In my last blog post, I began a series on Paul and the Pastor’s Heart. We looked at Paul’s greeting to the Philippian church to get a glimpse of how he really cares for the people he ministers to. I want to jump into a few verses in Philippians 2 this week to unpack what drives Paul’s devotion to the church.

Philippians 2:1-4 CSB

If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, [2] make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. [4] Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

The Call to Unity and Servanthood

Paul emphasizes unity here, urging believers to “think the same way… united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” This is our call—to foster a community grounded in humility and service. He echoes this sentiment by urging us to adopt the attitude of Christ, who “emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant.” It’s always a good idea to go back to the perfect blueprint in all things, Jesus. He is our example in how to accomplish these things. Without Him, we are easily swayed to think that a leader is only bold and charismatic, but studying Jesus’ life causes us to envision leadership as the embodiment of humility and, yes, even ultimate sacrifice. 

Are we serving others more than we serve ourselves? Do we reflect Christ’s servant heart in our daily interactions? As we strive to be servant leaders, we need to remember that true greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by our status but by our willingness to serve. Humility is of exceedingly precious value to God.

Last week, I mentioned pastor, professor, and hymnwriter J Edwin Orr (no relation). In the 1940s, Orr carried a group of theology students on a field trip to the Epworth Rectory, the former home of John Wesley, a pivotal figure in the history of Methodism and a man renowned for his fervent prayer life.

As they walked through the old rectory, the students were enveloped in an atmosphere rich with spiritual legacy. This was the house where Wesley had lived, prayed, penned countless sermons, and served God faithfully. They viewed his study and felt the creaking staircase under their feet. 

But the highlight of their visit came when they entered Wesley’s bedroom, where the unmistakable wear patterns on the wooden floor told a story of devotion and intercession. There, by the bed, were two worn spots on the floor. These were the very spots where Wesley had knelt countless times, pleading with God for revival in his time. He prayed so hard and for so long and for so many years that his knees had literally begun to wear the floor away as he prayed for revival to come.

As the tour group prepared to leave, Professor Orr noticed a young student named Billy had gone missing. Professor Orr went back into the house, searching every room until he entered that old bedroom, where he found young Billy had placed his knees into those two worn spots. And there Professor Orr heard the young student crying and praying for revival in his own time. Young Billy prayed, “Do it again, Lord, do it again,” 

And the Lord heard young Billy Graham’s prayer that day…. and He did it again.

That moment became a defining point in Billy Graham’s life and ministry. It demonstrated to him the unyielding power of prayer and the deep longing for spiritual revival that transcends generations. Graham’s heartfelt plea was not just a desire for personal experience, but a fervent call for God to stir hearts anew and pour out His spirit once more.

Billy Graham had the heart of a pastor. Indeed, he was often called the world’s pastor.

But what does this story have to do with Paul’s letter to the Philippians?

Revival only comes when hearts are stirred in prayer. When knees are calloused. When hearts are humble. When the church is led by servant-hearted shepherds who sacrifice their comforts for the souls of lost sheep.

I may not be a pastor of the caliber of John Wesley. I may not be a powerful speaker or evangelist like Billy Graham and see thousands flock to the altar…but if I, like Professor Orr, can move you to PRAY FOR REVIVAL, I will have fulfilled my calling.

If you are a pastor yourself. Stay humble and pray to the Lord for your strength. If you are a lay leader or church member, pray with your pastor, in humility, for revival. If you are neither, respond to God in humility and receive Him.

Oh that we would pray, “Do it again, Lord. Do it again.”

Paul’s heart was rooted in gratitude, bolstered by confidence in God’s transformative work, and expressed through unity and servanthood. Live out your faith in a way that mirrors the love and humility of Christ, building others up as we walk together in this journey of faith. Amen.