Is "leadership" biblical?

[James Nored]

Here is a thought provoking article on leadership by David Fitch entitled, Is "Leadership" Biblical? Read Fitch's article, and then come back here and give your thoughts on his thoughts.

 

What do you think of Fitch's thoughts on leadership?

[Jason Whaley]

I really enjoyed the article and am glad you reminded me to read Fitch's blog. 

 

The other day a young man asked me how my wife was doing in her submission to my (male) spiritual leadership. I felt confused by his question probably for similar reasons as what the blog post was discussing, but all I could think at the time was, "Well, it seems like my primary responsibility is to be a servant and that's hard enough to for me to do without worrying about whether Nicole is being a servant." 

 

I like the idea of Christ being the one and only "leader." On the other hand, what do we do with the titles mentioned in the Bible like bishop, pastor, evangelist, deacon, elder, etc.? In the same way Peter got the title right ("You are the Christ!"), he had the wrong function for what the Christ was supposed to do or not supposed to do ("You aren't going to Jerusalem, Jesus!"). I suspect we're the same way. Perhaps I can redefine the term "leader" by being obsessed with serving graciously. I suppose I can also learn to receive service, to be the recipient of service. 

[Bill Bowman]

This article reflects much what the Lord expects of those who are selected as special people who are obliged to perform certain acts for the benefit of the church.  I read many of the qualifications of elder have to do with how he interfaces with other people, including his family.  He must have a feeling of responsibility to

help the atmosphere of the flock to be such that all can grow spiritually and at the same time he be a role

model of Christ.

[Ann Dunagan]

Interesting article and thoughts. A few years, I was spending writing down my life mission statement, and I  summarized it with the acronym, "To bring forth LIFE -- motivating for Leadership, International Vision, Family Mission, and Educational Purpose." However, as I began to think, more and more about that word "leadership," I began to wonder if that word (as typically defined) was really what God wants.

I kept thinking about being a servant. about Jesus washing feet. about Jesus coming in such an upside-down, totally-opposite, unpretentious, sacrificial, and loving way. It's not the way any of us, or any human visionary would have imagined. But it was God's way. Come as a child. Put others first. Do what God wants. Yet He also said, "Take up your cross, AND FOLLOW ME." He asked His disciples to lay down their nets, "AND FOLLOW ME." And as Paul said, "PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)" (I Cor. 11:1 AMP).

God's ways are not man's ways. May we FOLLOW CHRIST, and as others are influenced by the Holy Spirit's drawing, working through our service and example, may others FOLLOW HIM too.

[James Nored]

Jason, I too would have been puzzled by this question. First, the passage in Ephesians on submission says literally, "wives, submit yourselves to your husband." It is the middle voice--something that the wive must choose to do. It cannot be forced. Second, the instructions to the husband in this passage are for him to love his wive. It does not say, husbands check up on how your wives are doing with submission. Third, Eph. 5:21 says, "submit yourselves to each other." There is a mutual submission between all of God's people. This is something that is often forgotten, especially by those who want to lord themselves over others.

Jason Whaley said:

I really enjoyed the article and am glad you reminded me to read Fitch's blog. 

 

The other day a young man asked me how my wife was doing in her submission to my (male) spiritual leadership. I felt confused by his question probably for similar reasons as what the blog post was discussing, but all I could think at the time was, "Well, it seems like my primary responsibility is to be a servant and that's hard enough to for me to do without worrying about whether Nicole is being a servant." 

 

I like the idea of Christ being the one and only "leader." On the other hand, what do we do with the titles mentioned in the Bible like bishop, pastor, evangelist, deacon, elder, etc.? In the same way Peter got the title right ("You are the Christ!"), he had the wrong function for what the Christ was supposed to do or not supposed to do ("You aren't going to Jerusalem, Jesus!"). I suspect we're the same way. Perhaps I can redefine the term "leader" by being obsessed with serving graciously. I suppose I can also learn to receive service, to be the recipient of service. 

[Lynn S. Nored]

James Nored said:

Jason, I too would have been puzzled by this question. First, the passage in Ephesians on submission says literally, "wives, submit yourselves to your husband." It is the middle voice--something that the wive must choose to do. It cannot be forced. Second, the instructions to the husband in this passage are for him to love his wive. It does not say, husbands check up on how your wives are doing with submission. Third, Eph. 5:21 says, "submit yourselves to each other." There is a mutual submission between all of God's people. This is something that is often forgotten, especially by those who want to lord themselves over others.

Jason Whaley said:

I really enjoyed the article and am glad you reminded me to read Fitch's blog. 

 

The other day a young man asked me how my wife was doing in her submission to my (male) spiritual leadership. I felt confused by his question probably for similar reasons as what the blog post was discussing, but all I could think at the time was, "Well, it seems like my primary responsibility is to be a servant and that's hard enough to for me to do without worrying about whether Nicole is being a servant." 

 

I like the idea of Christ being the one and only "leader." On the other hand, what do we do with the titles mentioned in the Bible like bishop, pastor, evangelist, deacon, elder, etc.? In the same way Peter got the title right ("You are the Christ!"), he had the wrong function for what the Christ was supposed to do or not supposed to do ("You aren't going to Jerusalem, Jesus!"). I suspect we're the same way. Perhaps I can redefine the term "leader" by being obsessed with serving graciously. I suppose I can also learn to receive service, to be the recipient of service. 

[Lynn S. Nored]

Lynn S. Nored said:

Please see by blog posting at http://www.missionaloutreachnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/what-is-bibl...

James Nored said:

Jason, I too would have been puzzled by this question. First, the passage in Ephesians on submission says literally, "wives, submit yourselves to your husband." It is the middle voice--something that the wive must choose to do. It cannot be forced. Second, the instructions to the husband in this passage are for him to love his wive. It does not say, husbands check up on how your wives are doing with submission. Third, Eph. 5:21 says, "submit yourselves to each other." There is a mutual submission between all of God's people. This is something that is often forgotten, especially by those who want to lord themselves over others.

 Jason Whaley said:

I really enjoyed the article and am glad you reminded me to read Fitch's blog. 

 

The other day a young man asked me how my wife was doing in her submission to my (male) spiritual leadership. I felt confused by his question probably for similar reasons as what the blog post was discussing, but all I could think at the time was, "Well, it seems like my primary responsibility is to be a servant and that's hard enough to for me to do without worrying about whether Nicole is being a servant." 

 

I like the idea of Christ being the one and only "leader." On the other hand, what do we do with the titles mentioned in the Bible like bishop, pastor, evangelist, deacon, elder, etc.? In the same way Peter got the title right ("You are the Christ!"), he had the wrong function for what the Christ was supposed to do or not supposed to do ("You aren't going to Jerusalem, Jesus!"). I suspect we're the same way. Perhaps I can redefine the term "leader" by being obsessed with serving graciously. I suppose I can also learn to receive service, to be the recipient of service.