Leading with Love: A Call to Serve Together

As we gather on this special day, we celebrate two significant occasions: Mother’s Day, a time to honour the love and sacrifice of mothers; and the installation of our new Session, marking the beginning of a new season of leadership in our church. Both these moments remind us of the profound calling to serve with love, humility and a heart for others.

Just as a mother nurtures, teaches and guides her children with unwavering love, so, too, are our church leaders called to shepherd the congregation with compassion and wisdom. Leadership in the church is not about position or power but about servanthood — following the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). May our newly installed leaders step into this sacred responsibility, not for personal gain, but to build up the body of Christ in faith and love.

However, leadership is never a solitary journey. Scripture reminds us that we are one body with many parts, each with a unique role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The Session may provide direction, but the church thrives when all members work together in unity, encouraging one another, bearing each other’s burdens and striving to reflect Christ’s love in all we do.

A powerful example of leaders and members working together can be found in the story of Nehemiah. When Nehemiah received the call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he did not attempt the task alone. Instead, he inspired the people to work together, each taking responsibility for a section of the wall. Despite opposition and challenges, they persevered because they were united in vision and purpose. This story illustrates how leadership and collective effort can accomplish great things for God’s kingdom.

On this Mother’s Day, we are reminded of the nurturing love that mothers so selflessly provide. In the same way, we as a church family can extend motherly love to our leaders — offering them our unwavering support, care and encouragement. Just as a mother stands by her children through all challenges, let us stand by our leaders, uplifting them with our prayers and acts of kindness. May we be a source of comfort and strength for them, showing appreciation and gratitude for their service.

This new term of leadership is not just a commitment for those installed today — it is a call for the entire church family to come alongside them in support and prayer. Leaders need the encouragement and faithfulness of the congregation, just as the congregation looks to its leaders for guidance and care. As Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:14, “Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Three Ways to Pray for Our Church Leaders

1. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment – Church leaders are often faced with complex decisions that require divine guidance. We can pray that God grants them wisdom to lead with integrity and understanding. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” May our leaders seek the Lord in all their decisions and be guided by His Spirit.

   
   

2. Pray for Strength and Endurance – Leading a church can be demanding and, at times, exhausting. Leaders need spiritual, emotional, and physical strength to continue serving faithfully. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Let us pray that our leaders remain steadfast, drawing their strength from God, and not grow weary in their service.

   
   

3. Pray for Protection and Encouragement – Church leaders often face spiritual attacks and discouragement. We must pray for their protection against any schemes that seek to hinder their work and for their hearts to remain encouraged. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures us, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Let us pray that our leaders are uplifted, protected and surrounded by the encouragement of God’s people.

As we move forward together, let us commit ourselves to a spirit of unity, love and humble service. Let us pray for our leaders, that they may lead with wisdom and grace. Let us encourage one another, so that our church may flourish in faith and mission. And let us honour the example of Christ, who taught us that the greatest among us is the one who serves (Matthew 23:11).

May this day be a reminder of our shared responsibility — to lead with love, to serve with joy and to walk together as one body in Christ. To God be the Glory! Amen.

  Pastor Daniel Tan