We’ve all heard the saying lead, follow OR get out of the way, but we should actually do all of the above. Leading people to a place where they have never been before is a great challenge and reward. There is nothing like seeing a person come alive in the new arena of opportunity that you have encouraged them to find. Especially when you lead them to follow Christ. Everyone is called to a certain amount of leadership. Some have a higher leadership quotient but everyone can have some influence in another’s life.
Following is another important part of life. Of course real life begins when we become a follower of Jesus. It is important that we are always life learners. Some of the best leaders are those who have become followers as well. I have been exploring many areas that I can learn and grow. Sometimes it is hard to just ‘shut up and follow’. God help me here!
The toughest area I think though is to get out of the way. There are times that I have found where I am impeding growth. Sometimes a person with a certain gift can monopolize the opportunities and hurt the development of others. Sometimes a leader might have taken things as far as he or she might be able to and they need to get out of the way.
Last week, when I was back at Harvest Chapel, George Pender a dear friend and faithful part of HC thanked me. It sounded a little different at first, but then I got it. He said, “I want to thank you for coming to Harvest and building the church and then I want to thank you for leaving so God could do more with the new leadership.”
You know George is right, HC is doing better than it ever could have if I would have stayed. The best thing was for me to get out of the way. Getting out of the way takes courage and a good sense of your leadership quotient. Pride will try to have you stay in the picture thinking it depends on you. You might even feel like you got it into the mess now you have to get it out. But be careful, because maybe you have just taken the group as far as you can. Maybe you need to get out of the way.
It might be a little hard on the ego to get out of the way, but sometimes this is the best leading you will ever do. Getting out of the way is even more difficult if your identity is wrapped up in your gifting. When someone identifies himself/herself through their gifting he/she feel the need to express that gifting so that they have a sense of purpose. First of all you have more than one gift and secondly you are value is because of who you are and not how gifted you are.
I play a little music. One thing that I have noticed is that many times some musicians will try to throw in way too much. The real pros show their stuff not by what they play but what they don’t play. The artistry is in knowing when to get out of the way.
When we get out of the way we also open things up for God to have opportunity to do something amazing. Many times I think I might have hindered the ‘God stuff’ by trying to do my stuff. So Lord help me to lead, follow AND get out of the way.
New Hope 
Matt,
I think the blog makes some valid points. I am in a constant battle with the Joe stuff and what I am being called to do. Unfortunately for me, I have not mastered the art of knowing the difference yet. It is my prayer that the ability to discern is in my future. We need to also keep in mind that the benchmark to measure growth can only be displayed with time not to mention what is the benchmark and who is measuring. I can tell you that you are greatly missed by my family. Although we never had the opportunity to build a relationship, your message was personal and guided. I truly appreciate that effort. I believe that everyone is guided to a calling. The fortunate people are able to identify and pursue with courage and faith. You have been a tremendous leader at HC and your future will be certainly be guided and used for the lords work. For this I am sure. I understand your points on understanding your talents and with that knowing when someone elses talents will supplement and ultimately replace them. The vehicle in which we are to deliver the gifts given to us by God is designed specifically. Anyway, thank you for allowing me to partake in the ride.
Joe Ursini