There is an adage among public officials and church leaders (our pastors have described similar experiences in their own family): being a leader is like living in a fishbowl, where passers-by gawk at you and tap on the glass as if you were on exhibit. Ask any preacher’s kid or missionary family, and I’d bet you an ice-cold Diet Dr Pepper that they’d nod in agreement.

Aren’t leaders supposed to set a good example for others to follow? Certainly. The book of Hebrews encourages us to “consider the outcome of [our leaders’] way of life and imitate their faith” (13:7b). There’s a reason the cliché is “in the public eye.” Leaders in the church should be trustworthy people of integrity, folks who lead by example and don’t make fools of themselves (or the gospel). The problems begin, however, when we elevate our leaders on a pedestal so high that it becomes wobbly, and it is difficult to keep from crashing down. Being a leader can be like reality TV: every flaw, every faux-pas, every failure is grounds for criticism.

On the same token, if we envision leaders as some breed of Super-Christians, then how can any of us fill the role? Isn’t it just an excuse to claim that we don’t measure up, when really we simply aren’t willing to step up?

Have we forgotten that the apostles were ordinary guys? With the possible exceptions of Luke the physician, who was the equivalent of upper-middle class, and Matthew the tax collector, who might have been considered upper-class, most of the disciples were working-class fisherman, untrained in the synagogue beyond an elementary level. In other words, they were just like you and me.

Do you get that? Leadership isn’t limited to the elite, the well educated, the wealthy or the innately brave. The people Jesus called to follow him and perform miraculous wonders in his name (They raised the dead, y’all!!) were just average people who stepped out in faith and let God use them. How can we not be willing to do likewise?