Ask anyone what they think “leadership” is and you will likely get a different answer from almost everyone.
You will likely receive the John Maxwell definition most often:
“Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less”
Especially from young Christians. Or you will receive some variation of the following:
“The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers”, Peter Drucker.
“The process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”, Wikipedia.
The art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal”, About.com
Dictionary’s are absolutely no help at all. Websters says “the office or position of a leader”. Very insightful.
Robert Fergusson, my favorite Bible College lecturer gave this definition:
True leadership is a God given quality that enables certain individuals to be set over and direct others positively toward both personal development and a common purpose. Either through short term impact or long term investment.
Not that I have a specific beef with any of these definitions. I like the Wikipedia and About.com definitions the least and Robert Fergussons best.
However I would like to offer a greatly distilled definition. A definition descriptive of Jesus leadership and the definition we should use in the body of Christ.
Biblical leadership is:
“Laying down your life for those entrusted to you”
I will expound on my definition later but again I would like to hear what you think first.
Gary,
I think the disciples were ready for Jesus to lead with an iron fist and overthrow the Romans. Instead they got a leader who washed their feet and freely gave to all peoples. I like to say that Jesus lead with a towel instead of a sword. Just a thought.