Last weekend, February 1-3, I was privileged to speak at the Tennessee Valley Women’s Retreat. Spending quality time with 250 teachable and joyful women was deeply encouraging. Their passion for the Lord and their children and grandchildren spoke volumes to me.
I started the retreat by saying that “followership” may be more important than leadership. Do you agree? I’d love to know what you think. For YOU, is followership important? Is there value in knowing who you’re following and how to follow well?
Based on my time with these 250 precious women, I believe people can follow them with confidence. They know who they’re following and that makes all the difference.
From Fort Worth,
Dr. Kathy
February 6, 2008 at 6:36 am
Hmmm. I think followership speaks to teachability – those who are teachable. I had a fairly major discipline issue recently with one of my students. While speaking to his teacher, she remarked that she was not concerned because he was a bright student, and he would be alright in life. I gently disagreed with her and said, “actually, I am hugely concerned because what we are really talking about here is his refusal to be teachable. This is an ongoing pattern and needs to be dealt with. It is vital that we are teachable as adults and it is essential that we teach our children to be so as well.”
Followership is not a weak thing. It takes great strength to die to oneself and allow oneself to be lead. Good topic to teach on Kathy.
Sarah
February 18, 2008 at 9:21 am
Your leading at TVWR in AL made followership easy! You’re right that most who attend that women’s retreat are already interested in following the Christ, but that doesn’t mean that we do it easily and or as constantly as we intend. Messages such as the ones you offered us get us back on track or help stay the course. It becomes a task to keep from following ways that seem almost right without reminders of Whom we are to follow and honor.
Thank you for your leadership twice at our retreat; I was privileged to participate both times.
Barbara