We Learn to Lead by Learning to Follow

Too many times we who are ambitious to lead agree to whatever it takes to acquire a place of leadership. We naturally pursue places of power, strive to move up the corporate ladder so we can command others and share the perks of position and status. But Jesus' teachings on leadership do not support human efforts and desires. Jesus teaches that we learn to lead by learning to, yes...follow. This is the essence of servant leadership. Servant leaders are nurtured in the Spirit by following Jesus. They are created not in commanding others but in obeying their Commander. In such a mystique, executive arrogance is not possible.



Obeying. Now there's an idea that has lost its place in our post-Christian culture. Yet, obedience is the basis for following Jesus! A root concept for the verb obey in the two biblical languages and Latin is "to listen." Henri Nouwen and his coauthors observed this about Jesus' life:

Obedience, as it is embodied in Jesus Christ, is a total listening, a giving attention with no hesitation or limitation, a being "all ear."...When used by Jesus, the word obedience has no association with fear, but rather is the expression of his most intimate, loving relationship. Jesus' actions and words are the obedient response to this love of his Father.

Obedience begins with listening to--not just hearing--the words of another. Action is the response of obedience. Jesus responded in obedience to his Father because of his love for his Father. Servant leaders respond to God in obedience because of their love for God. For, after listening, you are obedient when you do what you have heard. Right?

Obedience is simply translating what you hear into action. To be a follower first, you must be willing to obey whoever is leading you. So what do successful followers do? They translate what they hear from their leader into actions that serve their mission in life! Obedience is not an act of subservience to a dictator, or even a church leader. It is an act of love and respect. Jesus said he would know how much you and I love him by the way we obey (do) his commandments (John 15:10, 14).

Servant leadership in the Kingdom is not about seeking position and power. It is about following Jesus as he serves others and suffers on their behalf. Servant leaders follow Jesus by doing what he says to do first in whatever context they find themselves. Servant leadership may require drinking the cup and being baptized with the baptism of Christ's suffering (Mark 10:38-39).

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Marcel Schwantes is a professional certified Life Coach, Organizational Trainer and Speaker in the areas of spiritual leadership, communication and relationships. His practice is available to clients world-wide. Visit his website at www.marcelcoaching.com