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The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership
Reexamining the Nature of Leadership and "Followership" in Light of Biblical Teaching The market is flooded with books, conferences, and workshops on how to be a better leader. In most companies, leaders are noticed and applauded while followers are often viewed as weak and passive. However, Scripture tells us a different story; although leadership is valued and respected, being obedient followers of Christ is at the very heart of faith. In The Call to Follow , Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung teach readers that “followership” is essential to both organizational and spiritual flourishing. They argue that followership requires the development of specific skills and virtues modeled and extolled throughout Scripture. They point to examples of people from the Bible and church history who focused on following in the footsteps of their Savior rather than positions of leadership among others. This helpful book seeks to dismantle the idol of leadership that’s so prevalent in our culture and points us instead to the biblical concept of followership.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
14 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Richard Langer
6 booksRichard Langer (PhD, University of California, Riverside) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and director of the Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He is an ordained minister with over twenty years of pastoral experience and a coauthor of Winsome Persuasion and Winsome Conviction. He and his wife, Shari, are members at Fullerton Free Church in Fullerton, California.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and its call to challenge your thoughts on followership and leadership. Not everyone will be called into positions of leadership, but everyone who claims to follow Jesus is first and foremost a follower. So, how do we follow well? (Great question, read this book to find out!!) I’d highly recommend this for all Christians and would love to read it again with someone else to talk through the study guide that’s provided at the end :)
June 9, 2023
4.5 - really enjoyed this book and love how it reminds of the ultimate calling of a Christian as a follower first.
September 19, 2022
There are many resources on leadership. From seminars by well-known leaders to books written by famous authors, stuff on leadership continues to be highly sought after. In many societies, aspiring to positions of leadership is a badge of honor. Many schools even have special curricula to teach leadership. Training leaders is now a multibillion-dollar industry. In contrast, not much is talked about or taught with regard to the call to follow. Jesus clearly said: "Follow Me." It is a call to discipleship. For authors Richard Langer and Joanne Jung, this is a tough call. Tough because followship cannot hold a candle to the topic of leadership. Many people prefer to lead but few want to follow. Truth is, few are called to lead but we are all called to follow. Langer and Jung back this up with multiple statistics. When they search Amazon to find our books about leadership, the results outnumber followship on a ratio of 400:1. Even those books that teach us the importance of following eventually become another resource about leadership. The authors want this book to speak to all of us, regardless of whether we are in or not in any position of leadership. They then lead us through the steps to obey our calling to follow, more specifically, to follow after Jesus. In Chapter One, the authors call us to distinguish between helpful and harmful teachings of leadership, before turning to the topic of what it means to follow. They define followship as "we follow Christ (deference) through the power of the Spirit and with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (engagement and zeal) in order to glorify God and build his kingdom (mission ownership)." They help remove layers of myths regarding the call to follow. Comparing "followship stereotype" and "biblical followship," they help set the stage for us to boldly walk the path of discipleship and followship. They point out the significance of followship that should not be undermined. They help us with reasons to learn more about followship.
- Good followers facilitate good leadership;
- Followship needs to be cultivated and taught;
- Both leaders and followers are accountable for the health of any organization;
- Fight temptations toward seductiveness of power;
- Faithful following is not necessarily inferior to leadership;
- A high view of Membership;
- Following God in the ordinary.
The authors show us how to use "soul rhythms" to observe the practices of ordinary faithfulness.
My Thoughts
===============
A book on followship? Do we really need to learn how to follow? The book affirms the critical role of learning how to be good followers. This is even more important in a culture infatuated with leadership. In fact, a community of healthy followers will aid the accountability of leaders. When a leader of any organization falls, that does not necessarily mean everybody else is innocent. Due diligence applies not only to leaders but also followers. This and several other thoughts come to mind as I read this book. For anyone who asks me whether they should read this book, I would offer at least three reasons.
