(Minister Well Newsletter, February 2017)
First and foremost a ministry leader is a follower…a follower of Christ. Christ did not first call the disciples or any of us to “lead,” rather He specifically said “…deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23). However, once a Christian individual is deemed a leader in any area, it can be very difficult to exercise the humbleness and self-discipline of following. Moses set a great example of accepting both God’s call of leadership and remembering to follow. Throughout Exodus we read of God saying to Moses “lead my people,” and Moses saying “you go first, Lord, and I’ll follow” (clearly, I’m paraphrasing). Moses understood that as a shepherd of God’s people, he could only lead by following His shepherd. Is it crucial that you remain a member of His flock, even while you are a shepherd of a portion of the flock? Let’s look at several attributes of good followers.
Mind
There are a few crucial things a follower must know. In order to want to follow while leading, one must believe that it is beneficial. Throughout graduate school, internship, and residency interviews I recall variations on this theme from interviewers: we want students who know they have more to learn. Additionally, we see in the military environment, where following orders can be the difference between life and death, followers must know their responsibilities. And, when picking the members of any team, whether it be a 2nd grade kickball team or your executive leadership team, we all know that we want teammates who work/play well with others. Followers know they have more to learn, know what they are responsible for, and know the importance of relating well to others.
Body
The word “follow” specifies placement behind or after something that proceeds. If you want to learn about someone you follow him or her or “shadow” him or her. You learn how they walk, why they stop, where they spend time, and how they interact with people and their surroundings. Strengths and nuances of the leader become apparent as you study them. Imagine walking a pace or two behind Christ as His disciples could. Even now, as you study Christ in scripture, what do you observe of His actual behavior? In His earthly ministry, he exuded peace and self-control, as well as gentleness and strength. Are these behaviors that you naturally manifest, or would you benefit yourself and “your” flock with a bit of focused practice in behaviorally being Christ-like? Followers behave like and carry themselves like their leader.
Spirit
At the absolute core though, following well is a matter of faith – faith in the system, faith in the leader, faith in whatever you willfully submit to following. One definition of faith is a complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Of course, we should be able to intellectually and historically defend our faith, but it is crucial not to lose the childlike uncomplicated pure certainty in realities we do not see. This is the passion of a true follower. Rather than the drudgery of dutiful obedience, there is unimaginable joy in committing to something much bigger than oneself. In the words of Blaise Pascal, “Make religion attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.” Followers are infectiously passionate about what they believe in.
Challenge
Remember that you were called to follow, even as you lead. Let your thinking, your behavior, and your passion be evidence of a life sold out for Christ our Shepherd.
Wishing you good health – mind, body, and spirit.
In Him,
Heather Clark, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, PY 7620