I want to go just a bit further with the discussion about what constitutes leadership and leadership training in the church. What if instead of public speaking skills, the church emphasized athleticism? To be considered a leader, you would have to be fast and strong and agile. And a whole different group of people would be frustrated at what was expected of them at church. “Anyone can develop themselves athletically” would be the mantra; yet most church members could never hope to compete with the talented among us.

I’m one of those who thrives on getting up in front of people. I love it. It comes easily for me. That doesn’t make me any more spiritual than anyone else. And it doesn’t make me more of a Christian leader, despite what our terminology often says.

Leadership is about service. Leadership is about edifying the body. Leadership is about helping others carry out their ministries.

Until we grasp that, we’ll stay building-focused, assembly-focused, and Sunday-focused.