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).
Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .
By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .
Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.
I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.
In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.
Mark A. Taylor shares memories of his colleague, teacher, and friend, Sam E. Stone. Sam, who was Christian Standard’s longest-serving editor, died on Monday.
Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.
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Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.
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When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.
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The public may have lost confidence in higher education more generally, yet I believe we may be entering another golden era in Christian higher education.
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