Guest: Scott Williams
A Leader vs. The Leader
Pronunciation: “A Leader” Uh-Leader and “The Leader” Thuh Leader
Just because you are “A Leader” doesn’t necessarily mean that you are “The Leader.”
Just because you are “A Leader” who leads a church of 500 people; doesn’t mean that you are “The Leader” to take that church to over a thousand people.
Just because you are “A Leader” that has a position, a title and an office; doesn’t mean that you are “The Leader” that people believe in, respect and are excited to follow.
Just because you are “A Leader” that people look up to today; doesn’t mean that you are going to be “The Leader” that people look up to tomorrow.
Just because you are “A Leader” on this team; doesn’t meant that you are going to be “The Leader” on that team.
Just because you are “The Leader” to this particular group or faction; doesn’t mean you will be “The Leader” to that group or faction.
If you are “A Leader” and think that you are “The Leader” that can be a problem; know your place and respect your space.
Although both are important, there is definitely a difference between being “A Leader” and “The Leader”
Remember, just because you are “A Leader” doesn’t mean that you will necessarily ever be “The Leader”
If you are “A Leader” who’s determined to be “The Leader” figure it out; Go Lead… Transcend The Isms’
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences?
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Thanks for a very good and very wise post Scott. It was/is hard for me at times to admit that I am not the leader I either think I am or want to be. It is hard but important to admit that there are, at times, others who are more qualified or more experienced to lead in a certain direction. Stepping aside is a huge ordeal. It takes humility and I think we all know what a struggle that is (least for me). But as I reread your post I see the word humility keep cropping up. Thanks again for the post.
oooo…I LOVE this POST! Just because you may never be THE leader that does not mean that your role is not important in God’s eyes right where you are. Each person matters and anyone can impact others lives… but when we start to focus on being THE leader and HOW to eventually grasp that title…everything gets warped. People need to embrace WHERE God has them, kick the title to the curb and humbly serve his people.
Kind of reminds me of this…
Matthew 20
and this…
Jesus was trying to tell us that “titles” don’t matter… don’t seek them, use them, or care about them, but serve one another.. in love…
There is only one body, one Lord (or leader), one faith, etc…
We are His body…
I especially like when Jesus said, “the greatest among you will be your superior in every way, stronger, smarter, a better communicator, the most wealthy, the coolest, and the most handsome”…
Oh wait He said… servant… wow now that’s a different kind of perspective, and system of values… ;)
Good stuff. All of this “uh and thuh” stuff gave me a “duh” moment. This is the simple stuff that many of us just need to be reminded of. Most of us can name a couple of “A Leaders” we’ve known. However, the toughest but most important thing to take away from here is to recognize if that “A Leader” is yourself. I bet there’s a ton of each group reading, and both will think they are “The Leaders”.
@bill- That word humility is a good one to keep popping up!
@Jenn- Anyone can impact the lives of others.
@Avery- I always appreciate your perspective… “A Leader and The Leader” can both be servants!
@JC Riley- Many times “The Leader” doesn’t even acknowledge themselves as such… it just is the way it is!
Yes sir, indeed… and should be… in fact the greatest are, the lesser are those who choose not to be servants!
Great post - it’s always important to also recognize the difference between positional influence that can from being “a leader” and relational influence that comes from being “the leader.” And you don’t have to be the guy sitting in the big chair to have relational leadership influence.
[...] I know its old but what Scott Williams said here as a guest blogger for Life Church.tv hits the nail on the [...]