You are not a leader.

The person said, “No one seems to want my leadership gifts.”

John Maxwell used to say, “You can call yourself a leader, but if no one is following you, you are only taking a walk.”

Leadership is not about a title, taking a position, asserting yourself, or calling yourself a leader. It is about people who see something in you and want to follow what you are doing. Other people want to hear what you have to say, and they see how you sacrifice yourself for others. They observe you making wise choices and how you influence people. And they want to lean in and learn more from you. That is leadership: The ability to influence other people in a way that benefits them.

In the Church, I am not trying to find more leaders. I am trying to identify those who are already leaders and use their influence for the kingdom of God.