If you grew up watching MJ or have watched "The Last Dance," one thing you'll notice quite quickly is that MJ appears invincible. He just didn't seem to have any weaknesses. On the basketball court, he was Superman, Batman, and all the superheroes combined. But in reality, we know that leaders have weaknesses too. And the best leaders are aware of those weaknesses. However, they often find themselves in spaces where they cannot share those vulnerabilities openly. Without the right skills, trusted confidants and resources, unhealthy coping skills can develop - leaving them anywhere from ineffective to even destructive in their leadership. Some leaders become closed off, introverted, or top-down. Some lead from insecurity. Some have a pressing need to be significant. No matter how our weaknesses begin to surface, a lack of an understanding of what I would call a "Shepherd and Sheep Culture" can be partially to blame. It's crucial to build a culture that is shepherding to both the leader and the sheep. 

Building a healthy Shepherd and Sheep culture begins with the leader. The first step requires that a leader has an accurate grasp of who they are - their strengths as well as their weaknesses. They need to know what they are good at and not be threatened by others' giftings. Celebrate the array of gifts in the body of Christ! They put others in the right position and share the spotlight because they understand this is what's best for the body and for themselves. If they are not visionary, then they don't need to be the visionary leader. If they are not great at preaching, maybe they shouldn't be the main preacher but instead, find someone else to preach. 

There are too many leaders in positions of leadership that shouldn't be in charge. There are too many lead pastors that do not need to be lead pastors. A lack of self-awareness or even giftedness can take leaders to places their character is not ready for. Good leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses and take the crucial steps to find wise counsel and care for themselves - even as they provide that same counsel and care to their flock. 

Second, leaders need discernment to build a healthy culture. You have to be selective about who to bring on board. You also need discernment to walk that line of being vulnerable, but not too vulnerable. Giving out too much information too quickly can hurt a leader more than help. Just like in dating, you don't let all your bones out of the closet on the first date because you will probably scare the person off. You wait for the right time when you both know where the relationship is going. Jesus was very selective with his disciples. He didn't even call his disciples "friends" until three years into their relationship, and on the night he was captured. (John 15:15) This doesn't tell us to be secretive -  Jesus spent the last 3 years of his life and shared intimate spaces with these guys. But, he didn't put his heart out on a sleeve too quickly either. 

Now, even with doing it right - Jesus' way, taking your time, and using discernment to build a culture - leaders are still prone to get hurt. We all know the story of Judas Iscariot. However, if the leader is confident in who they are and who's they are, they will be able to weather the storm of being hurt by others because their approval is solely in Christ's finished work. Building the right culture begins with the leader resting their identity in Christ, knowing their weaknesses and strengths, and finding trusted people to share the journey.