Born to lead?

Today I had the first set of lectures in the term at CML. We are doing the Leadership module.

The lecturer started with introducing the different styles of leadership that are prevailent in the world today and how each of them differ, we did a lot of questionaire tests to work out our own style and generally to assess where we are. But the most interesting and perhaps challenging part of today was when he said "Everyone is born with the ability to lead" - I am not sure that I agree.

As Christians we are constantly told about discerning what gifts God has for you. I remember being told over the years that not everyone is supposed to do everything. Some people don't play any instruments or have the ability to sing, so the chances are God is not going to call them to be worship leaders. Some people really don't do well with reading aloud and in front of people, so chances are God is not going to choose them to do Bible readings at cell/life groups or at church. But then this phrase comes in that we are all called to lead? Some people, I am afraid, are not born leaders. They don't inspire or motivate people, their gifts are not in time management or planning. Some people just lack charisma that is needed for leadership. It is not a bad thing, their gifts, no doubt, lay elsewhere but I just don't think it is healthy to suggest that everyone can be taught to lead because it is already within them somewhere.

The lecturer was also talking about influence and Christians infiltrating society in order to evengelise in a way that was not shouting from street corners with a megaphone and I full agree that Christians are called to influence people with their chosen way to live. The morals that go against the accepted secular norm in favour of a different way of life. I fully agree that influence is PART of leadership.

For example, if I were to buy a homeless person a cup of coffee because I felt that I should and that example caused a passerby to reconsider their stance on charity, that is influence. I don't think it is leadership. Leadership comes with a more hands on approach over a longer period of time. You have to be there to walk with people as they progress, you have to motivate and encourage in times that are difficult, you have to reward their success and share in their joy of achievement. This is a process that is on-going and could last for years (or until the end of a project)

I also agree that different leaders and different styles of leadership are needed for various times and varying socities and such like but I still don't think that everyone has the ability to be a leader.

Ultimately, it is in the hands of God. My personal faith would have me believe that God would never call you to do something that you are not capable of. Maybe there is a dormant and underlying seed of leadership within everyone he created that is awoken at the right point, for the right purpose and then is done. I don't know.

Just thought I would share my thoughts.

God Bless