First, it is a timely pushback against a culture that glorifies leadership. I am not saying that leadership is not important. What I am saying is that it unwittingly undermines the importance of faithful fellowship. If there are no followers, what good is a leader? Leadership then would be meaningless. Granted that there is a need for good people to lead. However, more often than not, there are many more equally if not more qualified people who never wanted to be leaders in the first place. That said, perhaps learning how to follow is an important training ground to enable the functioning of any organization. If this book could inspire people to take their ordinary memberships seriously, that would have been worth the price of the book.
Secondly, I agree with the authors that followship needs to be taught and learned. There is a tendency for many people to take ordinary membership or anything ordinary for granted. The Bible's teachings are clear. In whatever we do, we ought to do it all for the glory of God. That means character and integrity matters are not limited just to leaders. All who pledge allegiance to Christ need to exhibit exemplary Christlike behaviour. Langer and Jung have helped us to do just that. By shining a light away from leadership focus, we start to observe ordinary life with a greater level of seriousness. By saying that following is essentially relational, we move away from distant concepts to personal connections. I remember Eugene Peterson saying that "Christian Spirituality is about learning to observe the ordinary." With this book, we have a renewed sense of importance that ordinary things should not be taken for granted.
Finally, faithfulness is a key feature of any discipleship. The Bible also teaches us that much is given, much is also expected. While leaders are expected to stand up to the toughest scrutiny, that does not mean the rest of us do not have to abide by the standards of biblical conduct. Regardless of our position in any society, faithfulness is a given. It is not restricted only to those in the upper echelons of leadership. Faithfulness means keeping our eye on God. It means recognizing that God sees us all the same, as people who need God's grace. The authors give us several ways to do just that, the chief way is to know the Word of God and to practice it in humility and truth. We all need to do that, not only leaders.
This is a powerful book about ordinary discipleship. If Christian leadership is about leading people to know, practice, and honour the will of God, then followship is about holding our leaders accountable to that call, by knowing, practicing and honouring God in our lives. Leaders are accountable. The rest of us are also accountable to God Himself.
Richard Langer (PhD, University of California, Riverside) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and director of the Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He is an ordained minister with over twenty years of pastoral experience and a coauthor of Winsome Persuasion and Winsome Conviction. He and his wife, Shari, are members at Fullerton Free Church in Fullerton, California.
Joanne J. Jung (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and the associate dean of online education and faculty development at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. She is the author of Knowing Grace; Character Formation in Online Education; and The Lost Discipline of Conversation. She and her husband, Norman, attend Harvest Community Church in Irvine, California.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
- Good followers facilitate good leadership;
- Followship needs to be cultivated and taught;
- Both leaders and followers are accountable for the health of any organization;
- Fight temptations toward seductiveness of power;
- Faithful following is not necessarily inferior to leadership;
- A high view of Membership;
- Following God in the ordinary.
The authors show us how to use "soul rhythms" to observe the practices of ordinary faithfulness.
My Thoughts
===============
A book on followship? Do we really need to learn how to follow? The book affirms the critical role of learning how to be good followers. This is even more important in a culture infatuated with leadership. In fact, a community of healthy followers will aid the accountability of leaders. When a leader of any organization falls, that does not necessarily mean everybody else is innocent. Due diligence applies not only to leaders but also followers. This and several other thoughts come to mind as I read this book. For anyone who asks me whether they should read this book, I would offer at least three reasons.
First, it is a timely pushback against a culture that glorifies leadership. I am not saying that leadership is not important. What I am saying is that it unwittingly undermines the importance of faithful fellowship. If there are no followers, what good is a leader? Leadership then would be meaningless. Granted that there is a need for good people to lead. However, more often than not, there are many more equally if not more qualified people who never wanted to be leaders in the first place. That said, perhaps learning how to follow is an important training ground to enable the functioning of any organization. If this book could inspire people to take their ordinary memberships seriously, that would have been worth the price of the book.
