Pronoun Choice as We Talk about Our Ministry
You probably clicked the title thinking this would be about the national conversion on gender pronoun choice, but it's not. But now that I have your attention, let me ask you this: What pronouns do you use when describing your ministry?
Lee Grady, a friend and minister who mentors leaders all over the world, recently posted something that caught my attention:
"Are you an "I" leader or a "We" leader?"
The Apostle Paul Provides a Powerful Example of Leadership
As Lee was soaking up 1 Thessalonians, he was struck by the pronouns Paul uses to exhort the new Gentile believers to follow Jesus faithfully. Instead of saying "I," "me," and "my," Paul repeatedly says "we," "us," and "our." He even opens his letter by saying, "Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians." (1:1)
Think about it. The apostle Paul, the courageous missionary and selfless martyr and arguably probably the most brilliant theologian that ever lived, shares the spotlight with his disciples.
Paul's Pronoun Choice in His Letter to Believers in Thessalonica
Paul was a rock star, but he intentionally chose not to hog attention or demand applause. He stood beside Silvanus and Timothy, linked arms with them, and formed a team. Look at how many times Paul includes his disciples in describing his ministry to the church of Thessalonica:
- "OUR gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power." (1:5)
- "OUR coming to you was not in vain." (2:1)
- "WE proved to be gentle among you." (2:7)
- "WE were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also OUR own lives." (2:8)
- "WE wanted to come to you." (2:18).
- "But now WE really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." (3:8)
- "For you know what commandments WE gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus." (4:2)
- "WE urge you brethren..." (5:14)
- "Brethren, pray for US!" (5:25)
Paul's Letter Points to the Importance of Teamwork in Ministry
So I have to stop and ask myself, what are the go-to words in my vocabulary? Is there too much "me" in my vocabulary? New Testament Christianity was not about celebrities, nor should it be today. God is about raising up "we" leaders who understand the importance of teamwork.
Our Vision Demands more "We" over "Me"
When we think of 46 million teenagers throughout the United States who need to hear the story of Jesus, I am encouraged by the "we," "us," and "our" pronouns. We are better together, and I am grateful that we don't do this work alone.
Thank you, Lee, for reminding us that it's not about "me," but it is about "WE!" May God use each and every one of us to reach the world with the story of Jesus!
Portions of this post are adapted from an article by J. Lee Grady for Charisma.
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Mark Shaner is the Southeast Regional Coordinator and shepherds network leaders in five states. His mission with NNYM is to advance the gospel by connecting and mentoring youth leaders in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.