The Reluctant Leader

Not all great Bible leaders led because they had volunteered.

The Reluctant Leader

By Mark Alan Williams Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt? ~ Exodus 3:11 (GW)
READING: Exodus 3:1-4:17
Not all great Bible leaders led because they had volunteered. In fact, some definitely fought the call. God called Moses by name in a burning bush. He promised a land flowing with milk and honey and clearly commissioned him in Exodus 3:10.
What was Moses response? “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God asserted His authority and identity by saying, “I AM that I AM” (3:14). But Moses wasn’t satisfied. When God validated His message to Moses by miracles, Moses thought up another excuse: “Please, Lord, I’m not a good speaker. I speak slowly, and I become tongue-tied easily” (4:10 GW).Wow!
Gideon was another reluctant leader. When the Lord told him that he would rescue Israel, he replied, “Excuse me, sir! How can I rescue Israel? Look at my whole family. It’s the weakest one in Manasseh. And me? I’m the least important member of my family” (Judges 6:15 GW). Then he demanded a sign, which the Lord graciously granted. Later he again asked for a sign: a wet then a dry fleece test.
The Apostle Paul was not the team leader at first when he and Barnabas left Antioch, witnessed by Barnabas’ name being first. It took time for his leadership to manifest (see Acts 13). By contrast, the Apostle John mentioned someone overly eager to lead, named Diotrephes “who loves to be in charge” and was causing problems (III John 9, 10).
Are you a reluctant church planting leader? You’re in great company! Don’t be discouraged, keep leading anyway. God loves to turn the meek into the mighty.
Lord, I, too, am sometimes reluctant to lead. Help me to lead anyway when you ask it of me. Amen.

Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI) “Equips Leaders to Plant 5 Million Churches Worldwide.” Learn more