Secondly, I agree with the authors that followship needs to be taught and learned. There is a tendency for many people to take ordinary membership or anything ordinary for granted. The Bible's teachings are clear. In whatever we do, we ought to do it all for the glory of God. That means character and integrity matters are not limited just to leaders. All who pledge allegiance to Christ need to exhibit exemplary Christlike behaviour. Langer and Jung have helped us to do just that. By shining a light away from leadership focus, we start to observe ordinary life with a greater level of seriousness. By saying that following is essentially relational, we move away from distant concepts to personal connections. I remember Eugene Peterson saying that "Christian Spirituality is about learning to observe the ordinary." With this book, we have a renewed sense of importance that ordinary things should not be taken for granted.
Finally, faithfulness is a key feature of any discipleship. The Bible also teaches us that much is given, much is also expected. While leaders are expected to stand up to the toughest scrutiny, that does not mean the rest of us do not have to abide by the standards of biblical conduct. Regardless of our position in any society, faithfulness is a given. It is not restricted only to those in the upper echelons of leadership. Faithfulness means keeping our eye on God. It means recognizing that God sees us all the same, as people who need God's grace. The authors give us several ways to do just that, the chief way is to know the Word of God and to practice it in humility and truth. We all need to do that, not only leaders.
This is a powerful book about ordinary discipleship. If Christian leadership is about leading people to know, practice, and honour the will of God, then followship is about holding our leaders accountable to that call, by knowing, practicing and honouring God in our lives. Leaders are accountable. The rest of us are also accountable to God Himself.
Richard Langer (PhD, University of California, Riverside) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and director of the Office for the Integration of Faith and Learning at Biola University. He is an ordained minister with over twenty years of pastoral experience and a coauthor of Winsome Persuasion and Winsome Conviction. He and his wife, Shari, are members at Fullerton Free Church in Fullerton, California.
Joanne J. Jung (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and the associate dean of online education and faculty development at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. She is the author of Knowing Grace; Character Formation in Online Education; and The Lost Discipline of Conversation. She and her husband, Norman, attend Harvest Community Church in Irvine, California.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Crossway Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
September 3, 2022
I recently enjoyed the new Katelyn Beaty book
Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church
, and The Call to Follow immediately appealed to me as a related read. Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung approach similar issues from a different angle, arguing that overemphasizing leadership itself contributes to problems in churches and organizations. Both celebrity and low-profile leaders leave destruction in their wake when they fail to lead well, and Langer and Jung show that a weak understanding of following is part of the problem. People respond to failures in leadership by creating even more leadership books, seminars, and workshops, but this still only focuses on the person at the top of the organizational structure.
These authors push back against the ways that people tend to idolize leadership, equating it with success and value while looking down on followers as failures who can't think for themselves. They explore the Bible's perspective on following, and also support their thesis through social science research. They emphasize that even though some people follow leaders blindly, churches and organizations depend on faithful, committed workers who are willing to carry out their mission without calling the shots or being the center of attention. They clearly explain why following is important, where and how it can go wrong, and what people can do to cultivate positive cultures of followership in their organizations. They also share encouraging real-world examples of healthy followers who have enhanced their organization's vision, challenged error, and fulfilled their missions.
The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership is a must-read for leaders and followers, and even though it specifically focuses on Jesus's teachings and Christian discipleship, some non-Christian readers may also be interested in this because of its unique take on an important topic. This book offers a much-needed paradigm shift and practical encouragement, and its points are relevant in church, nonprofit, and corporate contexts. I found the ideas in this book useful for considering my job at the library, not just my membership at church, and I appreciate how broad-ranging the book's applications are. I highly recommend this as a thoughtful, incisive read.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
These authors push back against the ways that people tend to idolize leadership, equating it with success and value while looking down on followers as failures who can't think for themselves. They explore the Bible's perspective on following, and also support their thesis through social science research. They emphasize that even though some people follow leaders blindly, churches and organizations depend on faithful, committed workers who are willing to carry out their mission without calling the shots or being the center of attention. They clearly explain why following is important, where and how it can go wrong, and what people can do to cultivate positive cultures of followership in their organizations. They also share encouraging real-world examples of healthy followers who have enhanced their organization's vision, challenged error, and fulfilled their missions.
