A Biblical Worldview Of Leadership

The word leadership has taken on a life of its own these days. It can mean a manager, someone with a position of authority, an influencer of some type, a coach, or just a person looking out for others. All of these are true but also quite different in the application. To get to the heart of leadership though, we need to look at the history of it. The etymology of the word dates back to around 825 AD and the root is Anglo-Saxon Old English word is loedan. It refers to journey, or to go someplace and even to take others on the journey. It’s about a movement.

Christianity, much like leadership, at its origins is a movement. It was, by contrast, very different from all of those around them throughout the Roman empire. Caring for the orphans, widows, and the marginalized was done by Christians during the early church years even though it seemed odd to all who observed. They lived a radically different and compelling life that many found intriguing. Similarly, leadership and so many of the principles of leadership so many teach are rooted throughout scripture.

I think we could all agree that things like humility, integrity, taking care of your people, and leading the right direction are all important leadership traits. They were all fairly foreign concepts before the early church. I have said for a long time now and really believe that the words leadership and discipleship are, in many ways, interchangeable. Leaders should be reproducing themselves in others and when they do, they’re creating disciples. I understand that words like disciple and discipleship are usually found in a church context but the truth is, it refers to a mentor/mentee relationship or maybe a student/teacher. It’s always hands on and done together. Sure, it may start with a “you watch while I do” mentality but it should eventually move to a “you do while I support.” That’s why I believe those words are so interchangeable.

I always want to present a challenge to anyone who may read this and today is no different. If you are not really into the church thing or maybe you’ve been wounded by someone in the name of Christianity, I’m sorry. Our calling is to lead in a movement. If you are a Christ follower, be on the journey towards Christ and bring others with you.

Leadership is a movement! Let’s take all we can on the journey!

Photo by Bud Helisson on Unsplash