This article by Steve Williamson says something worth hearing. Here’s the first few paragraphs…
As I move in and out of a variety of Christian circles, I hear much talk about developing Christian leaders for the next generation. Christian bookstores are brimming with bestsellers touting the latest “leadership secrets” of Jesus or popular Christian celebrity. Many churches and Christian schools target the development of “leaders who will make an impact” as a necessity for their institution to survive in the Christian marketplace. Christian parents and seminary candidates are seduced by slogans such as “Preparing Christian Leaders for Tomorrow’s World.” Clearly, this kind of thinking sells. Christian day schools, colleges, and seminaries are using the leadership lure in their marketing, guaranteeing that their graduating students will be Christian leaders after they graduate.
That’s quite a promise. But is it a good one?
Leadership is never an aim for the Christian in the Bible. In the English Standard Version, “lead” occurs 128 times in 124 verses while “leader” appears 85 times in 80 verses. Comparatively, “serve” appears 322 times in 294 verses while “servant” occurs 1060 times in 939 verses. Word usage alone, of course, does not settle the question, but those are compelling numbers. Further, the Christian is never commanded nor even encouraged to lead (except when already in a position of leadership, see Romans 12). What is modeled, extolled, and commanded is servant-hood.
And I have some question’s about the use of the word “leadership.”
The word “leader”seems like a “high place.” Yes?
Jesus always took and recommended the “low place.” Yes?
Jesus humbled Himself, made himself of no reputation
and took on the form of a servant. Php 2:7
How do “you” reconcile the use of the word “leader”
when “Jesus” told “His disciples” not to be called “leader?”
Jesus in Mat 23:10 told His disciples “NOT” to call
themselves master/“leaders”
for you have one master/”leader” the Christ.
King James Version –
Neither be ye called masters:
for one is your Master, even Christ.
The Interlinear Bible –
Nor be called leaders,
for one is your leader the Christ.
Phillips Modern English –
you must not let people call you leaders,
you have only one leader, Christ.
Today’s English Version –
nor should you be called leader.
your one and only leader is the Messiah.
The Amplified-
you must not be called masters ( leaders )
for you have one master ( leader ) the Christ.
Jesus told His disciples not to be called “leaders” and none did.
Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ,
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God,
Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant
His disciples all called themselves “servants,”
none called themselves “leaders.” None? None.
None called themselves “servant-leader.” None.
If Jesus instructed “His disciples” NOT to call themselves “leaders”
and someone calls themself a “leader”
or thinks they are a “leader;”
Are they a “disciple of Christ?”
Just wondering. Be blessed.