Summoned to Lead
Tom Barnard
T here is a word that can strike fear into the heart of nearly all of us, especially when we see it in
writing on an envelope that is addressed to us. That word is “Summons.” In a broad sense it means
to call together or convene. When used in a legal sense, a summons is an order to appear in court.
However, it can mean something quite different. It is a synonym for “called.”
In his excellent book, Summoned to Lead, Leonard Sweet used the word “summoned” to describe what a
person does when called into leadership. Here is what he said:
“Leaders are neither born nor made. Leaders are summoned. They are called
into existence by circumstances. Those who rise to the occasion are leaders.”
Sweet went on to say that every Christian is “called” by God to be engaged in some kind of mission or
ministry. Sometimes the “called” end up leading. Their “calling” goes beyond just functioning in a
ministry role. They are “called out” for leadership. Sweet prefers to name this “calling” a “summons.” It
is a summons to “rise to the occasion” and lead.
Many years ago I came across this quote,
“Christ has no hands but our hands; He has no feet but our feet; He has no voice but our voice.”
Jesus said to his disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).” But Jesus also said to his
followers, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do
even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).” Jesus knew then what the
Church has discovered in every century since: Without people, God’s work will not be advanced. The fact
is that God works miracles through you and me and others He calls to do His work. Without our hands
and feet and voices, the work of God will not get done.
Consider the titles and descriptions the Scriptures give to individuals God summons to do His work:
Follower…Disciple…Chosen…Servant…Shepherd…Branch…Evangelist…Minister…Messenger…
Salt of the Earth…Light of the World…Beloved…Saint…Prophet…Witness…Fishers of Men…
Brother…Faithful…Obedient…Worker…Sower.
At least one of these describes you. You are special to Him. He called you to join Him in places where He
was already at work. You have been “called” to take leadership and to assume certain responsibilities.
You have been summoned to take action, to be a leader.
In John 17:9 Jesus prayed to the Father. His words were spoken in earshot of the eleven and remembered:
“I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but
for those you have given me, for they are yours.”
I believe Jesus intended for you to hear those words as well. I believe He wants Twenty-first Century
church leaders to know that they are as vital to the work of God today as those humble followers who
were with Him in the upper room and who followed his call to make disciples of all nations.
Whether you consider yourself to be “called” or “summoned,” the invitation is the same; it is to lead.
You are reading Tuesday Mornings for November 14, 2006. For a free subscription, send your first and last name and email address to Dr.
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