stating this truth, because He clearly understood that people are basically
followers rather than leaders. Simply put, this social truth means that if
people do not have a good shepherd to follow, they are very vulnerable to the
deceits and deceptions of a false leader. Without a “Good Shepherd” to
follow, people will be led astray by hirelings...false prophets...charlatans...
deceivers...counterfeits...demigods...mega-lomaniacs. In the absence of true
and trustworthy leadership, people will follow:
Religious false prophets
Political false prophets
Educational false prophets
Economic false prophets
Social false prophetsLike the story of the “Pied Piper,” the primary instrument of leadership
may be music – which is easily seen through the youth culture, so
influenced by music and musicians. Or the instrument of leadership
may be sports...entertainment...education...science...politics...economics...or
religion. Almost any ability or position can provide a person the platform
of leadership.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP CRISISJust as there is a leadership vacuum in the other realms of society, many
churches are also experiencing a leadership crisis. Regardless of whether the
institution is sacred or secular, when there are major problems there is
almost always a crisis at the top. That means that many denominations,
mission agencies, para-church organizations, and national churches
are facing leadership crisis at the highest levels. From the pope...to
cardinals...to bishops...to elders...to deacons...to local pastors, many
segments of the people of God are languishing for a lack of godly
visionary leadership. The church does not need:
Better plans - but better leaders!
Not better methods - but better leaders!
Not better programs - but better leaders!
Not better organization - but better leaders!
Not better facilities - but better leaders!
Not better financing - but better leaders!
However, in the midst of this ecclesiastical leadership crisis, the church