The Church Must Embrace Servanthood Again – Pastor Otabil’s Remarks at Doulos Conference 2025 (Day 1 Morning Session)

At the Morning Opening Session of the Doulos Conference 2025, Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of ICGC and host of the conference, emphasized the need for the Church of Jesus Christ, particularly in Africa, to return to the biblical principle of being true servants of Christ. 

He expressed concern over the increasing adoption of practices that contradict Christ’s teachings and the growing tendency among pastors to accumulate titles rather than embody Christ-like lives that positively impact society.

Below are his full remarks from the morning session, delivered before his main presentation.

Read on…

—

This is the first time we are hosting a pastors’ conference like this, and while we anticipate great outcomes, we also see it as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future. Each year, we hope to refine and enhance the experience based on what we learn from this inaugural gathering.

The Doulos Conference is intentionally designed to be interactive. We want to engage meaningfully with all the speakers, ensuring ample opportunities for questions, discussions, and panel sessions. Ministering to pastors is different from ministering to a congregation, and we do not want this to be just another preaching event. Instead, we aim to create a true learning environment—one that benefits not just the attendees but also the speakers because each of you carries significance in your own right.

Why “Doulos”?

The word ‘Doulos’ is Greek and means “bondservant.” It is a term the early apostles frequently used to describe themselves as followers of Jesus Christ.

In modern times, we often hear ministers of God being addressed with elaborate titles—”Mighty Man of God,” “Set Man,” “Daddy,” “Mommy,” and many others. While these titles may carry honor, the apostles had a much simpler way of identifying themselves. Paul, for instance, introduces himself in Romans 1:1 by saying, “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” His primary identity was not in his apostleship but in his servanthood to Christ.

Similarly, in Philippians 1:1, Paul and Timothy refer to themselves as “bondservants (douloi) of Jesus Christ.” Though Paul had profound spiritual experiences and divine revelations, he still considered himself first and foremost a servant.

James begins his letter in James 1:1 by saying, “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Peter in 2 Peter 1:1 writes, “Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” And Jude, in his letter, introduces himself in Jude 1:1 as “Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.”

This consistent theme across the epistles underscores the apostles’ deep commitment to Christ. Though they were anointed and held great authority, they saw themselves first as servants, bound to their Master in a permanent relationship of obedience and humility.

Returning to the Heart of Servanthood

Yes, we are called and anointed, and titles like “prophet,” “apostle,” “bishop,” and even “archbishop” have their place. In fact, if we wished, we could create even greater titles—senior pope or anointed pope—since, as we know, with us, all things are possible!

However, before embracing any title, we must remember that our first and foremost identity is that of a bondservant of Jesus Christ. The apostles always introduced themselves as servants before mentioning their office because their lives were centered on Christ.

I believe that the Church, particularly in Africa, must return to this attitude of servanthood. Jesus Himself emphasized this in Luke 17:10, teaching that after we have done all we were commanded, we should say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” Our purpose is not to accumulate accolades but to serve the Lord faithfully, fulfilling His will and assignment for our lives.

The Path to True Greatness

Even Jesus, when approached by the mother of James and John, was asked for a special favor—one son to sit on His right and the other on His left in His kingdom. She wanted assurance that her sons’ service would lead to greatness.

Jesus responded by teaching a profound principle: “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). True greatness in the kingdom of God is not in titles or positions but in servanthood.

That is why this conference is called Doulos. If you see yourself as a mighty man or woman of God, I pray that by the end of this gathering, you will first and foremost embrace the identity of a servant. May we all think and live as bondservants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.