The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership is a must-read for leaders and followers, and even though it specifically focuses on Jesus's teachings and Christian discipleship, some non-Christian readers may also be interested in this because of its unique take on an important topic. This book offers a much-needed paradigm shift and practical encouragement, and its points are relevant in church, nonprofit, and corporate contexts. I found the ideas in this book useful for considering my job at the library, not just my membership at church, and I appreciate how broad-ranging the book's applications are. I highly recommend this as a thoughtful, incisive read.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2022
I’ve read many a leadership book in my time (and indeed have become a certified John Maxwell trainer on the topic), and this was a welcome addition and foil to the scads of books out there—both Maxwell’s and otherwise. Our first and foremost responsibility as Christians is to follow Christ.
The book read a bit dry/academic for my taste (and all the topical books I’ve read probably didn’t help that, lol), but I sure appreciate its message and timeliness all the same. I hope it paves the way for more like it, as we absolutely need more in this vein.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The book read a bit dry/academic for my taste (and all the topical books I’ve read probably didn’t help that, lol), but I sure appreciate its message and timeliness all the same. I hope it paves the way for more like it, as we absolutely need more in this vein.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
“…still I will follow.” Great book on what it means to follow, how following is vital to our personal walk with Christ and the Church as a whole, and how following helps bring us closer to the heart of God.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
January 20, 2023
3.5 stars
August 10, 2022
In ministry it's easy to get caught up in leadership and we forget is that to lead is first to follow.
Whether in your workplace or local church our first calling is to follow our Savior. Jesus' invitation to a couple of fishermen was "follow me" and Peter reminds us, "for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Pet 2:21).
But there aren't a whole lot of books on what it means to be a follower. So today we take a look at this new book, The Call to Follow:Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership by Richard Langer & Joanne Jung
In the first chapter they highlight the importance of leadership. We need people leading ministries who are growing in maturity and equipped to serve, but they remind us that accepting leadership tasks is one way the growth happens. While placing value on leaders, they emphasize that followership is just as important.
The second chapter describes followership with the aspects of deference, engagement and zeal, and mission ownership. They share some ways we misunderstand what it means, when we're too focused on leaders, if we consider following a less worthy goal, or that followers don't need training - that was an interesting thought. They write, "what is learned as a follower informs, maintains, and sustains good leadership" and that, "these qualities are best viewed as essential outcomes of Christian formation - they are the fruit of practicing spiritual disciplines or soul rhythms."
Chapter 3 reminds us about the person and work of Christ. He frequently modelled leadership characteristics, but he was also a devout follower of the Father and submissive to authority.
In chapter 4, they discuss divisiveness and leadership failures, but they ask the provocative question whether leaders are entirely to blame. They write, "we often assume that bad leaders lead good people astray. When church and country lose their way, it is because bad leaders fooled or corrupted good followers. No doubt this happens at times. It is, however, extremely misguided to assume that the quality of followers plays no role in the quality of the leaders over them."
That's an interesting thought to sit on.
We are prone to blaming others for circumstances because then we no longer have to take ownership. Maybe because we're not sure how to be good followers. So they take some time articulating good principles for followers to practice within their communities.
Next we take a look at some historical examples of strong leaders who had strong followers and what they all had in common, leading us to the next chapter with teaching us what it means to follow Christ in the midst of an ordinary life.
This is what it sounds like:
"Though no one watches, still I will follow"
"Though no one trains me , still I will follow"
"Though others wander, still I will follow"
"Though no one praises me, still I will follow"
In chapter 7, they remind us about the soul rhythms of faithful followers. Cultivating these habits isn't a new message for the church, but since they can be difficult to implement, they bear repeating and encouraging.
Lastly, they discuss the rewards of following. They write, "though God calls us to follow him, and genuine following involves genuine sacrifice, such sacrifices do not go unrewarded." It's an encouragement for us to consider that yes faithful followership can be hard, growing in our soul rhythms and in our confidence as an ordinary person in the pews, but this is where the community begins to grow, on a personal level that spills out of us as we glorify God and act with good toward others.
Following isn't for the faint of heart. But it's what we signed up for when we counted the cost to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus. To keep learning from Him and bringing renown to HIs name by becoming strong followers, delighting in Him, that He would continue to do His kingdom work through the church.
