The Art of Following Through: Lessons from Michael Jordan and Abraham

In the world of sports, Michael Jordan is a legend not just for his skill, but for his unparalleled commitment to excellence. One of the most notable aspects of his game was his ability to "follow through" on his shots, a technique that ensured his actions were carried out with intention and precision, leading to unmatched success on the basketball court. He did this so well that actually shot free throws once with his eyes closed during a game in 1991. And as amazing, competitive, and slightly disrespectful as this is, there's a very valuable lesson that we as believers should take from this: 

This concept of follow-through can extend far beyond the hardwood, serving as a powerful metaphor for commitment and persistence in our spiritual lives.

The biblical story of Abraham serves as a profound example of spiritual follow-through. In Hebrews 11:8-10, we see Abraham, called by God to leave his home without knowing where he was going, responding with unwavering faith. Abraham's journey was not just a physical relocation but a testament to the essence of true followership – a concept deeply rooted in the Christian faith and highlighted through the practice of following Jesus' call to "Come, follow me..." (Matt. 4:19).

In 1988, Robert Kelley introduced the concept of "followership," emphasizing the role of followers in shaping leadership and organizational outcomes. This perspective is crucial in the church's context, where the dynamic between leaders and followers transcends mere obedience to co-create the future through mutual engagement and faith.

Abraham's trial, as detailed in Genesis 22, underscores the essence of followership through his readiness to obey God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac. This narrative is not just about Abraham's willingness to follow God's instruction but also about his unwavering faith in God's provision. His actions, driven by obedience and trust, exemplify the depth of commitment required in our walk with God.

Following through, as Abraham did, involves more than mere compliance; it is about actively engaging in the process of faith, even when the path ahead is unclear. It requires us to lay down our "Isaacs" - our most treasured possessions, dreams, and even our future (just to turn up the intensity, I'll add that we may be asked to lay them down even if it seems God promised them to us Himself!) - trusting that God's plans for us are greater than anything we can imagine.  

Bible and theology professors Rick Langer and Joanne Jung argue that leadership is rooted in followership, suggesting that to lead well, one must first follow well first. Abraham's story illustrates this beautifully. Despite the potential loss of his son, he descended the mountain not with sorrow, but with the assurance of God's promise to make him the father of many nations (Gen. 22:18).

This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives: What is our "Isaac" that we need to lay on the altar? Are we prepared to follow through with the worship and sacrifice God is asking of us? Michael Jordan's follow-through on the basketball court was a result of discipline, practice, and commitment. Similarly, our spiritual follow-through requires us to act with intention, guided by faith and obedience, understanding that true followership is the foundation upon which leadership and purpose are built.

In conclusion, whether on the basketball court or in our spiritual journey, the principle of follow-through is crucial. It's about completing what we've started, trusting in the process, and believing in the promise of what lies ahead. Like Abraham, let us be remembered not just for the steps we've taken, but for how we faithfully followed through, even when the path was uncertain.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

Called to Follow: Abraham

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the new [Multiply] blog!

Our first blog series is titled “Called to Follow” and supplements the current preaching series at the [Multiply] churches!

Churches are constantly talking about leadership, but how often do we consider the importance of followership? 

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a great follower, especially in your church community? 

Well, that's what we're going to explore here together over the next several weeks.

The term followership may not be a normal part of our everyday vocabulary, yet its significance is profound. 

Historical leadership studies have largely fixated on the notion of innate leadership qualities, epitomized by theories such as the “Great Man Theory." However, Robert Kelley introduced a pivotal shift in perspective by highlighting a frequently overlooked aspect: the follower. According to Kelley, our personal and church-related spheres are filled with followers whose contributions and significance we often neglect to acknowledge.

Followership critically examines the symbiotic relationship between leaders and followers, asserting that successful leadership is a collaborative endeavor. This perspective is especially relevant to our churches, echoing Jesus's invitation to His disciples: "Come, follow me." Thus, at the core of Christianity is the call to follow.

Effective followership transcends mere obedience. It entails:

• a deep-seated commitment to our collective mission,

• a fervent enthusiasm for our faith, 

• and a proactive engagement in the church's endeavors. 

It is about cultivating a community that learns, grows, and actively disseminates Jesus's teachings.

ABRAHAM

In our exploration of followership within a biblical context, we turn our attention to one of the most important figures in the Judeo-Christian tradition: Abraham. Abraham's journey, as detailed in Genesis, offers profound insights into the essence of true followership and its implications for our understanding of leadership, faith, and obedience to God's calling.

Abraham, originally called Abram, stands as a great example of faith and followership in the biblical narrative. His story begins with a divine call to leave his homeland, his people, and his father's house for a land that God promises to show him (Genesis 12:1). This moment marks a pivotal point not only in Abraham's life but also in the history of followership as it pertains to our faith tradition. Abraham's response to God's call embodies the core attributes of followership: 

1. deference to authority, 

2. zeal for the mission, 

3. and an unwavering commitment to follow, despite uncertain outcomes.

Abraham's followership is characterized by his readiness to listen and his willingness to act on God's commands without full knowledge of where it would lead him. This leap of faith is a testament to his trust in God's promise and his role as a follower. His journey reflects a relational dynamic between leader and follower that is not based on blind obedience but on trust, dialogue, and mutual respect. God's promise to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and make his name great (Genesis 12:2) is contingent upon Abraham's active participation in this covenant relationship.

Moreover, Abraham's followership is not passive but active and dynamic. It involves making difficult decisions, such as the decision to leave his homeland and later, to agree to sacrifice his son Isaac, a test of faith that epitomizes the depth of his commitment to follow God's will (Genesis 22). These acts of faith and obedience highlight the complexity of followership, which entails both internal conviction and external action.

Abraham's journey also illuminates the concept of followership multiplication, a principle that is as relevant today as it was in biblical times. Through his willingness to follow, Abraham becomes the father of nations, and his followership catalyzes a chain of events that shapes the trajectory of biblical history. His story is a powerful reminder that the impact of true followership extends far beyond the individual, contributing to a larger narrative and mission.

CONCLUSION

In reflecting on Abraham's example, we are invited to reconsider our own approach to followership within our communities and our personal faith journeys. Abraham teaches us that followership is foundational to leadership, that trust and obedience are paramount, and that the path of followership is one marked by challenges, growth, and profound rewards.

As we continue to explore the rich tapestry of biblical followership, let us draw inspiration from Abraham's example, embracing the call to follow with courage, faith, and a heart open to where the journey might lead us. Abraham's story is not just a testament to his faith; it is a guiding light for all who seek to navigate the complex interplay between leading and following in a world that desperately needs both.

WHAT’S NEXT

Throughout this series, we will delve into biblical narratives showcasing the followership of figures such as Moses, David, and Paul, illustrating how their followership informed their leadership. Additionally, we will explore practical avenues for cultivating impactful followership within our own churches and daily lives.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you, exploring the transformative potential of followership in enriching our church life and deepening our connection with Jesus. Keep an eye out for our next installment, where we will further unpack the concept of followership and its pivotal role in our collective faith journey. Let us engage in this learning process together, aspiring to follow faithfully and lead in a manner that glorifies God.

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Robert E. Kelley, “In Praise of Followers,” Harvard Business Review. Volume 66, Number 6 (November 1988).

Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung. The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership. Crossway, 2022.

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— AAron Dininny

[Multiply] Executive Director