Leading With Authenticity Is Better Than Leading With Authority
We had only lived in New York for a few weeks when we ventured to our first Long Island pizzeria. The guy behind the counter asked Jenna for her order. Jenna innocently asked, “Do y’all have just plain cheese pizza?”
Without missing a beat, the guy said, “First, we don’t say y’all. Second, it’s called a regular.”
I don’t think Jenna has said “y’all” or “plain cheese” since then.
In all seriousness, I’ve come to love and appreciate the sincerity, honesty, and bluntness of New Yorkers. I’ve also come to realize that people need and appreciate authenticity from their pastor. The adage rings true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
When it comes to talking about the Gospel, the question is not always whether it is true, biblical, or accurate. Many times, the questions revolve around this: What do the teachings, promises, and principles of following Jesus look like in real life?
People aren’t just wondering what the Bible says—they’re wondering what it looks like when it’s lived out in real time, by real people, with real struggles.
I’ve learned that it’s often easier to make emphatic statements with “thus saith the Lord” authority than to vulnerably lead with authenticity. There have been many moments when I needed to be transparent and real—when I wanted to pretend I had all the answers, but I didn’t. I don’t have all the answers.
Jana Jenkins, a founding member of Crossroads, once shared in our small group that God had revealed something to her:
"God cannot have a relationship with the person you pretend to be, but He can have a relationship with you.
I’ll never forget that sentence.
It’s not like my intent is ever to be a fraud. It’s not that I’m trying to deceive anyone or pretend to be someone I’m not. But I’ve come to understand that when I struggle—and I do—it’s better to admit it. Pretending to have it all together helps no one. Acting like I’ve graduated from my need for grace helps no one.
Leading with authenticity is better than leading with authority.
We can confess our greatest need even as we proclaim the truth that Jesus has met our greatest need.
-sterling
"Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.
For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
