Leading and following

[RonJulian]

In my role as team leader of our missionary team, I have been challenged by different leaders in the church with which we collaborate to enter more directly into resolving issues facing the national church. I have many thoughts, questions, theories on what this should like, and why or why not to do this. After reading today's reading, I am asking what it would look like to lead from behind for a while, to drive those I am working with in the church leadership.

I am not sure what this would look like in my role - structurally I have no authority in the church. Any authority I have is invited authority and authority that Jesus gives to me as a brother in Christ.

But I do need perspective on why the church is facing its current leadership issues. Being behind those I work with may give me the opportunity to push in the right direction.

I am looking for wisdom in what this means for me.

I was also challenged by the statement, "We need to know what it feels like to follow before we can lead others well" (p. 198). I want to be a good follower of my shepherd, Jesus Christ. I also want to be a good follower of those over me in my organization.