The apostle Paul wants to be very clear how we are to regard our leaders and how our leaders are to regard themselves. They are first and foremost servants of Christ which then leads them to be servants of the people they lead. They will give an account to Christ for their leadership, and Christ will be the judge of their work.
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.” 1 Corinthians 4:1