One of the largely undervalued aspects of leadership in churches, is the need to train others. When we look at Jesus’ leadership model, we notice he regularly gives leadership roles to the seemingly unqualified.
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9:1-2). Yet, after the resurrection the disciples ask, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). This shows the disciples are still thinking of a physical kingdom and don’t really understand the true nature of God’s kingdom even though they had preached about it.
Furthermore, would we have chosen uneducated fishermen, quick tempered brothers, or a dodgy tax collector to be church leaders? Jesus regularly appoints people to positions who we would perhaps consider incompetent. Remember Jesus also empowers the disciples, including Judas, to heal the sick and cast out demons. Unfortunately, in churches we tend to wait until someone is mature and their ability is fully developed. Are we afraid of missing out on opportunities of using our gifts and abilities if we encourage more immature believers?
Sometimes Christians, who should know their worth is in being God’s child, seem to find their worth in their ability to serve in a particular area. They refuse others the chance of being involved because they don’t want to step aside. They may justify themselves by saying others are inept or unreliable when they’re only inexperienced, which would be soon rectified if they were given some opportunities. I’ve heard people commenting with pride that they have been playing the piano, or printing the newsletter, or greeting people at the door, or whatever, at their church for 10…20…25 years. I feel like saying, “How sad that you couldn’t find anyone to train.”
Some cling to their area of ministry and never look for someone who needs an opportunity to serve, particularly a young person. Young people often leave the church out of boredom. They aren’t asked to make any meaningful contribution and consequently never feel like they belong. I’ve seen 14 year-olds lead worship, play the piano, teach Sunday school, and pray in public. They may not do it as well and their efforts may not be as polished but often they do it with a great heart. And isn’t heart attitude more important than performance?
We may fear someone will do our task better or differently, and we may never get another opportunity. However, thers need the chance to test their abilities, stretch their faith and discover where God wants them to serve. We also bear in mind that Jesus is less worried about failure than we are. At Jesus’ arrest when Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Jesus touches him, and heals him (Luke 22:51). Jesus still has the power to fix and heal our mistakes.
Perhaps, it’s time to give someone else a turn!
great thoughts. I think you are really right that we don’t often give people a chance to learn leadership – it seems to me that leadership is most often learned in the trenches, amidst failure by trail and error – but if we don’t let those who are inexperienced try and maybe even fail then they may never have the chance to become the leaders they have potential to be.
“It seems Jesus regularly appointed people to positions who we would consider incompetent.” Yeah, but we’re smarter and more educated than Jesus now. 🙂
Susan, I think you’ve got it!
One of the things that really impressed me about the fellowship I now attend is in a Sunday service the pastor asked for the congregation to pray for certain people who were there. I began to watch what would happen and the first person to make a move to pray for one of the needy people was a 11 year old boy who went to the person, who was an adult, laid his hand on his shoulder and prayed for him.
I’ve sense gotten to know that family and am now not surprised at the way they honor God.
Very good post.
Generational Leadership (passing on our life to the next generation) is so important to the life of the church!
I agree. I think it’s human nature to want to feel valued and that we are good at something…which leads to not wanting to step away from something we are doing well. I wish it weren’t the case…even Jesus stepped aside to allow the Holy Spirit to come…so it’s something we could learn.
susan, i am so with you!!! i’d love to see more and more and more and more people encouraged to step up and in to whatever they can and this requires leaders moving aside and encouraging this in more ways than one. thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks everyone for your comments.
I’ve had a busy couple of days but hope to read more “leadership” posts over the next few days.
This is definitely something that needs to be a focus. We receive spiritual gifts to edify and disciple and train. Paul constantly wrote about how the older need to teach the younger. In our culture we seem to be so busy that there is little training going on – except that which comes by fire and experience. I really appreciate what you’ve written here – it adds a lot to the synchroblog.