FOLLOW THE LEADERstrategic leadership at crucial times in their nation’s history. The principle
of shared leadership is equally clear in the New Testament. We see it
incarnated in the life of Christ, and demonstrated through the Apostle
Paul. Both were team players. Because they had a “people priority,” they
were oriented toward inclusive partnership rather than exclusive ownership.
They took the time to really involve and incorporate their ministry
partners in their purpose. They seldom traveled alone...walked alone...
ate alone...slept alone...prayed alone...preached along...healed alone –
or went to prison alone! Whenever and wherever possible, they had some
of their ministry partners along with them. Note briefly several quick
examples:
Jesus’ Commissioning of the Twelve: Rather than hold all of His divine
power in His own hands, Jesus shared His authority with His disciples:
“He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them
authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease
and sickness” (Matt. 10:1).Jesus’ Commissioning of the Seventy-Two: Here again we see Christ
widening the scope of His empowerment of others:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and
sent them out two by two ahead of Him to every town
and place where He was about to go. He told them...I have
given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions
and to overcome all the power of the enemy...” (Lk.
10:1,19).Paul’s empowering and encouraging of Timothy:
“I remind you to fan into fl ame the gift of God, which is in you
through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us
a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and
of self-discipline...What you heard from me, keep as
the pattern of sound teaching...Guard the good deposit that
was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy
Spirit Who lives in us...You then, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you
have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
faithful men who will also be qualifi ed to teach others” (II Tim.
1:6-7, 13-14; 2:1-2).