I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ…ESVUK

Sadly, there have been, and there no doubt are, aggressive and tyrannical church leaders. Some may even like and applaud this style, seeing it as dynamic and charismatic, and the way to get things done. But it was not Paul’s way, and it certainly was not the way of Jesus, who modelled servant leadership:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
    or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. Isaiah 42:1-3a NIV.

”Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” – John Stott