Pay it Forward

A while ago as Xander and I were praying and chatting about where God is taking us to next as a corps, he led us to look at Deuteronomy 1:9-18 where he talks to Moses about developing leaders. God has shown us that there's increase coming, that as he's leading us into the Promised Land, there will be more for us to do than Xander and I can lead by ourselves. It's time to develop and empower leaders.

We’ve got 4 people on the CPAS Growing Leaders course at the moment, partnering with another church in town We’ve got 2 new cell group leaders, new coffee makers for after the meeting. That means that people who’ve been doing the same old job for years get a chance to be refreshed and try something new.

The more people that get involved leading, the more we can impact we have. Remember that film Pay it Forward. If you haven’t seen it, you should, but make sure you’ve got a big box of tissues for the end. Anyway, it’s like that. One person impacts a few, who in turn impact a few more each, who impact even more. It’s multiplication at work. Much faster than addition.

Paul writes, 'The things you’ve heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.' (2 Timothy 2:2) In essence, follow me as I follow Christ. OR, pay it forward.

What we receive from God we need to pass on to others. They pass it on to others who pass it on to even more. It’s why I love the Army’s model of officers leading soldiers into battle, rather than a pastor who does all the work up front, and herds sheep into pews.

We are called, YOU are called to disciple other people. Wherever you go and whoever you come into contact with to demonstrate what the kingdom of God looks like and to show people what that looks like for them to be part of it.

If people only ever see people that look like me following Jesus, they’ll think following Jesus is just for people like me. I’d hate that. But if they see Dennis, or Joan, or Connie living out love for Jesus with all their hearts, then it’s easier to imagine what it might look for them too.

One of the worst things about Christianity is when people think it means we all have to look and think the same. One of the best things about Christianity is when we get past that barrier and realise that God intended for each of us to be fully ourselves, without ourselves getting in the way. The gospel is spread most effectively when we each bring our wholehearted selves, and all the creativity and diversity that brings, and match that to obedience that comes from being totally in love with Jesus. Isn’t that beautiful?

I love this video for a good example of how you don’t have to be a Type A person to be a leader. The first follower is also a leader.

You are a leader when you’re in a conversation that’s getting gossipy or cynical and you turn it around to encouragement instead.

You’re a leader when you have healthy rhythms in place in your life – other people, your friends and family notice that.

You are a leader when you take responsibility for your emotions and feelings and choices, rather than letting life and other people walk all over you.

You are a leader when you help someone else up, or point them in the right direction, share an encouraging word, even smile.

You’re changing the culture, the atmosphere. You’re bringing about heaven on earth.

It’s about following Jesus. A good leader is a follower. Jesus is the servant king, he’s not about status, not about power. I think that’s the hardest thing to get our heads around. Let’s live like Jesus lived. Check out Philippians 2:1-11 for what that looks like.

Leadership is living like Jesus, then people catch a glimpse of Jesus, and they want to follow Jesus. Bad news if you were thinking this is your opportunity to get a bit more office space, or to be CEO, or a bit more weight in an argument. This kind of leadership is about letting other people go first, about washing feet, about stopping long enough to let your heart get broken, about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off over and over again, looking after yourself, and each other, because that’s no one else’s job.

We’re fighting a war here, but it’s an upside down war. We fight with love, not guns and bomb. We come in peace to bring peace. And we come in humility, without power, but to serve.

Let’s change the world!