Should We Follow Leaders Without Hesitation?

Should we follow leaders without hesitation?

Many naïve Christians believe that what they need to do is find a leader who they can trust absolutely and follow without hesitation.

This belief is a major cause of trouble in the Christian community. i.e. the belief that there exist leaders who can safely be followed without hesitation - and that we just need to find them. Rather I argue that Jesus Christ is the only leader who we can follow without hesitation and every other leader must be subject to critical analysis of his teaching and behaviour in the light of the scriptures. Those who follow leaders uncritically, ignore the scriptural teaching on the fallen nature of men - in character and ability (Romans 3:23).

We have to question whether what they say and do is right or wrong in the light of the scriptures. We have to question whether an instruction is within the legitimate authority of the particular leader. An instruction may not be sinful, but it may be outside their authority. Even if it is not sinful and within their authority, it may have very negative consequences, which the leader may not have thought properly about.

The ultimate authority in the Christian community is not human leaders, but rather the Bible - and every Christian has a right to use this to hold everyone else accountable for their actions (Matthew 18).

Ironically, those leaders whose followers do follow them without hesitation are those most likely to end up shipwrecked and in disgrace - rather than being men of integrity - the opposite of what the article is trying to promote. There are many who confuse being a 'yes-man' with being submissive to leadership. I argue that 'yes-men' get leaders into trouble. Take the example of 'yes-man' Joab who helped David to kill Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11:14-16) and thus plunge the whole kingdom into a civil war caused by God's judgement. Rather, a loyal follower will tell a leader when they think he is doing something foolish or unethical - following the correct biblical procedure outlined in Matthew 18. Obviously, it is however important to do some Bible homework and checking of facts to ensure there is good grounds for the challenge.

For myself as a leader, I ask - please never follow me without hesitation. Think about what I do and say - and if you think it is wrong - then tell me so. In doing so, even if you are incorrect - you will be helping to protect yourself and myself against mistakes. You have a right to challenge and question what I say in my articles. I have a policy of answering everyone who challenges me in writing. If you need to, you can use this to take the matter further.

Philip Rosenthal