Trends in ministry tend to shift from one area of emphasis to another, sometimes at a glacial pace and other times more quickly. One trend from the 1990s through the first years of this century was the topic of leadership in Christian ministry. Those in churches took one approach, those in parachurch organizations usually had a different angle, authors wrote their books, presenters did their training workshops, conferees attended conferences and summits, all under the assumption (and often with language like) “everything rises and falls with leadership.” Ironically, it was usually the highest ranking leader in the room who would state that.
With the advantage of a few years to lend some perspective, and with the history of some of those who most loudly proclaimed the virtues of leadership, I am not so sure we were well served by this emphasis. It largely went unchallenged at the time, but some of us were quietly asking, “Are we really going to excuse this sort of behavior from these people, just because they are identified as leaders?”
The tragic falls from grace by a few of the leaders many revered or gave demigod status, have jaded many and have shipwrecked the faith of many more. I believed then and more strongly believe now, that the pursuit of leadership as an end in itself is foolish and borders on idolatry. I will not mention names, though I am quite sure you have built a list of less than godly leaders in your mind.
During that era the visionary, get-it-done, loud, and enthusiastic leader was the prototype and many of us bowed down to the pragmatic effectiveness of such leaders. Our models were more often drawn from US corporate culture than the holy scriptures, biblical models, or Christian history.
Many of us, if not cut from that cloth, either discounted our abilities as leaders and withdrew, or with others simply put on that ill-fitting façade and tried the “fake it ‘til we make it” approach. Lots of us found that this highly demanding form of leadership, was for us, like David wearing Saul’s armor prior to taking on Goliath. Remember if you will this passage from I Samuel 17, starting at verse 37. And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.” 38 Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. 39 David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. 40 He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.
Those of us who survived the leadership culture (maybe cults) of this previous era have mostly taken off Saul’s untested armor and have gone back to our well-tested slings and stones. We have come to appreciate how our Lord has wired us as leaders, and we have approached the Philistines in faith and confidence.
In deference to the “it all rises and falls on leadership” crowd, leadership is important. I would offer that “it all rises and falls on faithfulness.” Whatever one’s role: leader, follower, support staff, administrator, bus driver, sports chaplain, character coach or custodian, let’s aim for faithfulness.
As the Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians chapter 4 verse 2, Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. This is the measure of a steward; faithfulness more than success. Fidelity more than position. Trustworthiness more than title.
Rather than be frustrated that Saul’s armor is a poor fit, take some time to discover your unique giftedness, your calling, your leadership style, and more. Tools like this spiritual gifts survey can be helpful in determining some factors that will shape your approach to leadership - https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/gifts-survey/ You may also consider some of the leadership books that describe a wide variety of leadership styles, most importantly one in which you can be faithful. One of those is Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels (ironic, I know). Let’s strive to be faithful to the Lord’s way, to His will, and to His calling.
