Here’s another semi-interruption to our Advent meditations, courtesy Vince D’Acchioli, head of On Target Ministries, based in Colorado Springs. After the passing of my friend Paul Stanley, that I wrote about Monday, I received an email from Vince, paying tribute to Paul. It’s too good not to share, especially when we remember that Jesus came not as a conqueror, but as a servant. 

For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22.27, ESV)

Paul taught leadership around the world, using a formula he had distilled from his study of Jesus: lead, develop care. His adult son asked him, “How are we going to teach leadership in China?” Paul’s answer, “We’re going to teach them to lead like Jesus – lead, develop, care.” Paul taught Jesus’ lifestyle of servant leadership. 

Back to Vince. In 2010, Vince organized a major men’s ministry leadership conference for the National Coalition of Ministry to Men. Vince said that over 100 of the most noted men’s ministry and denominational leaders from around the world were there. Vince had asked Paul Stanley to speak at the opening session. Vince himself was late to the meeting, but he arrived in time to introduce Paul. Here’s his story:

So, after some opening remarks and welcoming, I had the privilege of introducing my friend Paul Stanley.  I assumed not many of those in attendance knew Paul.  However, as Paul walked up after my intro I noticed some strange murmuring and body language from many who were in the audience.  It was a reaction I was not able to understand until later. 

You see, unknown to me, when most of these leaders entered the Great Hall that morning they had already met Paul.  Paul greeted everyone who entered as he set up virtually all the chairs in that ballroom.  He never mentioned who he was other than to give his name.  He simply kept on setting up chairs and engaging these men in meaningful conversation as he did.  Most of these leaders thought Paul was part of the facility setup team or on the janitorial staff.  

When they observed this precious man moving toward the podium to deliver the opening message they were blown away. It was not until after Paul finished and many of these leaders approached me that I discovered what really happened.  These men were not impacted by the powerful message that Paul brought, though it truly was.  They were impressed by Paul.  You see, on that morning Paul Stanley was a man who needed no introduction.  He was already known.  Not by accolades or his resume, but rather, who he is.  Paul’s talk that morning was on leadership.  His audience experienced the essence of his message long before he uttered his first words from that podium.  – Vince D’Acchioli, emphasis his

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10.45, NKJV)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant… (Philippians 2.5 – 7, NKJV)