Michael Atchison
Biochemistry
University of Pennsylvania
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28
Task Masters Or Servants?
Those of us in academia often find ourselves in positions of authority. We have authority to run our classes largely how we see fit, and students who work in our programs look to us for guidance. Those of us in the sciences usually run research laboratories with students, postdocs, and technicians under our authority. Here we are in danger of thinking these individuals are there to serve us, rather than for us to be in a position to serve them. Are we task-masters, looking for more data to support our latest granting and publication efforts, or are we servants to these individuals providing them with the best training and education possible? Many in academia succumb to the former model. Those of us who follow Christ never should.
How do we become servant kings? Some years ago I wrestled with that question (and still do). I heard a tape from the 2000 NFLC conference in which Ken Elzinga from the University of Virginia explained how he prayed for his students. That was an idea that seemed obvious, but one that I had never fully exercised. I decided to put it into practice.
In 2001 I assumed leadership of the VMD-PhD program at Penn. Students usually take about eight years to complete this program, so I have the opportunity to get to know them well. These students are potential superstars and it is easy to fall in the trap of thinking of them as products who will be successful and will basically make us at Penn look good. It is easy to see how the wrong attitude quickly makes these students my servants, rather than me their servant.
When I took over the program, I called each student into my office for an individual one hour meeting to get to know them and to chart out their future activities. At the end, I told them they were now under my care, and that I pray for everyone under my care.
My Heart Changes
So, how did they want me praying for them? You can imagine the shock (and sometimes disbelief). This routine is repeated every time any of them come to my office (which is frequent). I always ask them how they want me to be praying for them. Full implementation of the plan (i.e., me actually praying for them), has caused something rather remarkable to happen. As I pray for them, my heart for them changes.
Without doubt there is benefit having my prayers for these students laid at the throne of grace, but something happens to me as well, and something happens to my students. There is a new connection with them. Yes I am king over them in this program. But I’m a servant king looking out for their best interests. I don’t think I could maintain that attitude without frequent prayer.
In addition, issues of faith are on the table. Faith is on the radar screen. Questions about my faith come up frequently, and I have had multiple opportunities to share the Gospel, particularly when students are in great need. Now, there is no more disbelief when the prayer request question comes up. They come with lists. However, I must admit, it is still fun to see the shock on the faces of new students who have no idea the question is coming.
Being a servant king requires relationship. By asking for prayer requests, and by praying, a relationship is built. My students are not one-dimensional science machines. By praying I can enter into their lives and affirm their value as creatures created in God’s image. That issue occasionally comes up when a student is struggling. I can affirm that I care more about them for who they are, than for what they do. Oddly enough, they usually perform better after learning that. Oh yeah, I pray for them too. Maybe that has something to do with it.
© 2005 Michael Atchison