by Marc Briesbois
Leading from the Tip of the Spear
A great takeaway from the movie ‘We Were Soldiers’ is the display of leadership. A memorable quote by Mel Gibson’s character is expressed in a commitment to ‘be the first to enter the field of combat and the last to leave it’. Paying the price to be the tip of the spear is a must. A clear and adaptable truism for those of us called to be Apostolic Leaders. When condensed it says, ‘leaders lead’.
Leadership in Battle
A classic image of men charging into battle jumps to mind. Applied to us it paints a picture of valiant courage in spiritual conflict. We are ordained to lead the charge. Of course with one key difference. We are without trenches, exploding artillery or enemy planes flying overhead. Equally dangerous but veiled. Though unseen by the natural eye, our enemies’ threaten to suppress us to the point that, if it were possible, they would destroy us entirely.
Breakthrough is truly a matter of life and death!
As such, when we the church gather, there is a life and death struggle we must win. The trappings and peaceful surroundings do not tell the full story. Which is the reason we must rise above the specter of religious sentimentality stirred by emotive music and quaint biblical anecdotes. These are moments of spiritual engagement of the highest order, though only become so when recognized as such.
Without this awareness we are inconsequential and easily immobilized. It is the task of leaders to awaken others to the battle. The undetected opposition, despite its invisibility, is in fact quite real, adept at generating confusion and an incendiary atmosphere designed to ignite offense. While inducing apathy, distraction and discontentment, it inhibits wide swaths of the church from even showing up to the fight. This is our unhappy condition unless confronted by an informed and awakened people.
Leaders are born for such conflicts. We are designed to rise as inspirational forces in key moments, conscripting our considerable weight by heaving ourselves headlong into battle. In the face of fatigue and infectious indifference we must resolve to sacrificially do what is necessary to ‘open the room’. Without someone's leadership the weak are easily overwhelmed and neutralized.
Being Present and Engaged
Where and how does it begin? It involves anything from a shout of victory, to extravagant and selfless praise coupled with expressions of reckless humility. All of which are made significant by the boldness of committed and engaged leaders.
Our dedicated and focused faith is the instrumental tool for creating a space at conferences, Sunday services or small home gatherings. Just as breaches are made in enemy lines, we are opening a path for those who come after us. Each and every time we gather, our objective is to suspend one atmosphere in exchange for another.
Worship teams are vital but greatly enlarged by catalytic leaders. As the tip of the spear, God has designed us to be ‘way-makers’ in His stead. Everyone matters though there is no substitute for the tried and hardened faith of overcomers. We may tire or become inured into complacency by the repetitive nature of meetings, yet the demand of heaven is to rise to the occasion for the purpose of breakthrough.
Leadership Means Leading Out
True leaders embrace the call to be the first through the door. Heavy lifting, particularly of a spiritual sort, is not left to others. We must be the first to repent, the first to forgive, the first to make amends and the first to advance into battle. The prospect of waiting on others to create space and furnish a heavenly atmosphere, is not an option. Leaders Lead!