Who Are Our Leaders Following?

Cindy · #1 02-23-2011, 11:19 AM

I was thinking last night about who we are suppose to be following. We all know it's Jesus, of course. And yet we have a church government of sorts. Pastor's, preachers, etc. Part of their job is to lead, and we of course to follow. But, sometimes things get out of whack. And I am not being specific for a reason. But it occurred to me that sometimes our leaders forget that they are to be followers also. I am in no way implying it's intentional. But how often do we hear them say, this is my church? Or we have people ask, who's church do you go to? I think we must ask ourselves, who are our leaders following?

Bella1 · #2 02-23-2011, 11:24 AM

Sister Alvear · #3 02-23-2011, 11:28 AM

An important factor we must KNOW HOW we feel about certain things in order to pick a leader...it is always important in each life to have someone we look up to and admire. It is important to have someone to give us advice but not abuse us if we feel different.

Cindy · #4 02-23-2011, 11:33 AM

I agree, Sister Alvear. But, I think we are obligated to know if our leaders are following Jesus. I am not suggesting anyone leave a church or not follow their pastor.

rgcraig · #5 02-23-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy

I agree, Sister Alvear. But, I think we are obligated to know if our leaders are following Jesus. I am not suggesting anyone leave a church or not follow their pastor.

We should be able to tell by their example. If they have an elitist attitude or it's all about them, more than likely, they aren't humbling kneeling at the feet of Jesus for direction.

Socialite · #6 02-23-2011, 11:58 AM

Where did my post go?

Ah well... in summary:

This is a good observation. Aside from many pastor's believing they are direct mediators to God on behalf of you.. the reality is that there is a hierarchical authority pyramid, instead of a picture of mutual submission. The pastor being accountable to other elders, elders collectively leading... but not mediating

Sister Alvear · #7 02-23-2011, 12:04 PM

Yes...and we need some common sense...not to follow anything someone dreams up for a followering...beware when leaders get revelations their church is the only one....

noeticknight · #8 02-23-2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy

I think we must ask ourselves, who are our leaders following?

This is why I now lean toward the notion of a centrifugal Christian government, if ever one existed.

OneAccord · #9 02-23-2011, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy

I was thinking last night about who we are suppose to be following. We all know it's Jesus, of course. And yet we have a church government of sorts. Pastor's, preachers, etc. Part of their job is to lead, and we of course to follow. But, sometimes things get out of whack. And I am not being specific for a reason. But it occurred to me that sometimes our leaders forget that they are to be followers also. I am in no way implying it's intentional. But how often do we hear them say, this is my church? Or we have people ask, who's church do you go to? I think we must ask ourselves, who are our leaders following?

You preach it, girl. When a leader loses sight of the One He is suppose to follow, he no longer fit to lead. They become blind leaders. The first mark of a great teacher is that they remain teachable.

I was sitting in a church a few weeks ago that is affliated with a "certain" Oneness group. There were maybe 15 people in a building the seats about 150. And I thought about the leaders of this group, pastoring their big churches. And I got to thinking (as I do on occasion).... if this group really cared about the local churches, why aren't the leaders sent out to pastor some of these small churches- to help them get on solid footing. Don't want to name names or identify the group- but wouldn't it be something to see these leaders leave their ivory towers for a year or so to pastor a small wood framed church in some backwater town? I think I would vote that the "Higher ups", at some point of their term, would be assigned to some struggling church somewhere. What a boost it would be to that church... and what a humbling experience for the leader. I think it would remind him that he is a follower first, then a leader.

Again, Sis Cindy, good post.