If you've never read a book on being a follower, this is the one. If you're in leadership, it will help you consider your first calling as a follower and how that plays out in your life and the life of your followers.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 224
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
My Rating: 4 stars
*Thanks to Netgalley and Crossway for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
Whether in your workplace or local church our first calling is to follow our Savior. Jesus' invitation to a couple of fishermen was "follow me" and Peter reminds us, "for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps" (1 Pet 2:21).
But there aren't a whole lot of books on what it means to be a follower. So today we take a look at this new book, The Call to Follow:Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership by Richard Langer & Joanne Jung
In the first chapter they highlight the importance of leadership. We need people leading ministries who are growing in maturity and equipped to serve, but they remind us that accepting leadership tasks is one way the growth happens. While placing value on leaders, they emphasize that followership is just as important.
The second chapter describes followership with the aspects of deference, engagement and zeal, and mission ownership. They share some ways we misunderstand what it means, when we're too focused on leaders, if we consider following a less worthy goal, or that followers don't need training - that was an interesting thought. They write, "what is learned as a follower informs, maintains, and sustains good leadership" and that, "these qualities are best viewed as essential outcomes of Christian formation - they are the fruit of practicing spiritual disciplines or soul rhythms."
Chapter 3 reminds us about the person and work of Christ. He frequently modelled leadership characteristics, but he was also a devout follower of the Father and submissive to authority.
In chapter 4, they discuss divisiveness and leadership failures, but they ask the provocative question whether leaders are entirely to blame. They write, "we often assume that bad leaders lead good people astray. When church and country lose their way, it is because bad leaders fooled or corrupted good followers. No doubt this happens at times. It is, however, extremely misguided to assume that the quality of followers plays no role in the quality of the leaders over them."
That's an interesting thought to sit on.
We are prone to blaming others for circumstances because then we no longer have to take ownership. Maybe because we're not sure how to be good followers. So they take some time articulating good principles for followers to practice within their communities.
Next we take a look at some historical examples of strong leaders who had strong followers and what they all had in common, leading us to the next chapter with teaching us what it means to follow Christ in the midst of an ordinary life.
This is what it sounds like:
"Though no one watches, still I will follow"
"Though no one trains me , still I will follow"
"Though others wander, still I will follow"
"Though no one praises me, still I will follow"
In chapter 7, they remind us about the soul rhythms of faithful followers. Cultivating these habits isn't a new message for the church, but since they can be difficult to implement, they bear repeating and encouraging.
Lastly, they discuss the rewards of following. They write, "though God calls us to follow him, and genuine following involves genuine sacrifice, such sacrifices do not go unrewarded." It's an encouragement for us to consider that yes faithful followership can be hard, growing in our soul rhythms and in our confidence as an ordinary person in the pews, but this is where the community begins to grow, on a personal level that spills out of us as we glorify God and act with good toward others.
Following isn't for the faint of heart. But it's what we signed up for when we counted the cost to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus. To keep learning from Him and bringing renown to HIs name by becoming strong followers, delighting in Him, that He would continue to do His kingdom work through the church.
If you've never read a book on being a follower, this is the one. If you're in leadership, it will help you consider your first calling as a follower and how that plays out in your life and the life of your followers.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 224
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
My Rating: 4 stars
*Thanks to Netgalley and Crossway for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
January 16, 2023
Is being a follower something to frown upon? In The Call to Follow, Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung give help on hearing Jesus in a culture obsessed with leadership.
Faithful Followers of Jesus
In a little bit over 200 pages, this book defends and champions followership in the Christian life. Langer and Jung say that we follow Christ (deference) through the power of the Spirit and with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (engagement and zeal) in order to glorify God and build his kingdom (mission ownership). They tackle the lies we have all learned to believe about leadership and give examples of biblical teachings on followership. “We need to cultivate a vision of followership that demands the very best of our gifts and abilities yet at the same time includes real respect and deference to our leaders.”
