We were sitting at the dining when my younger daughter asked this question; “Daddy, can a boss have a boss?” I tried understanding if she meant boss or something else. She gave a vivid explanation of what she meant. Then the mum answered; “Yes, a boss can have a boss. At work, I am a boss, but I also have a boss I report to.”
Then I cut in; “I am also a boss, and I have a boss.” She almost laughed in disbelief, so I clarified; “Even though I pastor a church and lead God’s people, Jesus is my boss. I report to Him.” She got it, and the whole family learnt a major lesson at the dining table.
Friend, who is your boss? Like my daughter learnt, every boss must have a boss. The statement of the centurion in the Bible clearly explained this. He was a man under authority having soldiers under him (Matthew 8:9). Yes, as much as it is good to have people under you, you should also be a man under authority. As a husband and father, as much as you lead your family, someone should also lead you.
Your leadership authority must stem from submission, not isolation. You can only wield authority to the extent that you are under authority (2 Corinthians 10:6, Philippians 2:5-11). When I tell ministry folks that every pastor must have a pastor, it does not always sit well with some people. You are as safe as your connection to a higher authority somewhere (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Who is your boss? Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or is He just your saviour? At salvation, Jesus is your saviour, but He is not yet your Lord until you submit to the demands of discipleship (Luke 14:27). You no longer have the right to live anyhow (2 Timothy 2:3-5). Today, we have many christians but very few disciples. We have many sons but few servants. As a son, God is your Father. But as a servant (not slave), God is your master or boss (Malachi 1:6). You must never confuse the two. You are both a son and a servant.
The understanding of this master-servant relationship has greatly helped my approach to ministry even as a full-time minister and founder of a ministry. I have a boss. I must report to duty. I must make full proof of my ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). I must be accountable to Him. I must submit myself for corrections and instructions. I must give an account of my stewardship to God (Hebrews 13:17).
By privilege, I shepherd a local church, but Jesus is the chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4). I am only an undershepherd, shepherding God’s people on His behalf. He is the owner of the church and the flock. They are not mine. The moment you assume that the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood is yours, you are already on your way to damnation (Acts 20:28). One day, you and I will give account of ourselves and our work to God (Romans 14:12). What account will you give?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria