Posted by Lance Ford.
Based on ideas and concepts from UnLeader: Rethinking Leadership…and Why We Must, my book to be released by Beacon Hill Press this September, I have worked up a few thoughts on the flaws in the leadership-centric culture that dominate the contemporary church. I am convinced that we will never see a genuine missional movement, or a fully released priesthood of believers, until we lay down the staff and crowns of leadership and pick up the trowel and basin of servantship.
1. The Flaw of “Your” Lid
We’ve been taught that our ability to lead determines our level of effectiveness. Jesus came as a servant, not a leader. Your servantship lid is what is most important for effectiveness in the Kingdom of God. Everything rises or falls on servantship.
2. The Flaw of “Your” Influence
Let the influence of Jesus seep into and out of you. The degree you decrease will be the degree He will increase in your life. John Maxwell says, “As a leader, having a great vision and a worthy cause is not enough to get people to follow you. First you have to become a better leader; you must get your people to buy into you.” This concept gets it categorically wrong…dangerously and gravely wrong. We need to become better followers and servants of Jesus who point to Him. To focus on getting people to buy into us is beyond a slippery slope. It is a vertical drop.
3. The Flaw of Titles
Plain and simple—Jesus forbade them. Titles delineate fleshly stature and status. If you think you need a title for people to respect you, maybe, you don’t deserve to be respected. The body of Christ is a family. Titles always distinguish one person or group over the other and create boundaries, fences, and doors that need permission or privilege for entry. Titles create psychological and sociological dynamics of hierarchy. If you want to use titles, call each other brother and sister—nothing more.
4. The Flaw of Hierarchy
Jesus said it is the Gentiles (those who are tied to worldly systems) who set up systems of command and control. He then declared, “‘It will not be so among you’” (Matthew 20:25-28). I agree with my former seminary professor Eddie Gibbs, who says, “The controlling style of leadership that is so prevalent among the builder and boomer generations, and that typically determines the church’s corporate culture, must give way to this empowering, connective style if the church is to reinvent itself to meet the missional challenges and opportunities of a new day.”
5. The Flaw of the “Real Leader”
Stop looking for the top dog in the group…and stop striving to be that person. We fail to develop churches of maturity because we ignore the presence and voice of the Lord in the entire body of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers among us (Ephesians 4:11-16). In the kingdom of God we must view Jesus as our leader—the one and only senior shepherd. Men and women can, and should, function in leadership but never be underscored with rank or identity as leaders.
6. The Flaw of Magnetism
We’ve been told that who we are is who we attract. Therefore, we need to be super duper so we will attract super duper people. Really? Who did Jesus attract? Did Jesus look for and attract the best and brightest? This mindset makes who I am the major concern and focus. The concept is that I need to develop a magnetic skill set to such a degree that people will follow me so that ultimately I develop a great church or ministry.
7. The Flaw of “Vision”
The leadership “vision” concept is nowhere to be found in the Gospels or in the rest of the New Testament. We already have a vision and a visionary. Jesus and his kingdom are all we have and all we need. The “vision” myth is just that—a man-made, mesmerizing concept that diverts our attention from the simplicity of living out the gospel of the kingdom of God, being utterly dependent upon his power, and making disciples along the way. That is our vision. This is not to say that individual faith communities and churches do not have unique calls in their particular contexts. They certainly do, and it is important for the members of those local churches to understand those particular God-given marching orders. My point is that the “vision” idea is way beyond overemphasized and grossly hyped, cheered, and idolized.
Lance, you are right on! The first seven do refute the worlds way of doing business and sadly too many churches. Jesus came as a servant the first time and the second as King of Kings but in the meantime we are to serve others using the example of Jesus. He choose Tax collectors and Fisherman not guys with doctorate and master degrees from the top business schools in the country. I have white hair because I have served and made mistakes and learned and have much to give to younger people. Liz and i have been married 55 years, has it been all bliss? no it’s relationship and that’s hard work, why shouldn’t we share that with those around us, our experinces doing life together. Multigenerational family. We become community with everyone taking part not just those chosen to lead. I hate the word Senior as it relates to Pastor and I love the title servant leader. I can hardly wait to get the book. Jerry
Hi Lance,
I’m on board with much of what you say here but would take issue with points three and four in particular. Jesus forbade titles? I don’t see it. He certainly seemed to be OK with titles re: himself. I’d also note that historically ordered ministry (Bishop, Priest, Deacon) developed rather quickly (within a century or so). See this article for some of the history of that if you’re interested – http://www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/liturgy/docs/berkeley.pdf. This would also serve to refute your fourth point. Of course, hierarchy can be and is abused, but this is not an argument against that sort of structure per se. Further, Matthew 20:25-28 isn’t an argument against this sort of ordered ministry but rather an argument against a misunderstanding of what it means to follow Jesus and be leaders in his church (the Apostles *were* leaders, after all). To truly be a bishop, priest, deacon, pastor or whatever is to *serve*, not to “lord it over” folks like the gentiles do.
Finally, re: point five, yes Jesus is the minister and we participate in his ongoing ministry. But I don’t see why this follows: “Men and women can, and should, function in leadership but never be underscored with rank or identity as leaders.”
Grace and peace.
Lance – this is good stuff.
I really appreciate your writing about – Titles? Leaders? Hierarchy?
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person,
neither let me give **flattering titles** unto man.
For I know not to give **flattering titles;**
in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Job 32:21 KJV
In my experience…
“Titles” and “Pastors” cause most of the division in the body of Christ.
“Titles” become “Idols.” (A No, No -“Idols” of the heart – Ezek 14:1-11.)
“Pastors” become “Masters” (A No, No – Mat 23:10 KJV)
“Titles” say, I am, you’re not.
“Titles” say, we are, they’re not.
And *most* of todays “Titles” are *NOT In The Bible.*
Baptist, Lutheran, Assemblies of God —- division and separation?
Reformed, Evangelical, Charismatic —- division and separation?
Clergy – Laity — division and separation?
Leaders – Followers — division and separation?
Pastors – Sheep — division and separation?
Teacher – Student — division and separation?
One greater then the other. Causing walls of separation.
And *most* will “Exercise Authority” (A No, No – Mark 10:42-43.)
and “lord it over” God’s heritage. yes? (A No, No – 1 Pet 5:3.)
Isn’t that the beginning of “Spiritual Abuse?”
In the Bible – Does anyone have the “Title/Position” “Pastor/Leader?”
In my experience…
Pastor/Leader = exercise authority = lord it over = abuse = always
And Jesus made Himself of no reputation, humbled Himself
and took upon himself the form of a servant. Php 2:7-8.
Don’t “Titles” make a “reputation” whether you want it or not?
Good morning “Pastor.” – What just happened?
Didn’t Jesus say; I receive not honor from men?
If someone calls you “pastor” or “leader;”
Isn’t that receiving honor from men?
Seems “Titles” create honor whether you want it or not?
Hasn’t anyone ever wondered – Why… In the Bible…
NOT one of His Disciples – ever… called them self “Pastor” or “Leader?”
NOT one of His Disciples called another of His Disciples “Pastor” or “Leader?”
I’m Blest… I’ve returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of my soul…
{{{{{{ Jesus }}}}}}