Nobody likes to submit, and yet it is the very act of submitting to others which enables us to become more like Christ, which in turn, makes us better pastoral leaders.

As I have watched people go through the ordinations process, I have observed this reluctance to submit to the process. Now, to be fair, I also complained about a lot of it. But, as I look back and now watch from the sidelines, I see a difference in the leadership style between those who submitted verses those who continue to fight the process.

Submission is a spiritual discipline which ultimately helps us become better leaders as we learn the give and take required between leaders and followers. Submissive leaders listen to their followers and discern as a team, and they put the needs of others before their personal preferences.

Now, this is not to say that submissive leaders are doormats; rather, submissive leaders are team players who guide and direct from a spirit of humility. In other words, we don’t need to die on every hill.

I challenge you to reflect on the spiritual discipline of submission and how it can help you become a better leader as you grow in Christ.

Grace and peace,

Parson Larson 2026