One of the men of our congregation was asked if he was interested in a leadership position as a deacon in our Church. He responded simply, “Oh, I have already done my time.”

His words rang with a sense of frustrated fulfillment. He had served as a Church leader at some point, and he did not enjoy it. In fact, it had been a burden for him, but he fulfilled his obligation to do it once, and he was never going to return.

I count Church leadership as a privilege. God allows me to be a significant part of his work on earth. He enables me to use the gifts he gave me for the betterment of others. I can be a part of the solution to problems, not just a person who complains. One day, future generations may be blessed by the decisions I helped make and the service that I gave. My life as a leader gives me purpose and meaning behind the grind of daily work because I am a part of something with eternal significance.

Sure, it comes with a great deal of responsibility. That should never be taken lightly. In Hebrews, it says that leaders must give an account for the people they watch over. It also states that their work should be a joy, not a burden (Hebrews 13:17).

I hope to lead a Church where people cannot wait to be leaders. They see it as a great privilege to be a significant part of the Lord’s work. I want them to respond to the question of leadership with, “Why yes, I will do it; I can hardly wait to get started.”