Serving the Servants of God

This is my first article to you, and using the vernacular of Bishop-elect Mark last edition (and also at my installation), it is in my new role as a servant to the servant of the servants of God here in Queensland. My actual title is ‘First Assistant Bishop’, but you can also just call me ‘Ben’.

But it is important to think about what a ‘servant’ is, because it is the most often used term for a spiritual leader in Scripture.

Paul Tripp in his book ‘Lead’ writes “What is the motivational joy in the heart of a true servant? The joy of a true servant is not power; the joy of a true servant is not control; the joy of a true servant is not acclaim; the joy of a true servant is not comfort or ease; and, of course, the joy of a true servant is not position. What gives a servant joy in being a servant is service.”

Why is service so unnatural to us? Why do we love to be known as servants while not always loving the call to serve – no matter our title, role or calling?

The simple answer: sin.

Sin is self-focussed, self-absorbed, and self-defensive. Our default idol is the idol of self, and because it is, my default craving is for what I find comfortable, enjoyable and exciting.

It is clear that the presence of power of rescuing and forgiving grace is present when we find joy in the self-sacrifice and self-denial that are the normal life of a servant. And this struggle of selfishness is not only the focus of the rescue and forgiveness of our justification, but also the focus of the transforming work of our sanctification.

We can live faithfully and prayerfully because Jesus, our Saviour, has rescued us from ourselves, is rescuing us from ourselves, and will continue to rescue us from ourselves until that rescue is no longer needed.

My prayer is that you, the people I serve in this new calling might characterise my attitudes and actions in this role, as someone who has a servant’s heart.

In His service,

Pastor Ben Hentschke

*Feel free to connect with me in this role via:

Facebook – facebook.com/revbenhentschke

Instagram – instagram.com/benhentschke

Twitter – @revbenhentschke

Linked In – linkedin.com/in/benhentschke

Email – assistantbishop@qld.lca.org.au