Dear St. Lukers,
Over the last few weeks in worship, we’ve been exploring what it means to be Change Makers, people who “live the rhythm” of learning, living, loving, and leading in ways that make a difference. But if the word leadership feels intimidating to you, you’re not alone. Many assume leadership is reserved for people with certain titles, skills, or personalities.
Chances are, somewhere in your journey – either as a professional or as you have explored the self-help section of a bookstore – you’ve encountered article after article or book after book about what “leadership” is, and how you can be the best “leader.” Adaptive leadership, servant leadership, charismatic leadership: the list goes on, with model after model emerging, each writer having discovered something new that will unlock the keys to your potential.
But before those “new” models, leadership was thought of much differently: it wasn’t about seeing and developing the potential in every person but discerning who among us was actually designed for leadership. A prominent concept was known as the “Great Man” theory – that among us there were leaders, born with the right traits to lead. The quest for leaders was about finding the man (and of course, it was always a man) destined for greatness. There was even a belief that there was a particular bone structure, ear size, or facial features that could tell you if someone was a leader. You’re either born a leader or you’re not. You either have the traits or you don’t. And if you don’t … well, it’s simply your job to follow the people who do – the “Great Men.”
As Jesus-followers, we see leadership differently. Jesus may have been a “great man,” but his greatness was realized through empowering others—ordinary people with everyday gifts—to lead, serve, and transform the world. Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not about waiting for someone else to “do something.” It’s about “starting where you are,” using your voice and gifts to bring hope, justice, and healing.
This Sunday, we’ll talk about what it means to “Raise Your Voice.” Too often, we dismiss ourselves by saying, “I’m not like [insert famous leader here], so I can’t make a difference.” But scripture shows us otherwise. Prophets who doubted their abilities still spoke up and changed lives: sometimes whole nations, sometimes just one person at a time.
At St. Luke’s, when we talk about leadership, we mean how you walk through the everyday spaces of your life. When you see injustice, do you look for someone “greater” to act, or do you step into Proverbs 31:8–9: “Speak up for those who have no voice… Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!”
I look forward to seeing you in worship this week as together we explore what it means to raise our voices as Change Makers, leading from where we are, with the gifts God has given each of us, for the sake of Kingdom justice.
With hope for the future,
Pastor Melissa
