In 1998, Chief Apostle Richard Fehr introduced the visionary “Serving and Leading” model, transforming the way leadership was understood and practiced within the New Apostolic Church. At its core, the model emphasized servant leadership—leading with humility, self-sacrifice, and empathy. Yet, as time passes, concerns have arisen that the fundamental values of Fehr’s transformative leadership approach are quietly fading from the consciousness and practices of current church leaders. This article revisits the foundational principles of the “Serving and Leading” model and underscores its continuing relevance as a vital component of church leadership.
Understanding the ‘Serving and Leading’ Model
The Serving and Leading model, as articulated by Chief Apostle Richard Fehr, was never about weakening the church’s hierarchical structures; rather, it was about reinforcing spiritual leadership through humility and servanthood. As outlined in the official New Apostolic Church guidelines from 2001, the model asserts that leadership within the church should never be an end in itself but must always aim to nurture a community where trust, unity, and mutual respect flourish.
This leadership philosophy drew deeply from the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly emphasizing John 13:16:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
Fehr’s insistence that spiritual authority must derive from serving first set the stage for a holistic and empathetic approach to ministry.
The Principles in Practice: Lessons from Richard Fehr
Chief Apostle Fehr’s leadership was marked by practical demonstrations of servant leadership. Notably, he guided the New Apostolic Church through significant global expansion and institutional modernization, growing church membership from roughly 5 million to over 10 million believers worldwide.
Central to this success was his clear mandate: “If we want to preserve what we have, we will have to change many things.” It was a bold assertion that genuine leadership meant embracing change for the common good, even if uncomfortable or unpopular.
Practically, Fehr emphasized several key qualities for church leaders, including profound faith, openness, honesty, discretion, resilience, enthusiasm, and self-sacrifice. He urged church leaders to lead by example and consistently evaluate their leadership styles to ensure they aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Relevance in Today’s Context: Addressing Current Perceptions
There is a growing perception among church members and observers that current leadership has drifted away from these foundational principles. Critics argue that today’s leadership style within the church appears less empathetic, less collaborative, and more authoritative, distancing itself from the servant-hearted approach that Fehr passionately championed.
This perception presents an urgent call to action. It highlights the necessity for current leaders to actively reaffirm their commitment to the “Serving and Leading” model—not only in policy but in daily practice.
Implementing Servant Leadership Today
To counter the risk of neglecting Fehr’s servant leadership model, church leadership today must:
1. Revisit and Recommit: Explicitly reintroduce the “Serving and Leading” guidelines within leadership training and educational programs.
2. Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage open communication channels, enabling honest and respectful feedback between church leaders and members, demonstrating humility in leadership.
3. Model Servanthood: Leaders must embody servant leadership visibly, prioritizing empathy, compassion, and service above status or hierarchy.
4. Institutionalize Accountability: Establish clear accountability mechanisms ensuring church leaders adhere to the servant leadership principles set forth by Richard Fehr.
A Call to Action
Chief Apostle Richard Fehr’s legacy in leadership continues to offer profound guidance for today’s church. Reviving and intentionally practicing the “Serving and Leading” model is not merely about honoring past traditions, it is about renewing a powerful and transformative approach to leadership that builds trust, nurtures unity, and fosters spiritual growth.
Let this serve as a compelling reminder that servant leadership is not just an ideal, it remains an enduring blueprint for effective, Christ-centered leadership in the church today.
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