The title of this blog originates from a quote from John Maxwell’s book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You. I must be honest, I’ve never read the book, but the concept of everything rising and falling on leadership seems to be misguided or at least unclear. It’s almost as though the book title itself says that if you follow these 21 “laws,” people will follow you. The biggest problem with Maxwell’s statement is what does he mean by everything. I’ve asked those who have read the book, and they are not sure either (let me know if you do).My fear with the statement is that we as leaders put too much stock in our role. I’m reminded of the words Paul tells the Corinthian church (2:1-5)—Paul did not come because he was this prolific leader to which everything is subject, but he came in fear and trembling to the Corinthians and “decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (ESV). Likewise, Paul notes that he did not come with plausible words of men, but with a “demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God.” This passage seems to indicate that at least in Paul’s case, the Corinthians faith needed to be in God, and not in the “wisdom of men.” The onus seems to be on the leader’s proclamation of Jesus Christ in brokenness and humility, empowered by the Spirit. If that is what Maxwell means by leadership, then I’m with him.
John Maxwell’s often used quote “everything rises and falls on leadership” has powerful truth.
ReplyDeleteThe strength is that it calls leaders to take responsibility. It is easy to go into a church ministry position and end up belly-aching about problems of the church. However, Maxwell has centered the solution to the church’s problems on the leadership. In the “law of the lid” he writes that you cannot expect people within a church or organization to rise beyond the level of their leaders. This puts the onus on us. We should not sit around making excuses, but bring about the changes necessary to restore health and growth to a church.
What Maxwell means by “everything” can be understood when you realize his key word for leadership is “influence.” What moves people to do anything if they are not influenced by someone? Saul turned from persecuting the Jews to leading the evangelistic efforts of the early church because of his encounter with the ultimate leader Jesus Christ. Paul’s new motivation was to be influencer of people for the cause of Jesus Christ. He performed this task well, bringing many to the Kingdom. What do you mean by “brokenness and humility?” Is that assumed to be in conflict with Maxwell’s statement?