Descent as Ascent
Without argument, the most perfect model for pastoral character is the Good Shepherd himself. It is never wrong or misguided to look to Jesus and the character he perfectly demonstrated in his short, three-year earthly ministry. It is one of the great paradoxes of his life that the great leader of the souls of people into the Everlasting Kingdom of God did so in the role of a servant.
In my view, Jesus ultimately ascended to the right hand of the Father in glory as Lord and Ruler over the cosmos because he first descended in all humility from his exalted, heavenly state and became a human. And not only that, a human, who gladly accepted and executed the role of a servant.
This is humility in its truest form. It is the mindset – attitude – so very prominent in the exemplary character of our Lord. It is a character trait that the Apostle Paul exhorts all Christians to imitate, but it is an essential for spiritual leadership.
In the beautiful hymn to Christ of the early church, which Paul included in his letter to the Philippians, he writes: “ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Here we see the descent as ascent that Jesus lived out as the one sent by the Father. It was by his willing descent from heaven, becoming a man – not as an exalted man, but as a humble man, and not as a domineering ruler of men, but as a servant of man. Then after his obedient, sacrificial death on the cross, having completed the mission for which he came, the Father raised him in power from the dead and exalted him to sit at his right hand in glory. His mindset was first descent before ascent. It was the same mindset we see in John the Baptist when, in light of Jesus’ growing ministry to which his ministry was preparation, said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 KJV).
Last month, I began to examine the second essential of pastoring. The first is calling. The second is character. Those who are called to pastor God’s flock must diligently desire and develop the character of Christ and demonstrate his character in thought, in speech, and in all they do both publicly and privately.
Success in leading and serving like Jesus is impossible without first descending to a place of true self-surrender, identifying with the cross, and dying to selfish ambition and vain conceit. Only from this lowly position is the power of the resurrection possible.
Of all people, pastors should always keep in mind the admonition of James, which he borrows from Proverbs: “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).Peter’s admonition is a companion truth: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (I Peter 5:6). This is descent as ascent in the likeness of the Lord Jesus.
An Important Decision
In July, I began my third assignment as a Transitional Pastor at Old Fort Baptist Church in Summerville. Serving there has been a true joy and delight – getting to know some devoted brothers and sisters in Christ and working with a gifted staff. But it’s a challenge, nonetheless, as times of transition always are.
Two and a half months in, I have decided to resign my position at the South Carolina Baptist Convention to devote my time to serving Old Fort. This was a difficult decision, but I’m confident that it was the right one. After almost a dozen years as a coach/consultant, I will greatly miss the many relationships I’ve built with pastors and church leaders across the state. Please remember me in prayer as I now turn my full attention to the work at Old Fort.
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support as we move forward into a new chapter of ministry through Compass Coach and Consulting.