The first priority of an MC leader is not making disciples. It is being a disciple. If we set out to do something for Jesus without first being with Jesus, we will eventually burn out, grow cynical, or worse, begin shaping people into our own image instead of his.
But when we follow Jesus by grace, grounded in his gospel, and responsive to his Spirit, we are changed. We grow. We are formed. And out of that life with him, he leads us into the work of making disciples. He always takes the lead in that work. Our part is to stay close enough to follow him, rather than trying to do for him what can only be done with him.
Make no mistake, Missio. Leaders in the church of Jesus do not sit safely on top of the pyramid above the community. They lead from the front edge, living the very life they invite others into. They taste the joy, frustration, and wildness of the Spirit-filled life first, and then call others to join them in following Jesus. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be following Jesus. That kind of leadership is life giving. It is humble. It is costly. And it is drawn straight from the gospels.
Questions to Consider
Read the Gospel of Matthew. What do you notice about following Jesus from this telling of his life, death, and resurrection?
Have there been moments when you tried to make disciples out of your own strength rather than an overflow of abiding in Christ? What happened?
In your current season, is there anyone the Spirit may be inviting you to bring into shared formation, community, and mission as you follow Jesus?
Who should you forward this post to so the two of you can talk about it over coffee?