Leonard Sweet has written some interesting and thought-provoking things in his book I am a Follower – the way, truth, and life of Following Jesus. Sweet proposes that the church has gotten side-tracked by becoming entirely enamored with the concepts and philosophy of leadership – unashamedly borrowing such ideas from the corporate business world. I think that Sweet has made a valid point by saying that many in the church have become enamored with leadership and have drawn most of their conclusions from the business world.
I think that the church ascribing to the mantra, “everything rises and falls on leadership” has been a more recent occurrence. I do think that Sweet has hit on a very unhealthy dependency which many in the church have developed. Biblical Christianity is very counter-cultural. Expediency and tangible results are not the main criteria by which the church is called to evaluate itself nor by which it is to operate. Jesus set the disciple’s world upside down by telling them to stop concerning themselves with who was in charge among them – Jesus is, end of argument (Matt. 23:1-12).
I do not agree with all of the arguments that Sweet sets forth in the book. The N.T. Does discuss leaders and leadership (Luke 22:26; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). I do think that such leadership should be carried out by biblically qualified individuals, who are genuine followers of Christ. This results from a proper ecclesiology – Jesus is the head of the church. Elders are under-shepherds who are to humbly lead by example and through the teaching of sound doctrine (1 Pet. 5:1-5). Paul set forth the same principles in his exhortation of the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-35). This biblical shepherding looks different and flows from different motives that business management theory. On this count I agree wholeheartedly with Sweet.
This book contains some good questions, but as with all things should be ready carefully and cautiously. It has caused me to realize that the Christian model of leadership should flow out of our biblical and systematic theology.
* I received this from Book Sneeze as a blogger review book without obligation of a positive review.
