February 26thUnapologetically Human Leadership
- by Norm Dyck
Several years ago Kruger used a catchy tune from Rag’n’Bone Man to remind us that we are only human after all. You can watch the commercial on YouTube.
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul invites us to consider that as followers of Jesus, we can embrace our humanity while cultivating a culture that encourages and raises up others. Paul reminds us that we are "jars of clay," vessels that carry God's power despite our human frailty. Our ability to lead well is not in our own strength, but in God's surpassing power working through us. How might we embrace unapologetically human leadership?
The Power of Imitation 
The transition from discipleship to leadership takes place when we acknowledge that others will imitate the example we live out before them. Parents see this most strikingly when our children imitate our behaviours – even the ones we wish they hadn’t seen! Jesus modeled leadership through imitation by living life alongside His disciples. Leadership is more than instruction—it is embodied in apprenticeship and immersion. I am reminded of this when I think of my friend Daryl, a mentor who invested in me by simply including me in his daily rhythms.
Take a moment to reflect:
- Who has invested in you?
- Who has walked alongside you, modeling what it means to follow Jesus? Did they let you see their humanity?
- If others imitated your leadership, what kind of culture would be multiplied?
Paul writes, "For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). Leadership is not about promoting ourselves but pointing others to Jesus through our example.
The Courage to Grow
Leadership is also a continuous learning process. Openness to feedback, accountability, and the willingness to "fail forward" are all hallmarks of leadership that recognizes that my human frailty is part of who I am. I think of Kevin, a close friend and fellow leader with whom I meet monthly in a space of mutual accountability, encouragement, and a place to process challenges honestly.
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Questions for Reflection:
- Does your leadership encourage a space where disciples can “fail forward” – learning through the challenges of everyday?
- How do you intentionally invite spaces of reflection and accountability in your own leadership?
- Do you have relationships of trust that are able to challenge and sharpen you?
- Do you celebrate small steps of obedience, or only large successes?
The Goal of Multiplication
The ultimate goal of leadership is multiplication—disciples who make disciples. A true leader is not a superstar but a multiplier, someone who empowers others to step into their God-given potential. Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). True leadership is not about our own abilities but about allowing God to work through us to impact others.
Brittney, a young leader in Toronto, exemplified this for me. As I visited her growing ministry among refugee claimants, every youth I encountered volunteered a story of the way Brittney had invested in their lives and encouraged them to lean into the leadership gifts God had placed within them. This is the essence of discipleship: a self-generating movement, not dependent on a few individuals, but growing organically as we multiply our leadership into the lives of others.
Questions for Reflection:
- How are you making space for emerging leaders to step up?
- Are those you lead discovering their personal vision and calling?
- Are you investing in leaders who will multiply, or simply manage tasks?
Leadership is not Static
Leadership is not static; it evolves. The key is to remain intentional, reflective, and committed to the process.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
May we lead unapologetically human—imperfect lives, fully surrendered to the One who calls us. Amen.
- Norm Dyck, former MCEC Mission Minister