Are you a leader? Some people say leaders are born, not made. Others spend their entire career training non-leaders to become leaders and promise dynamic results. Leadership matters. We’ve all been in situations where unqualified leaders create chaos, confusion and abuse. Throughout the Scriptures we see God raising up leaders. We also see the power of leadership influence entire nations both for good and for bad. When the People of God in Israel had a good king, the Nation prospered and served God. But when there was a bad king the people rebelled against God and suffered the consequences. Churches need good leaders. That’s why we have pastors, elders and deacons. Leaders keep us aligned with the Word of God, out of harm’s way, moving with clear direction and united behind common goals. They make sure the bills are paid and that no one gets left behind.
Even if you are not a leader you are an influencer. What is the difference between leadership and influence? The only difference is intention. The clothes you wear, the food you eat and the car you drive all have an influence on those around you. There is a reason things are trendy. As much as you might hate to admit it, you are a product of your environment. Why don’t you dress like the people Jesus ministered to in the first century? You have the means to dress like them but not the desire. This is simply because of the influences in your life. You see other people and make choices based on these inputs. This is a simple way to say, you are being influenced and it is informing your decisions. In his book, “The Tipping Point,” Malcom Gladwell makes the point that early adopters are always trying new things and every once in a while they will gain enough traction that they “tip.” This is the phenomenon that describes when something “goes viral” or “becomes mainstream.” When you choose what you will eat, what color your car will be or where to go on vacation you are leaving a small imprint on the world around you. People see what you do. Vendors make note of what you want. This is like a pebble landing in a pond. It creates a ripple effect. We all influence others daily. Leaders recognize this and leverage it. When you choose to influence others in a particular direction, you become a leader.
As Christians, we have been called by God to “lead” people to Him. Are you using your influence to lead people to Christ? Are you allowing your influence to pull people away from Him? The Church needs leaders. The Church needs you. It needs the version of you that is on mission; that knows where you are going and has determined to marshal your resources and lead others in your wake. You could bear the name of Christ and never lead anyone to Him or you can influence others in a way that encourages them to find everlasting peace. Are you a leader? Are you leading people to Jesus?
“Trinity International Church is a safe, welcoming, community of Christ-followers who uphold a high view of Scripture, celebrate unity in diversity and participate fully in the abiding Christian life as described in the Bible. We are united by the principle that in the essentials there should be unity, in all else there should be charity.”
Pastor Dan
