Pineapples and Things That Don't Make Sense

Sometimes, this world just doesn't make sense. Like how bees are able to fly despite their wing to weight ratio. Or calculus. Or why people just can't seem to remember to put the toilet seat back down.

I don't understand many things, but one of the things I understand least is the way leadership plays out in the church.

One of the most accurate statements I've heard recently came to me from John James, the first lead singer of the Newsboys. He spoke at my church a few weeks ago, and was able to meet with us before youth group for our leader's meeting. John said the following, "You're not a leader if you don't lead."

Simple, right?

Apparently not. For some reason, I see churches bring people onto leadership teams that are highly unqualified for the job for the main reason that they don't lead. Now, usually, these people are taken in because they are serious about their relationship with the Lord and living in an upright, godly way, and this, I commend. However, I don't care what label you are given by the organization you work with - if you don't lead, don't call yourself a leader.

Look, I'm not trying to rail against the church. That's not my intention. My main objective is to get you to see how leadership can be applied to your life as an individual, and I'll start off by saying this: I believe all Christians are called to be leaders. Why?

Right before Jesus left earth, He told His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28)

I believe that making disciples and teaching the words of Jesus is something that you lead people into. However, don't misunderstand me: I'm not saying that everyone is called to be a pastor, or a missionary, or a small group leader. Those people that oversee larger groups are called to a higher standard. (Luke 12:48) Not everyone is made to lead a flock, just like I wasn't made to like pineapple. I am simply saying that we are called to lead other people closer to Christ. This may even be casually and intentionally (yes, those two can go together) leading a friend of yours who may be not as spiritually mature as you.

I guess what I'm saying boils down to this: whether you lead in a small or large setting, be intentional about influencing others toward becoming disciples of Christ.

This doesn't mean you have to be a big, hard-headed, macho guy who doesn't take no for an answer. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 20:26, "But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." And, referring to an elder in the church, Titus 1 says, "He must not be arrogant..." This doesn't mean that you have to be a lackey going to and fro accomplishing what everyone tells you to do, but that you serve them through leading them closer to Christ, and showing humility in doing so.

That being said, let's go and get some people led!

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