Cooperation in Christian Leadership

As we've looked at my first five characteristics of Christian leadership, we've covered:

1.    Calling
2.    Cost
3.    Commitment
4.    Confidentiality
5.    Communication

We're closing in on the final installment, the last two "Cs." Today, at number six, we come today to "Cooperation."

Leadership is not a "Lone Ranger" assignment.

It is a well-known leadership axiom that leaders won’t ask followers to do what they would not do. This certainly is the case with Jesus, who tells us to follow Him, and that there will be sacrifice involved. And He made the biggest sacrifice of all. 

But Christian leadership is not just about telling people what to do. It’s not just about getting a job done. Christian leadership is also about growth and development of gifts as we carry out tasks together. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

1. All gifts come from the same place, so none are to be despised.
2. All gifts are given for one reason, so that there will be no division.

The point is to be cooperating; making efforts which are not redundant; as we all grow toward maturity in the faith In Ephesians 4:11-16 we read

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.  

You see; no matter what the intermediate goal may be: church cleanup, making curtains; assembling a worship team; evangelizing; the ultimate goal remains the same. We are to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We grow as we work together; support one another; and abound in love toward one another. When we do this, the work is easier, and the goal is achieved: making Christ known.