I’ve heard it a lot.
You’ve probably heard it to:
- “If you think you’re a leader, turn around. If no one is following you, you’re not a leader, you’re just out for a walk.”
Yes. I guess that’s true.
While I appreciate the good intention behind that sentiment, I think it falls short of hitting its intended mark. Here’s what I mean:
Leadership is knowing THAT people are following you.
Discipleship is knowing WHO is following you.
And I think one might be more important than the other.
We are called to be knowable – not well-known.
Think about the people you lead – your flock – the kids who show up every Wednesday night or Sunday morning. Every one of them wants to be loved before they want to be led.
Previous models of leader development and ministry training sought to answer one question: “Are you competent enough to LEAD me?” So we became better leaders. We attended leadership conferences. We devoured leadership books. We posted articles about how to get better.
But I wonder if it’s worked.
I think a generation of christians are starting to ask a different question, “Are you vulnerable enough to KNOW me and be known BY me?” Truly knowing someone means to be in their kitchen, see what color their dishes are, how they setup their living room, and where their favorite chair is. It’s inviting people into our unkept lives, past the branded self, behind the mediated filter, and just be there.
Here’s how this relates to Kids Ministry: Kids identify with people – not programs. That means that you’re not “Director of Children’s Ministry Rachel.” You’re Rachel.
You’re not Children’s Pastor Steve – you’re Steve.
You may have the title “Children’s Ministry Director…” but let me encourage you: Don’t let your spiritual gifts be reduced to an email signature. Learn to see yourself through the lens of those you are living to serve.
You’re not just a leader.
You’re a disciple-maker.
