The Joy and Grief of Leadership

THE JOY AND GRIEF OF LEADERSHIP
Hebrews 13:17
By Dr. Cleavon Matthews Sr.
November 15, 2009
INTRODUCTION
Leading and following are eternally etched into the fabric of human relationships. In countless ways, we are participants in this interconnected dynamic. No group or organization of people can survive without the successful dynamic of leaders and followers.
Leadership is all around us. It is germane to the corporate environment as well as governmental institutions. Leadership exists in both homes and huddles. This dynamic interchange of leaders and followers is in both the larger society and smaller social groups. Leadership occurs everywhere.
A lot of time, attention, and research have been devoted to helping men and women to become better leaders. Leadership has become a science and specialty amassing an unlimited number of references, resources, academic degrees, training, and conferences.
While this emphasis on leadership is essential, it is only one side of the equation. There is no leadership when there are no followers. Like leaders, followers need to be taught, trained, encouraged, and empowered to follow.
We should not falsely assume that we know how to follow. Jesus spent His entire public ministry trying to recruit and sustain followers or disciples. The Lord was calling people to deny themselves, pick up their cross, and follow Him. Ultimately, His followers, would become leaders but not before they had proven their willingness and ability to follow Him!
Following is a part of life! You are not fit to lead if you are not willing to follow!
Students follow teachers
Teachers follow principals
Principals follow boards
Athletes follow coaches
Coaches follow general managers
Privates follow sergeants
Sergeants follow lieutenants
Lieutenants follow captains
Nurses follow doctors
Doctors follow administrations
Board Members follow Chairmen
Wives follow husbands
Children follow parents
Younger siblings follow older siblings
Actors follow directors
Passengers follow pilots
Managers follow executives
Technicians follow managers
Members follow ministers and shepherds
Ministry members follow ministry leaders
Choral members follow choral directors
Everybody follows Christ

Unfortunately, our culture has grown increasingly averse to following. The position of follower is perceived as inferior and inglorious. The role of follower has been stigmatized as insignificant and has become undesirable. This is ironic because all of us are followers of someone or something. Our aversion to following is connected to an over emphasis of the individual and a de-emphasis on the whole. We have forgotten that there is on “I” in team! When the Yankees win the World Series, everyone on the team gets a ring and shares in the history.

Leading and following in the church of our Lord is more important than leading and following in any other organization.

When people don’t lead and follow in the schools, students are not educated.
When people don’t lead and follow in the church, spirits are not fed the eternal word.
When people don’t lead and follow in the hospital, lives are lost.
When people don’t lead and follow in the church, souls are lost.
When people don’t lead and follow in the workplace, jobs are lost.
When people don’t lead and follow