“The greatest atrocity on the earth right now is a lack of true leadership.” -Mike Bickle (paraphrased).
Given some of the nefariousness that currently exists, I’d say that’s a pretty, bold statement! It’s also one I’ve grown to agree with. How about you? And even though it’s post a decade ago since I heard his proclamation, it remains an epiphany still buzzing between my ears. #Leadership.
I signed up. My first move was to rush to the table, establishing myself as a great leader. Bad idea! Tough to do when no one’s following you. And by definition, that needs to be a thing. Leadership ought not to come by force, either. Dictators tend to go down in history as examples of those not to follow. Mistakes were certainly made.
I wonder what it was like to follow Jesus. I’m speaking in terms of His first coming. Like, your name was Peter or James or John. Have you thought about what they were up against in comparison to the leadership style of that time? Pharisees. Sadducees. Romans. Certainly, there were more. Still, it seems as though the predominant brand was built upon a top-down hierarchy, a pecking order where the know-it-alls told everybody what to do, and what to think - never letting anyone get a word in edgewise, especially if they disagree. I’ve met a few. Been under a few. And found myself leading from that place more times than I care to admit. Do you spy a pattern here?
…then this Jesus character comes along. Maybe your family doesn’t meet x-social status. You haven’t gone through some elite training school to earn your place. He simply calls you out one day. Says “follow Me”. Time goes by and you’re waiting for Him to crack the whip like the other guys. But He never does. Not in that sense, anyway.
Who is this? Not only does He partner with me in the lowest work of the ministry, but invites me to do the great things He does, promising one day I’ll do even greater. Who does that?
There was a time in my life when I was desperate for a mentor. Actually, there were several. This turn, in particular, I had gotten a word from the Lord that I would do well to pray for one. So I did. I prayed, looked, and continued to repeat the process. Three years went by before I realized that there was actually an individual who had been doing just that. It was never mentioned. There was no formal “Hi, will you be my mentor?” “Yes, I will be your mentor.” Shake hands. Get down to business. I don’t doubt this individual was being intentional. Absolutely they were! They simply invited me into their life to be a part of it, not as one who lords over. I followed simply because I desired to.
I’m not anti any formal style mentorship. I’ve been a part of and seen success on that front as well. It just wasn’t the way it happened this time. Perhaps God wanted me to see something outside the realm of my thinking - blow the doors off my preconceived ideas - reveal to me what I was formerly and ‘formally’ unable to see.
How did two whole years go by without my noticing? Better yet, who was I looking for? What style was I anticipating? If I’m perfectly honest, I wanted someone well-known. This way I could feel certain I had the real thing. I’ve been disappointed much up to this point already. And who knows, maybe they’ll make ME famous in the process! Add to that, I wanted someone who used their authority to spoon-feed me the answers. Ya know, like a lot of leaders do. Copy. Paste. “Repeat after me…” Enter the clones.
The correct answers may exist between our ears, but it doesn’t guarantee they are alive.
My mentor came in secret Santa fashion. And by the time I realized what had gone down, I began to appreciate who God had chosen for me. Not only do I prize this individual’s style over others, but it reminds me so much of how Jesus leads us. It also revealed just how flawed my own vision for leadership had looked and set me on a course to becoming a better one myself. Not to mention, I got a really good friend out of the deal. Thank you, Lord!
Some years later, I was asked to lead a bible study. I had fun going through the scriptures with a cast of other believers. I set myself not to answer every question, but rather ask provoking ones. I saw us as a team working together, often giving them a chance to lead. This didn’t sit well with one of the individuals in particular. It wasn’t the type of leadership they were used to and they let me know it. To them, this was laziness!
I tried to explain why I did it the way I did. Maybe I got through? Not really sure. Nonetheless, I believe in asking the Lord to examine us. “Am I truly doing this the way You would, or am I merely mocking the methods/men I’m used to?” Are we truly trying to make disciples? Are we truly trying to create leaders? Or have we simply sought out means to look impressive while doing the deeds we’d been informed were important?
I’ve had several opportunities to lead since then. It hasn’t been perfect by any means. I’m still growing. One thing’s for sure. I’m far better off now than I was before, thanks to those who’ve helped me along the journey. Jesus is the greatest leader ever! And His door is always open, delighting to show us a greater way. Thanks for listening!
good stuff, bro!