In I Cor. 11:1 Paul said, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”
We all need human models. Sure we’re to follow Christ but we need human models to follow.
Leadership has absolutely nothing to do with titles or position. It has to do with influence. This is a mistake a lot of people make. They think just because they have a title, people are going to automatically follow and that’s not necessarily true at all. There is a big difference between being in charge and being a leader. It’s not a position or a title. Many people have authority but they don’t have leadership. I’ve been in a lot of churches where they have elected leaders but the church is really run by brother “so and so” over here who everybody knows is the real leader, the real pace setter.
If you have to tell people that you are the leader, if you have to remind people that you’re the leader, you’re not. The Sunday I stand up and say, “Folks, we’re going to do it my way because I am the leader” – I’m not! I’m no longer the leader. You don’t have to remind people. Leadership is influence and if you’re not influencing anybody it doesn’t mater whether you think you’re the leader or not — you’re not. It’s all influence.
Very well said.
Paul’s instructions to the believers used to seem arrogant to me. Once I started walking with disciples and living life with them, this instruction became so meaningful and true. It is an ongoing challenge that we are to be walking with Christ while walking with others showing them, through our influence, what being a little image of Christ might look like.
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Great post. It’s fun to watch a church or organization to see who the real leaders are. The smart “title” leaders will partner with and support the real leaders…..or become one himself.