Let’s start with defining leadership in general. True relational leadership (not given because of a position or title) is simply having influence on others toward a goal. It’s nothing more.
Church leadership then, is simply influencing others with the nature or character of Christ in ways that result in them developing more of His nature or character in themselves. It’s also influencing a church to live out its corporate calling of being the Body of Christ and expressing Him in the world.
It has nothing to do with holding a position, but it has to do with expressing His life in some way that serves as an example of Christ-likeness to others.
Through this example, others become inspired and motivated to work toward becoming more like that person in the ways they expressed Christ’s Life.
Christ the Head and Christ the Body are inseparable. From the foundation of the world, God’s purpose has been to express His Son, Christ the Head, through His Body, the Church. Christ’s nature, character, and redemptive work are meant to be manifested and communicated to the world through His followers.
The Head cannot fully be expressed without the active involvement of the Body. It is through the collective actions, love, and witness of believers that the world witnesses the tangible presence of Christ.
Just like with a human body, Christ the Body’s role is to express the will of the Head. This concept is not a metaphor, but a spiritual reality (Ephesians 5:30). Just as a head and a body are one entity, so too is Christ with His Church.
Whenever Christ is being expressed, that is church leadership. That’s why it’s important.
The Church, and every member of it, is entrusted with the mission to make disciples, spread the Gospel, and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s presence in the world.
Now consider this question…”who is this not for?”
Being a leader in a church is not reserved for a select few that occupy positions. Each individual has unique gifts, talents, and experiences that have been purposed in them to accomplish God’s eternal purpose of expressing His Son together with all the members of the Body.
Moreover, the whole biblical story teaches the concept of the “priesthood of all believers,” emphasizing the equality and shared responsibility to fulfill God’s eternal purpose among believers.
Every individual who has faith in Christ has direct access to God and is considered a priest in their own right. This rejects the notion that spiritual authority and ministry are exclusively reserved for a select group of clergy or leaders.
Here’s how it’s put in 1 Peter 2:9…
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
This was written to every member of the church. Each member should be playing a vital role.
By recognizing that being a leader in a church is for everyone, it fosters a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared ownership. It allows individuals to discover and utilize their God-given gifts and talents, promoting a vibrant and dynamic church environment where all members actively participate and contribute to the work of the Kingdom.
Michael Fleming
Mike Fleming is the creator of Finding Healthy Church. Over 20 years ago, he was sparked by the frustration of failing to experience what the biblical story claimed a healthy church was like. He caught a vision and passion for seeing local churches be what they were designed by God to be. He shares what he's learning along the way so the health of local churches around the world are improved. He’s currently working on an eye-opening book that will help better understand what it means for a church to be healthy.