By David Faust
Do you know what it’s like to serve in the shadows? Are you an introvert with an extraverted coworker who dominates conversations? Do you have a friend with a strong personality whose charisma monopolizes the energy in the room? What if God calls you to serve in the shadow of a successful, well-known leader?
Is your congregation overshadowed by a bigger, better-known church in your area? Does your field of labor seem small and insignificant compared to a ministry that dwarfs the size of your own?
A shadow has no substance or weight, but it can feel heavy if you live in one.
How do you think the “72 others” felt when Jesus sent them out two-by-two to preach (Luke 10:1)? Jesus selected and sent those 72 disciples to work in God’s harvest field, but unlike the 12 apostles, they weren’t named individually in the Gospels.
Andrew was overshadowed by his brother Simon Peter. (The New Testament contains no books called First and Second Andrew.) How did Andrew feel when “people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by” (Acts 5:15, New International Version)?
Did Joseph Barsabbas feel slighted when Matthias was chosen instead of him to replace Judas as a member of the 12 apostles (Acts 1:23-26)?
Did Barnabas wrestle with his ego or engage in self-pity when his partner Paul overshadowed him?
Following a Legend
I know what it’s like to serve in the shadow of a beloved predecessor. In 1999, I became the senior minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis. Previously, Russ Blowers had served in that role for 45 years, and I was 45 years old when my ministry there began.
Russ knew everyone by name, and they all knew him. During his years leading our church, he had performed countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He remembered everyone’s families, jobs, and surgical histories—even the names of their dogs and cats. For nearly half a century, he had celebrated holidays with the people, laughed and cried with them, even vacationed with them. By contrast, I struggle to remember names. And instead of getting acquainted with the flock gradually over several decades, I was suddenly thrust into meeting over 3,000 members of our congregation who were all new to me. Community landmarks (hospitals, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, street addresses) were unfamiliar to me as well.
My early years at East 91st were tough, but Russ Blowers was a godly man, and he was a true friend to me. Our church faced many challenges in those days, but Russ was the least of my problems. I couldn’t duplicate him, but neither could I dislike him. He was a high-character, faithful leader filled with wisdom and integrity. He was for me, not against me. He tried not to interfere with church business or undermine my leadership, and whenever I sought his help, he encouraged me and gave me wise counsel.
Succeeding as a Successor
Here is my advice for those who serve in the shadows.
Be thankful. Don’t allow envy and petty grievances to clutter your soul, sour your attitude, and weaken your ministry. Be grateful for the opportunities God has given you. Thank him for what he has done, and what he is now doing, through others. Serve with a cheerful heart.
Be humble. “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). Honor and respect the faithful laborers on whose shoulders you stand. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).
Be yourself. Don’t play the comparison game, and don’t try to be someone you’re not. On the first Sunday I preached at East 91st Street, I told the congregation, “Russ Blowers has ministered here for 45 years, and I’m now 45 years old. He literally has led this church as long as I have been alive. How will I fill his shoes? I can’t. I have to wear my own shoes.”
Be focused. If your main motivation is to please other people, and your self-worth depends on others’ approval, you will be frustrated and disappointed. Human leaders come and go. Focus on “the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, who “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Be faithful. Yes, a shadow can be dark and ominous (like the valley of the shadow of death); but a shadow also can offer cool shade and welcome rest in the heat of summer. Whether you serve in sunshine or in shadows, do what God has called you to do, and leave the results with him.
“Rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
