A Chance to Die
The Scandal of Leadership by J.R. Woodward merges the works of three primary thinkers, among others. The first is Walter Wink and The Powers That Be and Unmasking the Powers, which discuss the theology of the principalities and powers of the world in which we live. Rene Girard’s book Mimetic Theory deals with mimetic desire and how that plays out in relationships throughout human history. Finally, various writings by William Stringfellow who wrote a lot about church leadership. [1] Woodward weaves these viewpoints and his own into a type of conversation throughout this well-researched book to give readers an alternate leadership style in the church. [2]
Principalities and Powers
The book talks about the principalities and powers mentioned in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, and is not afraid to apply these forces to their effect on leadership. [3] 1 Peter 5:8 states that your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [4] Ephesians 6:12 explains that our struggle “is not flesh and blood but against rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” [5] Woodward writes, “The all-pervasiveness of the Powers should stimulate us, as missional leaders, to be cognizant of all the forces at work against us, and it should motivate our need to develop a spirituality in Christ, through the power of the Spirit.” [6]
Memetics vs. Mimetics
Woodward also discusses Rene Gerard’s theory of mimetic rivalry and mimetic desire and how these rivalries have led to complete catastrophes for some churches. [7] Mimetic theory was a new concept to me in this book, so I did a little follow-up reading on it. Memetic with an ‘e’ is a positive thing – imitating ideas, behaviors, and styles. [8] Mimetic with an ‘i’ is primarily negative as it leads to rivalry and eventually to scapegoating. [9]
A Great Fall
The author is not afraid to discuss how leaders have fallen in recent history. An example was given of Mark Driscoll. He was the pastor of Mars Hill in Seattle. He had no church background or seminary training but decided to start a church for guys like himself. [10] Over the years, the church became phenomenally successful, with 15,000 members. However, he ruled it with an authoritarian style. He wasn’t accountable to any denomination, and there wasn’t a hierarchy to hold him accountable. He could fire people at will, even the elders. [11] Mark Driscoll is quoted as saying, “There is a pile of dead bodies behind the Mars Hill bus. By God’s grace, it’ll be a mountain by the time we’re done. Either get on the bus, or you get run over by the bus. Those are the options. But the bus ain’t gonna stop.” [12] His story is a sad one, really. But it is not the only one like that out there. There are so many just like that. His was simply well-publicized.
Imitating Christ
In the end, Woodward proposes an alternate vision for the church and church leadership… the scandal of imitating Christ. I love that! He says the opposite of emptying ourselves is being full of ourselves. [13] Exalting ourselves above others in a way that is often based on ascribed or achieved status. Woodward talks about emptying ourselves and dying daily. [14] One of my favorite authors was Elisabeth Elliot. She wrote a missionary biography of Amy Carmichael entitled A Chance to Die many years ago. The premise of this book and summary of Amy’s life story was to see in every day, every little time the “I” rises up within you – “I did that,” “I deserve credit for that,” and so on… see in that instance a chance to die to self and to live for Christ. Because dying to self is a daily occurrence. [15] The book made such an enormous impact on me that I asked a student who was good at woodworking to create for me a tiny little wooden box to keep on my desk. It is my little coffin. Inside, I have written, “See in this thing a chance to die.”
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[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Woodward, J. R. The Scandal of Leadership: Unmasking the Powers of Domination in the Church. Cody, Wyoming: 100 Movements Publishing, an imprint of Movement Leaders Collective, 2023, p.264.
[14] Ibid, p266.
About the Author
Tonette Kellett
Missionary, teacher, Bible student, traveler ... Having lived in Kenya and Korea, I now live in Mississippi and work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.10 responses to “A Chance to Die”
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Hi Tonette,
In light of the idea of ‘dying to self’ as portrayed in Elisabeth Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael, how do you personally reconcile the need for strong, decisive leadership with the call to humility and self-sacrifice, especially in a culture that often values assertiveness and visible success? Or do we even need strong decisive leadership?
Daron,
Thank you for your question… That’s a great one, and I may not have a perfect answer for you. However, I will give it a shot. I think there is certainly a time to be strong and decisive as a leader, yes. But the world’s idea of this and God’s perfect idea of this are probably two strikingly different things. We can all think of strong, decisive leaders that come across wrong and could use a dose of humility – some need bigger doses of it than others! I’m of the opinion that just because our society is screaming at us – this is what we need… it’s not always what we need.
The call to die to oneself is often the call to live in opposition to the ego (rational mind). How do you balance the need to make wise, rational decisions as a leader with the call to sacrifice one’s self for the sake of another?
Laura,
Thank you for your question. My little box is simply a reminder to see in little things that pop up in every day life – and we all have them – to die to self. For example, taking credit for something I did when it comes up in a meeting – the “I” inside me wants to say aloud, I did that, “I” worked on that, “I” should get the credit for that. Instead, being silent and choosing to die to self. It’s a very small thing, but a way to daily die to self.
Tonette,
I loved Amy Carmichael’s book A Chance to Die. I think you and I had some similar spiritual influences growing up!!
This is a precious disclosure:
“It is my little coffin”
I wonder how many prayers you have prayed….how many little deaths you have had…looking at your little coffin? There must be many. I am curious if your little coffin has brought thoughts of resurrection life as well?
I think it is wonderful that you would share this simple yet profound reminder with us all….practicing the death of Jesus and being reminded to do this with your little coffin in front of you.
Have your students asked you about this little coffin? I am curious what you tell them
Kristy,
I love that you are familiar with this book and Amy Carmichael also! Over the years, from time to time, a student will pick up the little box and ask about it. It depends on how I’m feeling when they ask, as to how I respond. Sometimes with humor, sometimes in all seriousness. It also depends on whether or not I know if they have a relationship with Jesus. Most of them do not go to church.
Tonette,
Dying to self is an everyday, sometimes moment by moment decisions we have to make to follow Christ. What is it about so many pastors today that seemingly keeps them from doing this? I understand the Powers but they also have the WORD.
Audrey,
It’s not just pastors that struggle with this, but believers in general. It’s a concept that is not taught from the pulpit very often, sadly.
Tonette, thank you for sharing. I appreciate the analysis of memetic verses mimetic. Dying daily is not easy to do, is it. I love that you have a reminder, something that you see often to remind you of this.
Becca,
Thank you for your comment on my post. If I were in my classroom tonight writing this, I would take a photo of the old, worn-out little box and add it to this post.