An in-depth example of Paul’s concern for motivation is found in his interaction with Philemon, the wealthy slave owner. The subject of Paul’s letter to Philemon is Philemon’s escaped slave Onesimus. After escaping, Onesimus had become a Christian, and part of Paul’s team. Paul writes to Philemon to request that he forgive and receive Onesimus back. Paul speaks of his God-given authority as an apostle (Philem 8), but instead of commanding Philemon he makes an “appeal” (v. 9).

All church leaders should regularly ask themselves: how do we encourage serving while regarding people first and foremost as disciples and not volunteers? There is no black or white answer, but all leaders need to wrestle with this question since God’s church is a precious and treasured people. Certain strategies can help, such as writing clear job descriptions, explicitly anchoring the purpose of all ministry tasks in Christ’s mission, and providing support through training and mentoring. Whatever we do, we need to consider something fundamental: the hearts of those who are giving their time to serving the church.

 The Heart Matters More than the Task

Good leaders don’t merely care about the bottom line—numbers, bums on seats, percentages of people volunteering, and the like. Good Christian leadership is motivated by love, and every individual’s maturity matters—from the mature believer serving in three or four areas to the newcomer who knows very little about Jesus. The good Christian leader doesn’t care only that someone is serving in church, they want to know about the heart of the person serving. The same outcome on the surface can have radically different motivations fuelling it.

Are some people serving out of a desire to please the ministry leader? Is someone serving out of guilt? Does this person think his serving might tip the balance of God’s favour towards him? Is someone else lonely and wanting to feel needed? Is still another trying to distract herself with frenetic activity, including in church? Yes, a mix of motives is inevitable, but a gospel-driven ministry cares that the core motivation of God’s people be to serve the him in response to his loving kindness to us.

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