In the church family, every follower of Jesus is a member, every member is a minister and every minister is a leader.
For me, leadership is not a job description, it is a character trait. However, the problem with my definition of functional leadership is that it cuts across the grain of conventional-wisdom and practice in our churches. We all know the old idiom, “too many chefs in the kitchen spoil the pot.” Or some may be familiar with the less politically correct adage, “too many chiefs and not enough Indians.” But does this sentiment really apply to the church? I would guess that most people think it does. A reader on my blog, More Than Cake, when confronted with my definition, wrote me and said,
“Joe, I agree that every believer in a member and minister, but everyone a leader? Sure, every believer could become a leader – but You seem to be miss-using the term “leader.” By its simplest meaning – in a group, the leader is the ONE person who is leading – out in front with both the authority and responsibility of decision. The others are “followers.” Without this distinction, then no one is really the leader and the group goes nowhere. see ‘committee’.”
Unfortunately in our Western culture, we prefer to think of leadership as referring to the “one person” making decisions, calling the shots and telling others what to do. I think, however, Jesus saw leadership as something deeper. Biblical leaders serve, sacrifice, and lead by example rather than force. In a healthy church, there is not “one leader,” but a fellowship of many leaders.