt that they have contributed significantly in God’s work, regardless of the leadership style they possess. But as soon as they are not reelected or transferred to a lower status in the organization hierarchy, it has been observed that they exhibit the following symptoms:
1. Request for early retirement. Usually they cannot stand the fact that they are just an ‘ordinary’ pastor now. Therefore, it is more honorable to be a retired pastor.
2. Feel betrayed by his constituencies. This results in a negative perception towards the church.
3. Becomes sick physically. Many times the disease prolong the agony and eventually bring death.
4. Go to the United States. To live in another country where past memories will not haunt them.
Although these symptoms are just based on mere field observations, I am convinced that these are grounds for a study that can result into a concrete program developed for the pastors in order to have a proper view of a leadership style. This will help prepare them for leadership in a positive way. The style proposed in this study is the Servant Leadership style, how to lead like Jesus.