Care—The Invitation to Follow

“Leaders don’t force people to follow—they invite them on a journey.” Charles S. Lauer

Jesus is the greatest leader of all time and is well-known for inviting others to “follow Him.” In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls his first disciples, a set of fishermen brothers—Peter and Andrew—and says, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (v.19 NKJV), and they immediately leave their nets and follow Him. Jesus continues walking and invites a second set of fishermen brothers—James and John—and they too immediately follow Him.

We are not Jesus, not even close, but do we invite people to follow us? Are we going in a direction people want to follow? We can learn much about leadership from Jesus and follow His example. He wasn’t a man of great physical stature or appearance. In fact, the night of His betrayal, He had to be identified by a kiss from among the disciples in the garden with Him. He wasn’t a man of great wealth, title, or rank, but He cared for people, and they flocked to Him.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Care brings connection. It is an invitation people almost always follow. I have found this to be surprisingly true in my own life. I have a heart for women in ministry, from pastor’s wives to credentialed women in ministry who serve in parachurch ministries throughout the world. I care for them because I am one of them. We give from the depths of our souls to help others and pour out till little remains for ourselves, but I have found that through simple moments of connection together, our spirits are revived and we are ready to go again. This is my heart—to connect women in ministry together and build a network of care.

Again, we are not Jesus. We cannot do the soul-healing He does, but we can provide the space for the “healing balm of Gilead” to be applied through our listening ears and heartfelt prayers for one another. I am thankful God has allowed me the opportunity to help connect women in ministry together through beginning CARE groups for pastors’ wives across Tennessee and yearly connect events for Church of God credentialed women.

Leadership has been the natural byproduct of my care for these women. Care, unknowingly to me, was an invitation “to follow.” I currently have the opportunity to lead other amazing leaders as we together give care to those who give care away. What a joy! What an honor!

One may say they are no leader. I question, “Who are you caring for?” We all have the ability to care for one another. This is your invitation. Join me!

Dawn Lipsey Pastor, Arise Women of South Cleveland Church of God Cleveland, Tennessee Author: I Can, I Will and Wild, Loud Peace

Coauthor: Hope Over DiscouragementFB, IG: @dawnlipsey

dawnlipseyministries.com