Followship 101

Where would we be, if we studied followship before we studied leadership?  

We live in a society where leadership is applauded and celebrated, while following

is seldom discussed, but often demanded by those who are usually self-appointed 

to lead. Everybody wants to lead, but very few have ever mastered the art of following.

     The reality is that if no one is following you, are you really leading?  There has to be 

someone following you, to call yourself a true leader.  As a matter of fact, only those 

who are following you are qualified to call you a leader.  You cannot call yourself a leader.  

Many in the church desperately want to lead, but the truth is most cannot get their own 

family to follow them, much less others.

     True leadership is only birthed through the lessons and experiences gained by laying 

your life down for another.  To the degree you are willing to be abased and follow, is the 

degree the Lord is able to promote and exalt you in due season!  The Lord has no shortage 

of abundance and favor and resources to those who imitate His example of following.  To 

truly be like Christ, we must receive this practical application of the ministry of the Lord 

Jesus Christ.

     Where would be in the Body of Christ if the 12 disciples would have never made the decision 

to be followers of Jesus?  I argue that we would have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  

Jesus called the disciples to be His follower, not His leader.  The disciples walked out a three year 

journey to learn how to become followers, not leaders.  They were then launched into the role of 

leadership as a result of their ability to grow through the process of following.  

     In Luke 9:23, Followship consists of a 3 step process that is developed over time and doesn’t 

happen automatically overnight.

The Followship Process:  

1) Turn from your Selfish Ways

2) Take up your Cross

3) Follow Jesus

     During our journey together we will embark upon the definition of Followship, Jesus as the 

perfect example, the three step process of Followship, and the benefits that are released upon 

those who follow.  Take a few moments now and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and 

mind to receive everything He has for you. Let's begin our journey together on the road called 

FOLLOWSHIP 101 and learn how to be all the Lord has called us to be.  My prayer is that the 

abundant life of Christ be revealed to you along this journey, as we continue to look to Jesus 

as the author and finisher of our faith and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and 

Savior Jesus Christ.