The Gospel Coalition

“We submit joyfully to our leaders as our leaders serve us humbly.”

That is a statement from our church‘s membership covenant, which must be agreed to by every member of our church. It is phrased this particular way on purpose. It is not just member submission we are after but leader humility. And neither is more or less important than the other. In fact, each part of this affirmation is married to the other. That is the function of that little word “as.”

This is what our covenant is — a commitment of mutual trust. Leaders “go first,” so if any leader will not serve humbly, he forfeits the expectation that a church member under his authority will submit joyfully. That member may submit under fear or coercion, but that is not the submission we’re after. Leaders must lead, not push. Leaders must serve, not domineer.

Likewise, church members commit to submitting joyfully, realizing that not to do so creates temptation for leaders to cave into the flesh in their work, abandoning humility and servanthood to adopt something else they think may “get the job done.” A leader’s sin is not a member’s fault — and vice versa — but a covenant community ought to be oriented around bearing with one another, leading each other not into temptation, forgiving each other as God has forgiven us, and outdoing one another showing honor.

In this covenant agreement, which is larger than just this one phrase, we agree to treat each other un-suspiciously and un-selfsconsciously, working together in the love of Christ and in faith that the Spirit is building us together into a suitable habitation for his eternal presence. We show trust in God when we trust each other to submit joyfully and lead humbly.

“We submit joyfully to our leaders as our leaders serve us humbly.” There is the dance of mutual love in a gospel-centered — and therefore gospel-ordered — community. Joyful submission in coordination with and simultaneous with humble, servant-hearted leadership.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
– Hebrews 13:17

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
– 1 Peter 5:1-3

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
– Romans 12:10