Mended Staffs: Commissioning the Follower

For ages, the phenomenon of leadership has been taught, and demonstrated, as a one-sided model. This model has often glorified leaders, discounted followers, and turned God’s idea of love, and partnership, into an idolatrous system of slavery. We have glorified leaders because of the perceived weight of their positions and their response to the word of the Lord. While it is good that we have sought to understand leadership, we have failed to understand it properly because we are missing the biggest component of leadership – followership. When we place proper honor, respect, and emphasis on the follower, I believe that the space of leadership can be viewed in a more healthy and holistic way.
 
One thing that I have experienced, especially in church, is that when leadership is the topic of conversation, too much emphasis is placed upon the leader and not much emphasis is placed on the followers / members of the collective. The truth of the matter is that both parties, leader and follower alike, are EQUALLY important! Without individuals that follow, a leader is essentially not a leader. Both sides of the equation are needed in order for balance to be present, and purpose to be manifested. When we put as much pressure, emphasis, and honor on the collective, as we do the leader, we will see a greater measure of deliverance enter the realm of leadership and individuals, who have been muzzled, will find and use their voices again.