During the years of my pastorate, a man came to my town with an intention to bring division in my congregation. He was going to start a new church and hoped to use some members of my congregation to help him do it. The Lord spoke to me and said, “Become his servant.” Instead of avoiding him and isolating him, though I knew he was in the “sheep stealing” business, I became his servant. I invited him to my church on numerous occasions. I asked him to preach for me. I sent the musicians from my congregation to help him with special services at his new church plant. I was determined to be his servant. When the time came and the gentleman was ready to play his final card and start lambasting me, a strange thing happened. No one put credence into what he said. They had seen me be his servant and they were watching him reveal his true character.

God does not need people to fight for Him; He needs people who will be servants. The principles of His kingdom will fight for themselves. The spirit of a servant is what will create unity. A servant does not care who is in control. A servant does not seek preeminence for himself, but only seeks the furtherance of the kingdom of God.

Tenney, Tommy. God’s Dream Team. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1999, p. 63-64.