Here's an interesting quote for consideration:

"[I]n many [churches] it seems we have exchanged honing our skills for passion....[M]any church music leaders...understand the challenge of working with those who desire to lead worship, but do not want to invest the time to perfect their skills." ("Lookout" July 23, 2006)

I realize that the immediate direction of this quote is aimed at music leadership, especially as it relates to worship. One might boil the idea down to an over-simplified phrase, "What's most important: Perfection or Passion?" All of us are familiar with the ideas surrounding the 'heart of the worshiper.' After all, isn't it one's heart upon which God looks? If so, then the means of worship aren't as important, right? (We can discuss this further if people so desire... :-) )

How might this discussion look if we were to focus it in the area of leadership? Is it enough to be impassioned for leadership? Are the means by which we lead as important as having a passion/heart for leadership? Are there right and wrong ways by which to lead people?

If we are to imitate Christ, then we might consider his means of leadership as being the best. So... If that be the case,

• What compelled people to follow him without reservation?
• How did Jesus maintain his connection with those that were following him?
• How were the followers of Jesus equipped to then go and become leaders themselves?

I will never argue that having a passion/heart for leadership isn't important. By the same token, however, we must be willing to admit that passion alone isn't enough. We must be willing to hone our skills to the best of our ability.

What think ye?