Conference on “There Are Many Servants but No Leaders”

Main Idea

Pope Shenouda III speaks about the phenomenon of having many servants in the Church but a clear lack of true leaders, due to the absence of spiritual depth and full dedication in service.

Core Message

The true servant is not merely someone who performs a duty, but a person who gives his whole heart to God and to service, living with zeal and sincere love for the Kingdom of God.

Concept of the True Calling

The divine calling is not necessarily an audible voice or a vision, but an inner burning of the heart with love for service and zeal for the salvation of others, as seen in many biblical examples.

Obstacles to Service

He warns against excuses such as:

• Lack of a clear calling
• False humility
• Busyness and circumstances
  All are justifications that hinder spiritual work and weaken dedication.

Role of Divine Grace

God is the one who works in the service, not man by his abilities. Therefore, human weakness should not prevent God’s work, but one should offer himself for God to use.

Danger of the Self

The greatest obstacle in service is the “self,” which appears in:

• Pride and independence
• Desire for control
• Refusal of advice and obedience
  This leads to the corruption of service and turns it from spiritual work into personal work.

Qualities of a Spiritual Leader

The true leader:

• Gives all his heart and effort
• Does not excuse himself from service
• Overcomes circumstances
• Continually grows in love and sacrifice

Service as a Means of Growth

Service is not only giving, but also a means of spiritual growth, where a person learns, receives blessings, and draws closer to God.

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