We Want a King Like the Nations

Who Have You Made King in Your Life?

In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demanded a king: “Appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Though God had faithfully ruled them as their covenant Lord, they wanted a human leader—someone visible, powerful, and representative. This wasn’t merely a political request. It was a theological rejection: “They have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam. 8:7).

This same impulse persists in the modern church.

Though the New Testament teaches the spiritual equality of all believers, many churches have drifted toward centralized, personality-driven leadership structures that more closely resemble cultural celebrity than biblical shepherding. This desire for a visible proxy—a human center of gravity—reflects an enduring tendency in the human heart: to seek a king like the nations—someone to carry the weight, shield us from responsibility, and represent us in place of the living God.

Biblical Leadership: Functional, Not Superior

The early church understood leadership in functional, pastoral terms—not as spiritual superiority. Elders (presbyteroi), overseers (episkopoi), and pastors (poimenes) were tasked with shepherding, teaching, and protecting the flock—not with dominating it. Leadership qualifications focused on maturity, character, and ability to teach (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1), not charisma, power, or visibility.

All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9), formed into a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:12). Leadership is a form of stewardship and servanthood—never superiority.

As Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant… even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:43–45).

There is no ontological distinction between pastors, elders, and the laity. All believers share the same salvation, the same Holy Spirit, and the same union with Christ (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 4:4–6). Leadership is a functional role, not a higher spiritual caste.

Even Augustine, who held a high view of the clergy, did not see them as spiritually superior. In one of his sermons, he famously said:

“For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.” (Sermon 340A.1)

Augustine understood that his pastoral office was a role of service, not of spiritual elevation. He saw himself as a fellow Christian first, and a leader second.

When the People Demand and Leaders Seize

In many modern churches—especially large evangelical or charismatic ones—pastors are often elevated to a status far beyond biblical precedent. They become celebrities, CEOs, or gurus. Their platforms can grow larger than their congregations, and their charisma can eclipse the Word they’re meant to proclaim.

This is not always the result of intentional power-grabbing. More often, it is enabled by congregations that want a king:

Someone to take responsibility for their spiritual lives.
Someone to admire, imitate, and elevate.
Someone who makes Christianity feel secure and impressive.

But this mirrors Israel’s plea in Samuel’s day. It is a desire to transfer the burden of faithfulness onto a visible mediator, rather than walking personally and obediently with the invisible King.

This distortion is symbiotic. The people demand a proxy; leaders are tempted to accept. Unchecked, this dynamic leads to:

Passive, consumer Christianity.
Burnout and failure in celebrity leaders.
Disillusionment and spiritual shallowness in the congregation.

Biblically and theologically, Christ alone is Head of the Church (Col. 1:18). All authority is derived from Him. Leaders are under-shepherds, not monarchs.

Reclaiming a Biblical Vision

The New Testament outlines a wide range of functional roles within the body of Christ:

Elders/Overseers/Pastors – teaching, shepherding, guarding doctrine (1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
Deacons – practical service and care (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Tim. 3:8–13)
Teachers – instruct and equip (Rom. 12:7; James 3:1)
Evangelists – proclaim the gospel (Eph. 4:11)
Administrators – organize and lead functions (1 Cor. 12:28)
Helpers/Servants – mercy, generosity, hospitality (Rom. 12:8; 1 Peter 4:9)
Intercessors/Encouragers – pray and build up others (Col. 4:12; 1 Thess. 5:11)

Each role is Spirit-empowered and necessary. None is superior, none dispensable.

To illustrate: think of a football team. The quarterback may be visible, but he depends on linemen, receivers, coaches, and even trainers. No role wins alone. The team reaches its goal when every player fulfills their task with excellence and humility.

Likewise, the church fulfills its mission when every believer uses their gift in joyful, Spirit-empowered service—not when one person dominates the field. A faithful usher, intercessor, teacher, or tech volunteer is no less vital than the elder or preacher.

Is ‘Spectator’ a Functional Role?

The structure of the early church reinforces this truth. Most congregations met in homes (Acts 2:46; Romans 16:5; Philemon 2), where intimacy required participation. Paul describes a gathering where “each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation…” (1 Cor. 14:26).

There was no passive back row. Every believer contributed. This participatory model expected maturity, accountability, and engagement.

To be clear: spectator is not a biblical role in the church. Every believer is given spiritual gifts for the edification of the body (1 Cor. 12:7, Eph. 4:7–12). Spectating may suit platform-driven culture, but it contradicts the New Testament vision.

A passive church is a disobedient church. The mission of the church is not fulfilled by watching others minister but by joining together under Christ our Head.

The Shared Mission of the Church

The church is not a performance venue or a hierarchy. It is a mission-oriented community commissioned by Christ. The goal is not visibility or influence, but faithful obedience to the Great Commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19–20)

This mission includes:

Proclaiming Christ – “that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28)
Equipping the saints – “for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12)
Forming a witnessing community – marked by holiness and mutual love (Acts 2:42–47; 1 Peter 2:9)

Just as no football player can win alone, no church member can fulfill the mission alone. The Spirit empowers each believer to contribute to the shared goal: to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ who reflect His character, extend His kingdom, and remain faithful until He returns.

A Father’s Word to His Family

Oswald Chambers wisely said, “If you give a message and people remember you, and not the message, you have not been a true servant of Jesus Christ. Our job is to introduce people to Jesus, then get out of the way.” That’s a reminder for us all — whether we lead, teach, serve, or quietly support — that our aim is always to make Christ visible, not ourselves. When we make church leaders too important, we risk the possibility that others may see them and not Jesus. Let it not be so among us.

You are not spectators in God’s kingdom. You are called, chosen, and equipped. Don’t underestimate your role. You are part of something eternal. Your faithfulness matters. Your gifts matter. You matter.

Let us fix our eyes on Christ and walk in the roles He has assigned, whether visible or hidden, whether leading or supporting. All that matters is that He is seen, He is known, and He is glorified.

Let us never ask for a king like the nations. Instead of seeking human replacements for what only Christ fulfills, may we return our hearts to Him without reserve — and resist all claims by false kings, whether religious, cultural, or political, that compete with the sovereign rule of Christ over our lives.

Ask yourself: Who have you made king in your life? Who or what has been given such importance or influence that it interferes with Jesus being the only true King in your heart, your home, or your church? It’s a sober question, but one worth asking. Anything that eclipses Christ in our focus or obedience must be surrendered.

Resist the cultural pull to elevate leaders beyond Scripture—or to excuse yourself from ministry. We do not need another king. Instead, let us faithfully serve and follow the One we already have — Jesus Christ, the risen Lord.

Instead of enthroning personalities in pulpits—or in our own hearts—let us exalt the One who wears the only true crown.

“They have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.” – 1 Samuel 8:7

With gratitude to ChatGPT for assistance in research, organization, and editing.

Things I Wish My Family Knew