Voice of the Day: Hawkins on Christian Leadership
In the absence of Jesus’ physical leadership, a new power to lead emerges among the disciples. Like the disciples, we honor Jesus’ absence when, as Christian communities, we do not look for a single leader to ride into town on a white horse and save us. We honor Jesus’ absence when we do not "look up" to a single human leader on whom we can depend for everything. We honor Jesus’ absence when we discover the Spirit of Jesus the Servant animating us as a Christian community of faith.
- Thomas R. Hawkins
Faithful Leadership
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Comments
But Obama said he'd create the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Oprah said he's "The One". We need to look to him to save us. He has promises Unity and gives us Hope! Once he's elected all problems will fade away.
Posted by: Obamania | February 26, 2008 3:25 PM
I'm not sure I understand Hawkins' point. What exactly does it mean to "honor Jesus' absence?" And the early church in the book of Acts didn't exactly go leaderless. Peter and the other apostles clearly exercised leadership over the young Christian community.
Maybe I'd understand this better if I saw the quote in context.
Posted by: mhl | February 26, 2008 7:34 PM
It isn't that some people don't exhibit influence and leadership, but a church - nor The Church - cannot have an individual leader.
This concept flies in the face of the pastor/CEO model of church leadership.
If the Church is the body of Christ, there can only be one head, and that is Christ, not some wonderful pastor.
www.ramblingsofpassion.wordpress.com
Posted by: Adam Lehman | February 26, 2008 9:12 PM
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