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Dear St. Lukers,
Over the last few weeks in worship, we’ve been exploring what it means to be Change Makers, people who “live the rhythm” of learning, living, loving, and leading in ways that make a difference. But if the word leadership feels intimidating to you, you’re not alone. Many assume leadership is reserved for people with certain titles, skills, or personalities.
Chances are, somewhere in your journey - either as a professional or as you have explored the self-help section of a bookstore - you’ve encountered article after article or book after book about what “leadership” is, and how you can be the best “leader.” Adaptive leadership, servant leadership, charismatic leadership: the list goes on, with model after model emerging, each writer having discovered something new that will unlock the keys to your potential.
But before those “new” models, leadership was thought of much differently: it wasn’t about seeing and developing the potential in every person but discerning who among us was actually designed for leadership. A prominent concept was known as the “Great Man” theory – that among us there were leaders, born with the right traits to lead. The quest for leaders was about finding the man (and of course, it was always a man) destined for greatness. There was even a belief that there was a particular bone structure, ear size, or facial features that could tell you if someone was a leader. You’re either born a leader or you’re not. You either have the traits or you don’t. And if you don’t … well, it’s simply your job to follow the people who do – the “Great Men.”
As Jesus-followers, we see leadership differently...
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