Jeff Johnson: David Hardage, a humble, flexible servant-leader

We were watching an old episode of Big Bang Theory recently. Some of you may remember the episode where Sam Kass’ modified Rock/Paper/Scissors game is introduced: Rock/Paper/Scissors/Lizard/Spock.

Jeff JohnsonLizard is formed by a sock-puppet shape and Spock with the traditional Vulcan salute. Scissors cuts Paper. Paper covers Rock. Rock crushes Lizard. Lizard poisons Spock. Spock smashes Scissors. Scissors decapitate Lizard. Lizard eats Paper. Paper disproves Spock. Spock vaporizes Rock. Rock crushes Scissors. Get that?

I have never played Rock/Paper/Scissors/Lizard/Spock yet as I am still memorizing the formula for winning. However, when I was younger, the simplistic old Rock/Paper/Scissors game was kind of a playground equalizer. As an adult, the old Rock/Paper/Scissors trinity seems a little simplistic. I now translate them into a more grownup ministerial trilogy of technology, money and ministry might (you know, in the “Onward, Christian Soldiers” way). In retrospect, I pretended to teach our children that “might doesn’t make right,” but my lifestyle and commitment often belied my words.

Even among those less-military-minded church folk, there is a persistent clamor these days for “strong leadership.” Someone who will make all the hard decisions for me, relieving me of any responsibility for the outcome. Someone who will not hesitate to flex technological, financial and ministry muscle.

God’s notion of a strong leader, however, has always been a bit different. Words like service, humility and flexibility surface. Texas Baptists have godly, strong leadership in David Hardage. He has an exceptional ability to “flow” and “yield.” This analogy is perhaps weakened and degraded by confusing strength to bend with a rootless, undirected, “go with the flow” ideology.

Follow me: The river just sort of does its thing, goes from the mountains down to the ocean. Nobody has to get out there and push the river. But like all analogies, it’s somewhat limited. It suggests to us an image of passivity, when in point of fact, that’s not the way it is.

I grew up on the Yazoo River, part of the Mississippi River system. I observed it to be a very dynamic system. Something did push that river. It got pushed, pulled and tugged by all sorts of forces. It meandered through so many alternate routes. Sometimes it took all of them at once—it was called a flood.

David Hardage is neither “pushy, ” nor a “pushover,” but he is pushed by the Spirit of God. I am honored to serve with him. I encourage you to encourage him in these days.

All the while he is being pushed by the Spirit, I am still pushing my way through this Rock/Paper/Scissors/Lizard/Spock game and wonder if it somehow could be turned into something spiritual. You know—a sort of 21st century version of casting lots maybe? Might save a few expressions of power in my next deacons’ meeting for sure—without having to resort to violence. Now, that would not be “going with the flow” would it.? Pushy maybe.

Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.