“Others May, You Cannot” - The Responsibility of Leadership

My mom used to say to me all the time, “Others may; you cannot.”  I remember trying to understand the logic behind that statement.  What sense does that make?  It was equal to a phrase I’m sure you might have heard when you were growing up – the all-familiar “because I said so.”  I think parents throughout the ages have used that one when they’re just flabbergasted enough to try to put an end to a tiresome conversation.  If you’re a parent, you probably have a phrase like that too.  Although in my mind “others may, you cannot” was not a strong argument, I understood that when mom said it to me, the argument (or lack thereof) was over.

I couldn’t shake that annoying little phrase, which communicated a standard to me that I’ve carried forward into all of life.  Perhaps mom saw the leadership potential in me and was determined to hold me to a high standard.  Perhaps it was just her way to get me to move on and drop whatever teenage plea for freedom I was advocating that day, but either way, it became a measuring stick for how I approach life.  It was the first indication to me that I was made to be a leader.  I couldn’t ignore the sense of responsibility I felt to use my influence wisely. 

Leadership is a tremendous responsibility.  It’s a privilege, not a right.  It’s a gift to steward, not something to take for granted. 

As a leader, you are called to a different standard.  “Others may, you cannot.”  While others may be comfortable with the status quo, you cannot.  While others leave their emotional health unattended, you cannot.  While others may avoid difficult conversations, you cannot.  While others may coast on spiritual fumes, you cannot.

But let’s be honest, leadership is also scary.  The responsibility of leadership forces us to face our fears of inadequacy.  It confronts our insecurities and our pride.  It challenges our decisiveness and competence.

Leadership is a gift and a calling to which we are grossly unqualified for but uniquely chosen to fulfill.  Your responsibility as a leader begins with recognizing your need to lean into the one who has called you to this task.  While others may lead from their own power, you cannot.  God will equip you if you position yourself to lean on him.  Seize your responsibility and just lead!

*A portion of this post is an excerpt from Just Lead! A No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church co-written by Jenni Catron and Sherry Surratt.

Jenni Catron serves as the Executive Director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, where she leads the staff and oversees the ministry of five campuses. She loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis and hanging out with her husband and border collie. Jenni's passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip and encourage others to do the same. Jenni blogs at www.jennicatron.tv. Her new book, Just Lead! A No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church, co-authored with Sherry Surratt is available now.

Sherry Surratt is the President and CEO of MOPS International. She has deep experience in church ministry and learning from women leaders. Her most recent position prior to MOPS International was the Director of Leadership Network's Radical Future Innovation Labs. Her church ministry experience includes Children's Ministry Pastor and Central Support Pastor at Seacoast church based in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. There she developed multisite ministries at their 13 campuses. Sherry has a degree from Sam Houston State University, and worked as a teacher and administrator in the Houston (TX) Public School system. Sherry and her husband Geoff have two adult children and a grandchild.