What do you think about when you hear that word? CEOs? Generals? Politicians?
One definition of leadership is simply influence. To lead others is to influence them in a particular direction.
And given that definition, we are all leaders. We all influence others.
We lead our coworkers when we spread rumors or refuse to gossip. We lead our kids when we react out of anger or respond with love. We lead our friends when we order one too many or choose to drink responsibly.
Paul, the guy who started many of the first churches, told others to follow him as he followed Jesus. In other words, he said to them, “Hey, I’m a follower of this guy named Jesus. I don’t do everything perfectly all of the time, but take a look at the things I do get right and follow my example.”
Paul was obeying Jesus’ command to make disciples. And disciple is just a fancy term for someone who follows Jesus, someone who says, “I want to follow Jesus’ example of how to live as a person who has peace in every situation, puts others first, and has integrity.”
“Go into all the world and make disciples,” was Jesus’ last command before he left earth, and it’s something we’re all called to, whether we’ve been following Jesus for fifteen minutes or fifteen years.
One good way to do this is to gather a few folks and say, “Let’s pursue Jesus together.” At Eastside, we call that a small group, and we would encourage you to consider leading one. You can visit eastside.com/groups to learn more.