More Thoughts on Leadership

Ah, leadership, the much-abused word of the early 21st century. For too many people, the word "leadership" evokes mental images such as the one on the right.

There is a spiritual gift of leadership, and Paul had leaders appointed in every church that he planted. The question that has been written on here several times before, is: "What does true biblical leadership look like?" (because many people have had bad experiences with unbiblical leadership models in some churches).

I've recently been re-reading George Mallone's Furnace of Renewal: A Vision for the Church, which was a textbook for one of my classes at Bible college many moons ago. In contrasting worldly leadership and servant leadership (a la Matthew 20:25-28), George created the following chart, which I wanted to reproduce here. (Interesting that George wrote this in 1981 -- the issues surrounding true biblical leadership are hardly new.)

Secular Authority "Lords Over" power base gives orders unwilling to fail absolutely necessary drives like a cowboy needs strength to control authoritarian has gold, makes rules seeks advancement expects to be served

Servant Leadership "Servant Among" love/obedience base under orders unafraid to "fail" expendable leads like a shepherd finds strength in submission steward of authority follows golden rule seeks to please Master expects to serve

Anything you'd like to add to either side of this table? Input is always welcome!