James Ensor's painting was used by James O'Toole for the cover of his book "Leading Change". O'Toole points out that leadership dynamics have changed. His study is around leadership as it pertains to business. However, I found the content had much to say to those involved in ministry. O'Toole states there are three forms of leadership approaches as it relates to change. 1. Change Because I Told You, "I'm the Boss" 2. Change Through Manipulation, what would be known as the "Machiavellian approach"  and finally 3. Change It Is For Your Own Good best understood as a "paternalistic approach". O'Toole's use of Ensor's painting was to pose the question, 'In the great diversity of life as depicted in the painting how does Jesus change such a world to embrace the the action "to love your neighbour"?'

Jesus is the great study for change. His life speaks volumes of how one would seek to bring about radical change. James O'Toole makes this statement about change and leadership, "Moral and effective leadership listen to their followers becasue they respect them and because they honestly believe that the welfare of followers is the end of leadership (and not that followers are the means to the leader's goals)." Hmmm, now there is a slant one does not often hear.

So some of you may be saying 'well I can agree with that but what does that have to with me, I'm not a leader, I'm in no elected role'. It strikes me that as persons who follow Christ who believe the Good News, this statement is important. The implications are huge. What does it mean 'to make disciples' and to whom is the instruction given? Is it only for a select gifted few or is the mandate for every person who professes to know and follow Jesus Christ?

I would suggest the mandate involves all who have chosen to follow Christ. When we review the present crisis of the Christian church I would suggest part of our challenges stem from operating on the assumption that the world is best changed by the employment of the gifts of the 'gifted few'. Really such an approach flies in the face of how Christ set about bringing change. He chose a few. He poured his life into a few. Few of them were of the academic elite.

So how does another person begin to either to discover or rethink the value or the possiblilities of 'loving God' and 'love your neighbour?' I would suggest this happens when the common ordinary follower of Christ takes up their responsibility and loves that person as their neighbour. In such an approach the person experiences begins to experience the love of Christ. The ordinary Christian then becomes the leader who leads another into a deeper understanding and experience of what it means to be loved by God through Jesus Christ. So where is Jesus in your parade of life? Does the diverse crowd you come in contact with know His love and presence through you? When did one of them experience Christ listening to them and expressing His love and care through you? 

Let me know what you think.

wesm@southsidecommunitychurch.com