Leadership: A Relational Process - Part 2

Our body is a collection of interdependent systems. Each system is made up of components that contribute in essential ways to the health and vitality of the body. The nature of systems is necessarily relational. The function of one benefits the function of others to the end that the life of the whole body is supported. To assume that one part of the body is more or less important is to marginalize the contribution of that part and its role in supporting the optimum capability of the body. Though parts of the body may be lost to accidents or disease and the body still survives there remains impairment to the body that limits its function in visible or less visible ways.

Reports have recently surfaced regarding a study at Duke University and reported in the Journal of Theoretical Biology suggesting a likely purpose for the human appendix. This problematic organ has been treated as a vestige that contributes nothing to the human body and presents itself more as a nuisance than a benefit. Duke researchers concluded that the appendix functions as a storehouse for necessary bacteria that aids in the digestive process. Though not a conclusive study, it supports the idea that nothing in the body is without purpose. So also is this true in human organizations and for the purpose of this blog—the church. Each “living stone” is rightly fitted together to build up the house we know as the church. Not one can be removed without leaving a gap in the design and construction of the house. The cornerstone of the building does not preclude the need for the other stones. All contribute to wholeness.

.

Leadership happens as a result of each individual within the organization contributing through their unique gifts toward the function of the whole. Too often we assume that “leadership” represents the visible few who make things happen. The underlying assumption is that management is necessary for the accomplishment of mission and that the gifted and intelligent few are necessary if the masses are to accomplish the mission of the organization. Let’s consider the possibility that the Master of all has called each of us to follow Him and to be faithful contributors to the process of leadership within the body—the church. From the least to the greatest we are each a vital part of a system that contributes to the health and success of the whole.


Editor's note: This 2 part series on relational leadership was written by Stan Patterson, Ph.D and originally posted to GEORGIA GROWN in 2008. Stan serves as Professor of Christian Ministry at Andrews University Theological Seminary.