Last week during the Wednesday night class on Christian Leadership, Marshall Zoerner brought up a critical point about the task of leadership.  This point is simple, yet profound: good leaders not only perform needed tasks and get others involved but they also equip others to lead.    During the discussion I remembered a painting by the famous American painter, Henry O. Tanner, called the Banjo Lesson.    The painting depicts an older gentleman, clearly an accomplished player, teaching a young boy how to play the banjo, itself an act of equipping. 

I’m not much of an art critic, but two things jump out at me from this painting that seem to be relevant to the topic of equipping others.  For one thing, it is clear from the background of the painting that the banjo player is not wealthy and does not have much by way of material possessions.  He won’t be leaving thousands of dollars to his heirs in his will, but, he is wealthy in the realm of music and can pass along to this boy the ability to play.  We must never forget that God has entrusted each of us with skills, experiences, and abilities in areas that matter for the church.  Money is necessary, but music makes life rich in other ways.  In the same way, some of the more public gifts often get the most press, but the other abilities and gifts possessed by average members of the body are also extremely valuable and need to be entrusted to others.   What is the talent or ability you need to pass along?

The second thing I notice is that the banjo player surrounds the boy, drawing him near and guiding his hands to the right place on the instrument.  He provides just the right amount of stability while allowing his pupil to take some of the weight as he grows in his playing ability.   Related to this is the obvious care and attention the teacher gives to his student.  He is not distracted by other things in the room or by noises in the background.  Instead he gives his undivided attention to this young man.   We too, as equipping leaders, will walk alongside others has they learn to lead.  As Marshall pointed out, many leaders in training just need another person there with them as they grow in their abilities, someone who will take the time and energy to help them grow.  Who are we walking alongside right now as he or she learns to serve or lead?     DTW