We all know the limitation to this statement. We are quick to say this describes those who do not practice what they preach. It describes the hypocrite, the sloth, the uncaring.
I agree, to a degree.
However, while there is much value and wisdom in modeling and following one’s example, there is another side to this statement. If missed, leaders can miss out on equipping, empowering, and releasing people for gospel advancement.
The wise Kingdom teacher knows that those who can’t do, teach. No one is omni-experienced. And it is not the reality of the Ephesians 4:11-12 leader.
The agency leader calls people to go and serve this or that unreached people, a people he has never lived among, served among, or even met. The academic tells others to write this or that paper, having never written it herself. Developing leaders means it is wise to do as one says, not as one does. To follow the misguided belief of “do as I do” means cloning not contextualization, and definitely not the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 2 Timothy 2:2.
As a leader you must model and set an example, but you must also have the courage to communicate to others to follow your example to a point and then take that next step. If you are equipping them with the skills to know how to live, think, make disciples, and plant churches, then that next step will be an easy one for them to take.
———-
Check out last week’s episode of Strike the Match! I shared about my forthcoming book To the Edge: Reflections on Kingdom Leadership, Mission, and Innovation. This week’s episode has Jon Hirst as my guest discussing GMI. Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS