Bonhoeffer 4

“There arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be the greatest” (Luke 9:46)

Bonhoeffer begins chapter 4 on Ministry with this verse from Luke. By providing the premise that all Christian groups face this question upon coming together, Bonhoeffer presents the original problem that Christians face upon community.

This problem, of who shall be the greatest among them, is not only faced by churches when finding a pastor. This issue comes in all sectors when a Christian comes together with other Christians.

Who should be the teacher of our school?

Who should be the leader of our missions project?

Who should be the replacement to the existing leader in a time of vacancy?

Who should be the chairman of our charity?

Who should be on the board of directors for our private academy?

Who should be the college president?

Not only do Christians face this issue, but it is important to note that any human grouping will face this issue. Humans are relational. They need to relate to one another, and authority is one way that organization occurs through relationships. As people group together, organization is required, and authority is the simplest way of organization.

Christians figure that choosing this organizational structure best programs them to achieve more as a group. There are cases where a single leader is required, and there are also cases where that mindset should be reevaluated. Sometimes the case of a board of directors or a group of leaders amongst a bigger group is best. In community, the benefits of community can be left out when only a single leader is chosen.

With this said, the importance of choosing wise leaders is very important to the Christian community. Christians must actively pursue wise choices through careful prayer and making sure they choose the right selfless individuals to lead their groups and communities.