Lately I keep hearing the word leadership everywhere. It feels like it’s having a moment—like everyone is being encouraged to become a leader.
That makes me wonder what we even mean by leadership, and whether a world full of “leaders” is what we actually need. Semantic games are easy here, but I think the question is real: what is leadership, exactly?
I also wonder what God’s call is. Christ called people to follow—to follow Him. Not to chase status. Not to collect influence. Not to build personal brands.
I recently met someone who was extremely charismatic and deeply toxic. The experience sharpened something for me: charisma can look like leadership while functioning like manipulation. And Scripture is clear about false prophets and wolves in sheep’s clothing. God calls us to follow Him, not to be impressed by human force.
So I’m left with a personal question too: does “leadership” appeal to my ego in a way that pulls me away from God?
Maybe real leadership isn’t domination, control, or performance. Maybe it’s closer to shepherding: protection, responsibility, and care. Less “I’m above you,” more “I’m accountable for you.”
Or maybe the best version is the simplest: we are called to lead by example. Quietly. Faithfully. Without needing the title.
And maybe we don’t need more leaders at all.
Maybe we need more people who can tell the difference between God’s voice and a charismatic counterfeit.
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