A major topic for workshops in Christian and secular circles is leadership. I attended my share of “leadership conferences.” I have received every issue of Leadership Journal since it’s inaugural issue in 1980 (I think). I have read some of them. All of them occupy significant space on the bottom shelf in my office. Once in awhile I look at an archived article. I have purchased and read scores of books on leadership – most specifically addressing pastors or those giving leadership to Christian organizations.

The authors and facilitators and editors of these books, seminars, and periodicals are convinced that if I read their book and apply the principles I can be a better leader.

I am the first to admit that I have learned a lot from reading books and periodicals and from attending seminars. However, it is interesting to me that the Bible speaks very little about leadership. It speaks more about being disciples and being followers. Being a follower is not a popular notion in our culture. In fact people are teased for anything that hints of being a follower.

But that is just like Jesus – He tends to teach things that are contrary to conventional thinking. Want to be first – be last. Want to lead, learn to follow. I am convinced there cannot be a good Christian leader who is not first a follower.

I am doing a series on Joshua right now – “Keys to successful living.” My intent is to follow the book of Joshua and look at the keys to his success.

We look at “leaders” in the Bible; look at what was accomplished and try to copy what we think are principles. I am convinced that the men we herald as leaders in the Bible were men who were equipped by God for specific tasks. We err a bit by studying the men instead of learning to know the God who empowered and worked through them and trying to understand how we can be in a place where God can use us.

Now to Joshua: Leaders need a call and encouragement.

Here are a few observations from the first chapter:

1. Joshua needed a wake-up call – God spoke to him and said, “Moses, my servant is dead.” Joshua, now I am calling you. You can’t look at the past and what God did through Moses. Now is the time I want to work through you. Joshua had a clear call from God. We err when we try to make someone a leader whom God has not called.

2. God told him (several times) to be strong and of good courage. The only explanation I have for that phrase with that frequency is that Joshua was a bit of a reluctant leader. He needed encouragement and comfort before the task even began.

The best leaders are not always the bold, outspoken, make quick decisions kind of people. Christian leaders know they have a call from God and have been assured of His presence with them.