CITATION OF REFERENCE

Gibbs, Eddie. 2005. Leadership Next. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.

INTRODUCTION

            In this book, Eddie Gibbs presents a picture of the new type of church leader needed in world experiencing major paradigm shifts.  Gibbs analyzes the new cultural reality that we now face in this world and in the Church. He explains why new leaders need to emerge; what type of characteristics emerging leaders should develop.  Gibbs asks us to search for leaders that function, understand, and think from within this new cultural outlook and can influence and relate to a culture that has left the institutional church and Christianity behind.

PROACTIVE QUESTIONS

I glanced over this book first and decided to proactively write down some questions that I hoped Gibbs would answer as I read.  This proactive review, led to the following questions:

 §         What is the definition of a leader in light of our new cultural context?

Gibbs gives a good picture of the qualities that a leader needs to have to be effective in out new cultural context.  Some of these qualities are:

·         servant leadership (:29)

·         works in team and understands limitations (:27)

·         empowers those around and connects people(:33)

·         always learning (:43)

·         apostolic (:46)

·         engaged with the world (:44)

·         can change and adapt (:65)

The sum of these characteristics that Gibbs presents help us define what it means to be a leader in our new culture.  As I read these characteristics I begin to see a person that is passionate about spiritual growth and is aware of their weakness. This person leads from their strengths and shares power by always empowering others to act and influence.  This person is interested in radical transformation, personally and corporately in community.  This passion for transformation drives them into relationship with God and with people and allows them to be transparent because they are givers and receivers of Gods grace.

 §         What is the challenge of the great commission in Matthew in light of missional theology?

Gibbs thoughts on the great commission and its challenge were very helpful.  Among his many thoughts, the statement that the Church grows, “by going into the world, loving people as their neighbors and responding to their needs,” was a powerful reminder of the purpose of the Church (:78).  When Gibbs says, “A come-based institution is replaced with a go-based movement,” the challenge we face in this shift of paradigm is clear (:88). 

 §         When leadership structure shifts from hierarchy structure to network based structure, what are the implications?

From the birth our fellowship (CBF) we have been in process of moving out of a hierarchy model into a network based model of ministry leadership.  Fifteen years later we find ourselves in adolescence still realizing the implications of this shift, still pushing the boundaries further in our attempt to serve. Gibbs insights on the implications of such a move can help us mark our progress and empower us to move forward. 

The major implication of such a move that probably causes the most hesitation is the “loss of control” that seems to come from such a move.  I think that Gibbs puts it best when he says, “Leadership is about connecting, not controlling.  It is about bringing people together for the purpose of creative synergy” (:106). 

If we can understand the implication of such a move to be positive and creating a shared responsibility that enables deeper spiritual formation, then relationship, not control is important. Through such relationship God can be in control.

SUMMARY

The reality of a shifting worldview/culture is causing us to reevaluate the type of leader that is needed in the church.   Gone are the days of compartmentalization and hierarchy, of leaders who learn models and structure over years of work and then implement their knowledge. This is the time of a leader that can adapt to an ever-changing world, a leader that serves, shares power and understands their giftedness and the concept of role.  This is the time for a Church that is lead by people who have a passion to grow deeper in Christ and in community. A Church that goes out into the world and listens, welcomes, engages, teaches, learns from, and walks beside those who are searching. 

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