Emerging Leaders

I've had opportunity recently to dialogue with some young, passionate, on-fire individuals. I'm inspired by their energy and conviction and a little disquieted by their fervor. As they express their desire to see things change, they use descriptives like radical, unyielding, totally sold-out, and revolutionary. Great concepts ... might be a bit tough to be on the receiving end. In a recent discussion with my young friend I shared my sense that in biblical narratives as well as most non-western cultures, there is a prominent place for elders. There is a recognition that there is great benefit and necessity for input from those who have experience, wisdom, and knowledge. So I asked, "In your context, is there a place for the elders of our faith, our church, our denomination?" He had to think about that, and frankly, so do I.

It seems that much of the blame for the current state of the church is being rightly laid at the feet of the elders, and as a result their input is not only unwanted, it viewed as counter-productive. I see great similarities between the current revolution and the revolution of the 1960's. The view then was that the establishment was bad - it was what brought us to the place where we were - a bad place. The revolution called for something new, fresh, and alive that wasn't constrained by old forms and 'tradition.' And so the conflict began: old vs new, traditional vs contemporary, young vs old, my way vs your way. Sound familiar?

In some circles, this cyclical turmoil is seen as normal, but in our Christian context, can we or should we say the same thing? Is there room in the church for all parts of the body? How can we be inclusive rather than exclusive? How can we take the best that each one of us has to offer and use it for the Glory of God?

When we look at the leadership style of Jesus, we see a man who enlisted and used a very diverse group of people in His cause. What is it that prevents us from understanding this lesson? Are we any different than the people Jesus led? Perhaps its less about the followers, and more about the leader(s).