Leader as Coxswain

So, let’s talk about vision. How important is it really to the essence of spiritual leadership? We know it is a quintessential element of worldly leadership, since it is the most frequently discussed theme in the plethora of books out there on the concept of leadership. But we as Christian leaders should be a bit wary of the approaches that are sold for popular consumption in this day. It is true that we can learn a thing or two from them, but we must not overlook the reality that our Way is quite different because it is not based strictly on a time-tested and results-proven method, but rather on a person who is not bound by time or entirely concerned with results. When we look at vision, we cannot disregard what we have already learned – leaders as slave. The calling on leaders to be servants has to inform the rest of what it means to be a leader in the Church. Therefore, the way in which vision is constructed and applied must be in keeping with the servanthood attitude. I strongly agree with the observation that vision + power = manipulative alignment of others to one’s own vision. This kind of leadership is so rampant and yet so unchallenged. But there is hope and opportunity for prophetic challenge because another way is possible: vision + agreement = no power, just a shared dream that one has the choice to engage in. It’s really quite beautiful and liberating if you think about it. It cuts ego and self-interest out of the equation, replacing them with Christ-like communal empowerment instead. I especially love how this approach to vision creation allows the Spirit of God to have more room to move among his people, as He calls them to the place they are supposed to be. It takes so much pressure off us as leaders when we accept that our role is not to get people “on board” with our vision, but to simply share what our passions are and what Jesus is doing in our ministry. Because, who knows, perhaps a genuine conversation with a person (rather than a coercive persuasion) might awaken something inside of them. I have seen this at work in my own ministry, as I update people on how I am doing and what I have been up to. I inevitably discuss the crazy kids I just took to an arts conference or community service project, and sometimes this resonates with the listener who begins to ask more about it.



I had never heard of a coxswain prior to last class, but now, daaang. That is one incredible metaphor for what it means to be a visionary leader and servant. They are at the head of the boat steering it, keeping the team in rhythm. They are the effective communicator and motivator, seeing the goal ahead but not leaving the crew in the dark to despair or give up. The coxswain is by nature small, light, and of little consequence compared to the others’ physique. Biblical leaders are to be like that, diminishing themselves for the sake of the team’s success. Unlike worldly leadership, they lead from the back, not the front. This allows for something so rare, but so valuable: trust. It is not about their glory, but about the team’s effort and reward. I love how the coxswain can see both the present struggle of his team and the promising future that awaits those who persevere and don’t give up hope. There is the possibility for godly encouragement and pastoral care of one another when this perspective on leadership is adopted. I see it as helping to prevent missional burnout, which can occur when poor leaders fail to establish rapport with those they lead or don’t communicate in a way that is inspiring and motivating. I have been guilty of settling for under-influence, serving as a silent model rather than combined with more vocal and descriptive leadership. At least this has been the case for me in community-living situations. But I understand and agree with the call for Christian leaders to speak up, whether it is necessary decision-making like with James in Acts 15 or just sharing the reasons why you do the things that you do. There needs to be a shift in how we view leaders – not as the all-star quarterback with the epic plays but as the boat servant who steers in such a way that the whole crew's united effort is seen and applauded.