In the world, there are several models of leadership. Some of culture specific or nation specific. Without right models of leadership, some empires have fallen, and civilizations destroyed. The leadership model in the Church at Antioch is remarkable, best and should be followed everywhere in ministries, missions and institutions. One local church had a galaxy of five leaders. “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)
Multi-continent leaders: The city church had leaders representing then known continents as Americas and Australia were yet to be discovered. Simeon was called as Niger was from the continent of Africa. Barnabas as a Jew was from Asia. Manaen could have been Roman citizen, while Saul was for sure. There was representation from Europe also. These multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-continental leaders were together with one accord and listened to the Holy Spirit. Hence, this church became the first missionary sending church. This can be termed as Koinonia Model of leadership.
Sadly, today we have models that have hindered the growth of the Kingdom of God. They are Grandfather-Son-Grandson leadership which effectively keeps off potential leaders to emerge. Like political parties and private business families, certain churches or denominations have only dynastic succession. In many places, a specific caste is considered as ‘leadership stuff’ while others are discriminated. This is again not a Christian model of leadership development. In some organizations, the language decides the leadership roles. People who have some other language as mother-tongue are not encouraged.
These anti-Kingdom models have damaged the church immensely throughout the history. Yet, there are many who are adamant to follow unbiblical model from culture or politics, instead of following the Scripture.
Do I practice and promote Antioch Model of Leadership?