Follow the leader

Read Colossians 1:28-29

28 We announce the message about Christ,and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone,so that all of Christ’s followers will grow and become mature. 29 That’s why I work so hard and use the mighty power he gives me. (CEV)

There is much literature nowadays about the importance of leadership in the church. Some of it is helpful. Some of it,though,is too heavily reliant on secular models of leadership which emphasise efficiency,results,power. So we can have church leaders who are religious CEOs,running a church like a corporation,its members mere ammunition for whatever programs the leader happens to embrace.

Paul reminds us that the essential task of a Christian church leader is to help people become mature in Christ. And while our English translations might not make it obvious,he is speaking of bringing every individual Christian to their particular and distinctive maturity. Each person is to grow in Christ but each will grow uniquely. So the leader is to be sensitive to such uniqueness.

Members of churches are not meant to become clones of the leaders. It is rather the task of the leaders to help bring out what is best in each and every person. A respect for their individuality even as they seek to harness such individuality to the common good.

This is no easy task. Little wonder Paul describes it as agonisingly hard work. Little wonder,too,that he can only do it with the help of Jesus.

Blessings
David Reay