I was most interested to see Langer and Jung showcase faithful followers of Jesus. They look at Gordon and Mary Cosby, who founded The Church of the Saviour in 1947 in Washington, D. C. They emphasized the importance of following Jesus in these ways: (1) Having a high view of the Christian call to diciscpleship, (2) holding a high view of church membership, and (3) having a high view of the Spirit’s ability to deploy ordinary people for ministry. This encouraged me to continue serving God in my local church context, laying down my desires for recognition at the cross.
A High and Honorable Calling
Chapter 6 studies various parables from Jesus in regards to following. It is clear that Jesus demands much from his followers — to simply be a follower of Christ is a high and honorable calling in itself. To be a faithful follower, you need courage, commitment, and competence. Followers must be compelled to serve and ready to give an account for their stewardship.
Reading the Bible, listening to God, humility, and prayer are “soul rhythms” for faithful following. I was most surprised to see hospitality listed as a practice for faithful following — but it makes sense as Christ commands us to extend his grace in cultivating community. I am challenged to teach others about the important call to follow Christ well. And I am motivated to see myself and live out my life as a follower of Christ first and foremost.
I received a media copy of The Call to Follow and this is my honest review.
Faithful Followers of Jesus
In a little bit over 200 pages, this book defends and champions followership in the Christian life. Langer and Jung say that we follow Christ (deference) through the power of the Spirit and with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (engagement and zeal) in order to glorify God and build his kingdom (mission ownership). They tackle the lies we have all learned to believe about leadership and give examples of biblical teachings on followership. “We need to cultivate a vision of followership that demands the very best of our gifts and abilities yet at the same time includes real respect and deference to our leaders.”
I was most interested to see Langer and Jung showcase faithful followers of Jesus. They look at Gordon and Mary Cosby, who founded The Church of the Saviour in 1947 in Washington, D. C. They emphasized the importance of following Jesus in these ways: (1) Having a high view of the Christian call to diciscpleship, (2) holding a high view of church membership, and (3) having a high view of the Spirit’s ability to deploy ordinary people for ministry. This encouraged me to continue serving God in my local church context, laying down my desires for recognition at the cross.
A High and Honorable Calling
Chapter 6 studies various parables from Jesus in regards to following. It is clear that Jesus demands much from his followers — to simply be a follower of Christ is a high and honorable calling in itself. To be a faithful follower, you need courage, commitment, and competence. Followers must be compelled to serve and ready to give an account for their stewardship.
Reading the Bible, listening to God, humility, and prayer are “soul rhythms” for faithful following. I was most surprised to see hospitality listed as a practice for faithful following — but it makes sense as Christ commands us to extend his grace in cultivating community. I am challenged to teach others about the important call to follow Christ well. And I am motivated to see myself and live out my life as a follower of Christ first and foremost.
I received a media copy of The Call to Follow and this is my honest review.
November 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this. “Today’s culture says you must be a leader to be successful, but the Bible tells a different story. While Scripture teaches the importance of good, faithful leadership, it also emphasizes how being obedient followers of Christ is at the very heart of faith. . . . This helpful resource seeks to dismantle the idol of leadership that’s so prevalent in our culture and points instead to the biblical imperative of being a follower.”
Here are some of my favorite takeaways:
• We need to be careful not to equate leadership with spiritual maturity. A person who does not wish to pursue leadership in an organization or church shouldn’t be automatically labeled as immature or lacking. Some of the most spiritually mature people are content exactly where God has them.
• Good followership doesn’t only include deference, but requires zeal, engagement, and mission ownership. An engaged follower is not a people-pleaser who follows blindly or can be coerced helplessly.
• “Overall, the New Testament conceives of discipleship as a chain of followership much more than a chain of leadership.” The Apostle Paul does tell Christians to imitate him, but only as he faithfully imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
• “Both leaders and followers affect each other and both are responsible for the well-being of a community. It is disingenuous, deceitful, and dangerous to ignore the responsibility followers have for the failures of their leaders.” Followers make up the majority and play a critical role in keeping a church or organization on mission.
