Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Those who are leaders often face many challenges, burdens, and stresses. Sometimes the biggest stress comes from those who are being led. The stress comes from people not listening or honoring the leader. The way to empower a leader is to give him or her opportunity and authority to lead. That does not mean a person becomes a robot or obey directions without thought. A healthy leader/follower relationship will be governed by faith in Jesus, wisdom and fear of God, and unconditional love for one another. Leaders, especially in the church, must give an account to God for their responsibility. The parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 implies responsibility and stewardship. Those who are leaders must have an awareness that God is watching all they do.
Followers have a significant part in the success of leaders. Followers can make the leaders’ job a joy and something to be looked forward to. It will make the church (or any organization) function better and fulfill its mission and vision. Too many pastors leave the ministry or burn out. At the top of the list of reasons why is that the stress of people not listening and following becomes too overwhelming. This may happen over time, little by little, almost imperceptibly, until it grows to be a heavy burden. The longevity of a leader such as a pastor depends a great degree on the attitude and teachability of the followers (congregation). The end result is an unhealthy church sickened by selfishness and lack of honoring love. The marks of a healthy church will be a leader with strong faith and trust in God and followers who lift up that leader in prayer, encouragement, and support.
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