The Divine Pattern: Embracing Followership in Christ

In the rhythm of life, there’s a profound pattern woven into the fabric of our existence—a pattern that reflects not just our actions, but the heart and spirit driving them. This pattern is one of followership, a concept deeply embedded in the essence of Christianity. To be a follower of Christ isn’t merely about adhering to rules; it’s about embodying a way of life that transforms every aspect of our being, especially our hands, hearts, and heads. Imagine a life so captivated by a mission that it changes the core of who you are. This is the life of a true Christian, whose existence is radically altered by the gospel, the power of God unto salvation.

The gospel isn't just a historical account; it's a dynamic force, actively reshaping us from the inside out, rendering self-help strategies and temporary fixes insufficient. The centrality of Jesus in our lives empowers us to overcome the habits and behaviors that tether us to our old selves. But what does it truly mean to follow Christ? It means embracing a life of imitation, where every step we take is a step closer to the example set by Jesus. This journey of imitation is not about losing our identity but finding our true selves in the reflection of Christ. In the early church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, we see a vibrant community of believers who lived out this radical transformation. They were a people marked by a profound commitment to the teachings of Jesus, engaging deeply with each other in fellowship, worship, and prayer. The pivotal event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out, illustrates the transformative power available to every believer. This wasn’t just a momentary event; it was the beginning of a new era in which the presence of God was intimately woven into the daily lives of His people.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just empower them for supernatural acts but enabled them to live out the gospel in practical, everyday ways. To follow Jesus means to engage in a community that mirrors the early church’s practices—devoted to teaching, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, and to prayer. It’s about a life lived in joyful obedience and heartfelt surrender, where our actions are not driven by duty but by love. In this life of followership, every Christian is called to be both a follower and a leader—leading by example. As we imitate Christ, we also become models for others, just as Paul urged his followers to imitate him as he imitated Christ. This chain of imitation forms a beautiful tapestry of discipleship that stretches across time and culture, continuing to grow and expand the kingdom of God. Yet, in our journey, we must be vigilant of the "imitation breakdown," where our lives no longer reflect the vibrant followership they are meant to. This breakdown is evident when our actions do not align with the teachings of Jesus, when our communities lack the unity and love prescribed in Scripture, and when our missions lose their grounding in the gospel. The call to Christian followership is a call to active engagement in the world, not as passive observers but as dynamic participants in God's redemptive plan. It is about making the teachings of Jesus tangible and real in every interaction and every relationship. By living out this call, we not only transform ourselves but also the world around us, making the kingdom of God visible and accessible to all who seek it.

To follow Christ is to enter into a life of profound transformation and purpose, a life that continually seeks to reflect the image of Jesus in every thought, word, and deed. It is a journey of constant growth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in the community of believers—driven not by mere human ambition, but by the divine calling to live out the love and truth of the gospel.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Jesus the Lead Follower: Embodying Perfect Followership

In a world that often exalts leadership as the ultimate goal, the biblical narrative invites us to consider a more profound archetype of influence and authority—Jesus, the Lead Follower. This perspective is not only countercultural but also foundational for understanding the dynamics of true leadership as modeled by Christ Himself.

The Paradigm of Followership

Jesus’ life exemplifies perfect followership, characterized by an unwavering submission to the will of the Father. From His humble obedience to His mother at Cana to His spiritual fortitude in the wilderness, Jesus consistently demonstrated that His actions were in direct response to the Father’s leading. This submission was not a sign of weakness; rather, it was the ultimate display of strength and commitment to the mission of God.

Leading by Following

The gospel of John provides profound insights into Jesus' followership, particularly in John 5:16-30. Here, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, which stirs controversy among the religious leaders. His response is telling: He openly acknowledges His actions as flowing from the Father’s will, asserting, "The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing" (John 5:19). This declaration is not merely theological; it is a practical blueprint for all who aspire to lead. Jesus confirms that true leadership is contingent upon faithful followership.

The Good Shepherd

Further exploring the theme of followership, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10. This metaphor extends beyond mere care and guidance. It encapsulates the essence of sacrificial leadership—laying down one’s life for the sheep. Here, followership and leadership converge in the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Jesus does not lead from a position of detached authority but from deep involvement and commitment to the well-being of His flock, those who know Him and are known by Him.

Implications for Today’s Leaders

For those called to lead in various capacities, Jesus’ model presents a radical shift from conventional leadership paradigms. Leadership, according to Jesus, is not about asserting one’s will but about aligning one’s actions with a higher purpose. It is about leading from a place of obedience and service, not for personal gain but for the collective good.

A Call to Action

As followers of Christ, we are invited to embody this model of "leading by following." This involves a continuous commitment to discern and align with God’s will, a readiness to serve rather than be served, and a heart oriented towards the needs of others before our own. By doing so, we not only honor the example set by Christ but also contribute to a legacy of godly leadership that can transform lives and communities.

In essence, Jesus’ life challenges us to reconsider our notions of influence and authority. By embracing His example of perfect followership, we discover the true heart of leadership and the path to making a lasting impact in our world and in the local church.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Embracing True Leadership: Lessons from David, the Shepherd King

Leadership and followership are often seen as contrasting roles, yet in the spiritual journey, they are intrinsically linked, reflecting a profound biblical truth: to lead effectively, one must first learn to follow faithfully. This concept is beautifully exemplified in the life of David, a man after God’s own heart and a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative. David’s journey from a humble shepherd boy to the king of Israel is not merely a tale of ascension to power; it's a testament to his devoted followership and leadership under God’s guidance. His life offers crucial lessons on spiritual leadership that are still relevant to us today.

The Call to Follow

David's story begins with a divine summons. Unlike King Saul, who was outwardly impressive, David was chosen for his heart — his capacity to follow God. This choice underscores a critical lesson: God values our internal disposition more than our external qualifications. David was called to follow God, which was the first step toward his leadership. His journey reminds us that effective leadership in God's kingdom starts with a humble and obedient heart towards God.

The Heart of a Follower

Throughout his life, David demonstrated what it means to be a committed follower. His psalms, like the beloved Psalm 23, express deep reliance on and devotion to God. These were not just poetic words; they were reflections of his lived experience. From facing Goliath to evading King Saul’s attempts on his life, David consistently sought God’s guidance. His leadership was born out of these acts of faithful followership.

Followership in Action

David’s life as a follower and leader was marked by service and sacrifice. He served King Saul, even when Saul pursued him out of jealousy. He respected God’s anointing on Saul, illustrating his understanding that true leadership means respecting God’s order, even under duress. David’s eventual kingship was characterized by his role as a ‘nagid’ — the Hebrew word for ‘a ruler under God’s authority.’ This term captures the essence of his leadership style: ruling by following God.

Modern Implications

What does David’s model of leadership mean for us today? In a world that often values appearance and charisma over character, David’s life challenges us to rethink leadership. It’s not about being at the forefront or seeking personal glory. Instead, it’s about following God devotedly and leading others by example. This perspective is particularly crucial in church settings but is equally applicable in our personal lives and workplaces.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director