Leadership 101

Leaders need to lead people, not herd them if they want to see real and lasting results. When you herd people, you push, prod, and cut them off, while shoving them in the desired direction. When you lead people, you put yourself out front, show them how to face dangers, and demonstrate the ways successful people live. 

Leaders who herd are more dictators than leaders, for they operate from a basis of fear. Leaders who lead are like Christ Himself, who gave up all the rights and privileges He rightfully had, to serve those He had created. 

For some reason, many think that leading is having others serve you when in reality, it is the leader having the opportunity to serve those being led. 

Church leaders who work 40 hour weeks and expect those in their church who work 40 plus hours a week should volunteer to do more should be leading the pack in volunteer hours. 

Ministry leaders who ask for people to give to their ministries should be the first one giving to their ministries.  I have heard those in ministry say that they provide to their ministry by working for less than they deserve, and that may be true. However, one must realize that getting paid what one deserves is a relative term and that many who give to their cause could very well be making less than them.  Real leaders always lead, do not make excuses, and reject the idea that the masses are there to serve their needs. 

The Bible states that we need to care for those who minister to us, and indeed we should, and in many cases, we are not. Those who give their lives to caring for the flock should be cared for by the flock, and it is often difficult for the shepherd to teach the sheep this principle. 

With that understood, it is still the responsibility of the shepherd to lead by showing the sheep how to care for others. 

There is a mindset on both sides that needs to be adjusted. Those in ministry need to focus on leading in the area in which they are asking their followers to participate. Those who are seeking help from those in ministry need to make sure their needs are met. This is reasonable and responsible.

Leaders understand that this life is not about using people to make our lives better. Instead, it is about making all those around us successful. We need to keep thinking about what our role is in the body of Christ, and function in that role without hesitation, trusting God to ultimately provide our needs. 

Perhaps we struggle to produce disciples today because our leaders are herding rather than leading. It should not and does not need to be this way.