Book Review
Upside Down: The Paradox of Servant Leadership
Introduction
I recently took an online class with Alliance International Ministries called “Philosophy of Ministry.” It was taught by my good friend John Guido from Cuenca, Ecuador. For the textbook portion of our assignments, we read a book entitled “Upside Down,” written by Stacy Rinehart.
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“Upside Down” is a fitting title for this book, because it explores the subject of servant leadership as modeled and taught in the Bible. The subtitle of the book is “The Paradox of Servant Leadership,” also an apt description to contrast Biblical leadership with the forms and structures used by the secular world.
Two Very Different Paths
The book opens with examining the secular mindset and models used for leadership. This revolves around hierarchical structures and positions that allow people to be in control. This was quickly followed by the world-shattering teachings of Jesus about the subject, such as:
They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them: “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” – Mark 9:33-35
Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John. Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant… – Mark 10:41-43
Later, to drive home His point, and with His own crucifixion looming, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, exhorting them to follow His style of leadership (see John 13). How profoundly opposite to think the way Jesus did, when He taught that we should approach leadership in this way. In the kingdom of God, there is no room for hierarchies, control, manipulation, and arrogance!
Examining and Reflecting on Servant Leadership
Throughout the book, we continued to examine the contrasts and nuances of these approaches to leadership. We soon were brought to the sobering reality that many of the world’s ideas have been embraced by the Church. We must reexamine, because the use and abuse of power in the Church has been so prevalent over the years.
From our basic philosophy of leadership, to the organizational structures of our churches, or to the methods, programs, and marketing schemes that we use, it became quite clear that most Christians have already succumbed and conformed to the world. Ultimately, we have often forsaken the most basic teachings of the one we claim to follow. Yet we often think that because we appear to be “successful” in our ministries that God will somehow change His position and be grateful for our help!
The Key Lessons of This Book
As I don’t want to sound overly negative, permit me to outline many of the outstanding points of “Upside Down.”
We are called to be different, even though many churches today emphasize “superstars” and modern marketing schemes.
Leadership in the New Testament is supposed to be opposite of the world, based on humility, character, and a genuine desire to serve others.
All true spiritual authority comes from God, and in the human context, it should be based upon personal relationships, not our position over someone.
In the New Testament, leadership in the church is always mentioned in the form of a team, or plural group of leaders, never a singular leader or “pastor.”
The primary responsibility of leaders should be to equip and release others in their gifts and talents, not to do the ministry ourselves.
Likewise, we are called to help people discover their own gifts, not to get them to serve our vision or ministry.
Leaders in the church are called to lead by example, from a position of inner security, and with a posture of humble strength.
The Challenge Before Us
“Upside Down” was first published in 1998. It was so accurate and revealing that I often wondered how I had never heard of it before now! I knew that God had revealed to me these same principles of servant leadership at a young age, so this was a profound confirmation of that and a refreshing challenge. Throughout the book and this course, I was frequently reminded that God does things in a way that is usually opposite or backwards to the ways of the world.
I was genuinely impacted by reviewing this subject again. It has deepened my resolve to follow the teachings of God’s Word and to zealously teach and proclaim these truths. I highly recommend this book to all believers who truly desire to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.