Comments on: Courage to follow before leading

By: Chris Russell

Chris Russell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:14:43 +0000

I think service is very important in a leader because we have to take care of the needs of the people we lead. A leader isn’t someone who just bosses people around and tells them what not to do, but a leader is someone who is part of the team and is going to lead the other people with them towards a certain goal. For ministry, that goal would be spiritual growth, but I’ve found ministry to require a lot of service towards others.

By: Paul Steinbrueck

Paul Steinbrueck — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:45:48 +0000

Very thought provoking post, Gabe. I think ultimately the most effective leadership is servanthood. A leader can spend all their time planning, casting vision, and telling those around them what to do, but it seems to me it would be much more effective to actually love the people around you, help them develop their character and their relationship with God, and then see what God does through those fully-devoted, spirit led people. Isn’t that what Jesus did?

By: Andy Hooover

Andy Hooover — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:38:24 +0000

One thought that came to mind as I was reading the post and comments, was this: I think that this is what Paul intended when he said that the wisdom of God is counted as foolishness to the world. This post is counter-intuitive if I am looking at this from within the world! A leader in the world (President, congressman, dictator, king, etc.) is one who takes charge with a firm hand, and makes (forgive the description) decisive decisions. A leading according to Christ’s example is one who tries to stay out of the spotlight, but because of his desire to serve the sheep (washing the disciple’s feet, turning water to wine, eating and being with “sinners”) takes leadership as a vehicle for glorifying God by discipling other sheep to love God as God has graciously shown the leader to do.

Love is the key to leadership. If you love God, you wish to see him glorified, and to see God glorified you wish to use your talents (God-given) to bring Him more glory. Thus, if you have leadership talents, you should use them for God’s glory, thus in service.

Good thoughts.

By: Kevin Ring

Kevin Ring — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:45 +0000

Leadership is a skill set just like accounting is a skill set. To make anything more of it or to derive a sense of pride from it is sinful. Do what you’re called to do: serve. Do it with love and joy; do it to the best of your ability using the gifts God has given you. Do it for the benefit of the Kingdom. Everything else will fall into place.

Keep up the good work.

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Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:54:50 +0000

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By: KG

KG — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:46:50 +0000

Leaders are servants. For sure.

I think of Rick Warren who for the first 15 years of Saddleback was there early every Sunday to help set up the chairs and sound equipment, etc. for Sunday service. This is when the church had thousands and thousands of people attending.

I know what it is like to be the person who is giving the “sermon” that morning and being at church early to set up. It can create challenges of trying to be focused when the moment comes to speak. But a leader must care deeply about serving those he seeks to lead.

By: Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:21:45 +0000

A true leader is one who is constantly serving those under him by building relationship, encouraging and providing coaching (care) to those under their leadership. In my mind someone who leads without serving is not really leading. At the end of the day we have to remember that we are all sinners dependent on God’s grace while also being a reflection of his grace to others.

By: Peter P

Peter P — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:49 +0000

“Should a true leader continue to practice acts of service even while leading?” – ABSOLUTELY!

“Is it a disservice to lead without showing you are just as willing to follow?” – If you can’t show people how to follow, then you’re not leading!

“Do we spend too much time finding someone to pattern our life after, when Jesus is sufficient?” – Absolutely!!!

By: Kevin Cooper

Kevin Cooper — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:47 +0000

Listening is huge in leadership. Listening to others, listening to the promptings of the Spirit, listening to what the Bible teaches. In John 21:15, it’s almost as if Jesus keeps asking Simon Peter if he loves him because Peter isn’t really listening to what Jesus is trying to say. As leaders, sometimes we charge forward without listening to those around us–including Jesus. Not listening can sometimes be an issue of overconfidence.

At Catalyst this year, Malcolm Gladwell spoke about how overconfidence can bring down leaders and those that follow them. Very true.

By: Jay

Jay — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:09:34 +0000

Great post Gabe. I particularly like the part about who we pattern our life after because as you said, Jesus is sufficient.

I see so much about leadership these days and people imploring others to be leaders that I think we often miss the importance of being servants. Luke 22:27 says it best:

“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

There is nothing wrong with leadership and striving to be a leader per se. I am part of a group at church where the elders are discipling other members of the church to become part of the leadership of the church and not just the leader of a particular ministry. I always have to make sure I remain aware of my calling to be a servant as well and not let the sin of pride prevent me from serving when called or asked to because I feel as a leader that I shouldn’t have to do those things.