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Leaders Led by Jesus Part 2 of 4
By C. Gene Wilkes

In my last article I asked, “What does it mean when we find ourselves leading a group of followers who cease, for example, to be ‘bystanders’ and become ‘activists’ for their own causes rather than for the mission we have called them to complete?” And, “If following is the first steps to leadership among Christ followers, then how do you guide the highly motivated follower to set aside his or her agenda in order to learn to lead by following?”

My first response to my own questions was, “Follow Jesus and see what he did.” The best example for me of a bystander follower becoming an activist for his own cause within the calling of his Leader was Peter. This lead learner displayed many of the traits we look for in leaders, but as a follower he was not an ideal example. Only after patient mentoring by Jesus as he completed the mission of the Messiah did Jesus commission Peter to lead the movement with him.

What was it about Peter that kept him from being a good follower? And, I must ask, how are we and those we lead like him?

There is such a thing as a “productive narcissist” in leadership parlance, and I would venture to assert that Peter was one of these. He was surely a self-confident, goal-oriented, passionate leader. We also observe that after being called to join the Messiah movement of Jesus, he pursued his own goals within the mission of the Messiah. I believe the telltale event of his narcissistic leadership was at his confession that Jesus was the Messiah in Caesarea Philip. (Matthew 16) Jesus clearly embraced his lead follower’s confession, but when the Leader reminded everyone the mission he was to complete as the Sent One—suffering and dying—Peter tried to redirect his leader. “Messiahs don’t die,” Peter said in essence. Peter would become an activist follower to ensure his desired outcome.

Jesus, the Servant Leader who came to complete the mission of the Father, would have nothing of his follower’s effort to re-direct his mission. Jesus disciplined him in a most severe manner, yet continued to mentor him in the ways of the movement. Through a series of experiences that are beyond the scope of this article, Jesus patiently mentored Peter to become the follower-leader of the Jesus movement after his ascension to heaven.

We have many who follow our lead until the leader’s description or direction is different than that of the follower. They are “productive narcissists” recruited to the mission call of God on our lives, but have strong opinions and skills that the follower uses to make sure his or her goals are met while on mission with you. When this happens, we are faced with a similar opportunity Jesus had to mentor Peter into a humble, follower-leader.

How did Jesus mold this follower to become a servant leader in the mission of God?

He identified Peter as a leader early enough in the movement to mentor him into a leadership role. (Matthew 16:17-20) He corrected Peter when he sought to re-direct the mission as the Leader defined it. (Matthew 16:23-28) He warned Peter of his narcissistic leadership and ensuing failure even though Peter ignored the warning. (Matthew 23:31-35) He acknowledged Peter’s failing in the midst of his own pain and sufering. (Luke 22:61) He took time to restore Peter to his appointed leadership role in the mission of God when he had reason to appoint someone else. (John 21)

How does Jesus’ example help us to lead activist followers to stay on mission with us?

Let potential leaders know you will mentor them into leadership positions early enough in the process to influence them. Correct a follower—to the degree that fits the misstep—when he or she seeks to re-define the mission to which you have called them. Warn of narcissistic tendencies that can cause followers to fail as they learn to lead. Acknowledge failures but offer support. Restore those who are willing to become follower-leaders in the mission to which you have called them.

Your Turn

Which of Jesus’ examples ring true with your experience?

How does Jesus’ mentoring of Peter help you lead activist followers who share the mission to which you have called them?

Any questions for the group?


Next week we will explore the power of presence as we become leaders led by Jesus.

Gene,
Thanks for your thoughtful article. Those of us in “established” churches who are leading democratic minded, consumer oriented people find ourselves in this situation on a regular basis.  The more congregational the polity the more this appears to surface.  Jesus taught and I would assume led “with authority.“ But not in an authoritarian way.  Like you acknowledge, Jesus stayed in relationship with Peter, no matter what. Thanks again for the article.

By GDK on January 04 2010

Gene - thanks for the thought stretching article.

Your example of Peter is good. Although I would hazard to guess than no one is “mentoring” leaders using a model anything like the one Jesus did…leave home, practice radical simplicity, be together 24x7.

It is possible to impact and lead leaders if your exposure to them is once a week for 2 hours in a non-dialogue setting?

Small group community might help…but it’s still not anything like the time connection component Jesus invested in his followers.

Thanks again - Reg

By Reg Cox on January 04 2010

I have to agree that Jesus’ example of 24x7 mentoring does not fit most of our ministry models. We can’t change lives with the few touches most of us have with even our leaders each week.

Maybe that is why our expectations of truly impacting the lives of potential leaders must be narrowed in number to no more than 12. This, of course, requires those leading with us must be about the same thing.

I remember Lynn’s axiom that we must raise up leaders like Jesus did: recruit 12, graduate 11, focus on 3.

gene

By Gene on January 05 2010