• Good followership requires readiness, self-management, competence, and personal moral judgment. A good follower doesn’t need to be micromanaged, and they are proactive in pursuing what is best for those they serve.
• As Christians, spiritual disciplines help us become more faithful followers. While we may be in leadership in some areas of life, we are intrinsically and forever followers of Jesus, and even our leadership is ultimately in submission to Him.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways:
• We need to be careful not to equate leadership with spiritual maturity. A person who does not wish to pursue leadership in an organization or church shouldn’t be automatically labeled as immature or lacking. Some of the most spiritually mature people are content exactly where God has them.
• Good followership doesn’t only include deference, but requires zeal, engagement, and mission ownership. An engaged follower is not a people-pleaser who follows blindly or can be coerced helplessly.
• “Overall, the New Testament conceives of discipleship as a chain of followership much more than a chain of leadership.” The Apostle Paul does tell Christians to imitate him, but only as he faithfully imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
• “Both leaders and followers affect each other and both are responsible for the well-being of a community. It is disingenuous, deceitful, and dangerous to ignore the responsibility followers have for the failures of their leaders.” Followers make up the majority and play a critical role in keeping a church or organization on mission.
• Good followership requires readiness, self-management, competence, and personal moral judgment. A good follower doesn’t need to be micromanaged, and they are proactive in pursuing what is best for those they serve.
• As Christians, spiritual disciplines help us become more faithful followers. While we may be in leadership in some areas of life, we are intrinsically and forever followers of Jesus, and even our leadership is ultimately in submission to Him.
February 8, 2024
A good refocus on being a good follower of Christ as well as submitting to your superiors. They point out that most people aren’t called to leadership and most of us are merely called to follow and submit. Be good employees, laypeople, and citizens. We can’t all be managers, pastors, or senators, or else there would be none. Part of being a good follower, is keeping your leaders accountable. Be Bereans and test everything to the truth of God’s word.
One criticism I had was that they pressed too hard against leadership. They were obviously arguing against “everyone ought to strive for an office of leadership” but it sometimes seemed like they were pressing against leadership in general. Their image of everyone following the follower in front of them as they follow Christ was good, but amusing that they double down on everyone just still following. There is a great deal of responsibility being the follower ahead of another follower and being their example of followership. Almost like you’re leading them to a fuller following of Christ. In addition, fathers are necessarily the leaders of their homes. There are other extra curricular activities that people become engaged in where someone becomes the leader and bears that responsibility.
The authors also appear to be pop evangel Christians, quoting people like Russel Moore and David French, which gave cause for cringe, but didn’t otherwise detract from the book. Possibly a reason for them not talking about father leadership.
Overall very good. The heart of all Christian discipleship is following Christ. We’re all called to be followers, not all are called to the office of leadership. But those that are are still called to followership. Follow boldly, submissively, and righteously.
One criticism I had was that they pressed too hard against leadership. They were obviously arguing against “everyone ought to strive for an office of leadership” but it sometimes seemed like they were pressing against leadership in general. Their image of everyone following the follower in front of them as they follow Christ was good, but amusing that they double down on everyone just still following. There is a great deal of responsibility being the follower ahead of another follower and being their example of followership. Almost like you’re leading them to a fuller following of Christ. In addition, fathers are necessarily the leaders of their homes. There are other extra curricular activities that people become engaged in where someone becomes the leader and bears that responsibility.
The authors also appear to be pop evangel Christians, quoting people like Russel Moore and David French, which gave cause for cringe, but didn’t otherwise detract from the book. Possibly a reason for them not talking about father leadership.
Overall very good. The heart of all Christian discipleship is following Christ. We’re all called to be followers, not all are called to the office of leadership. But those that are are still called to followership. Follow boldly, submissively, and righteously.
November 15, 2022
A common sense blend of Biblical examples, Church history, insights from other authors and contemporary applications.
“Take up your cross and follow me.” “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” These are but two of many biblical quotes that point to followship as a life’s goal for every follower of Christ. Christ himself was a follower of his Father, God, and heard the words, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Christ followed the will of his father even to the extent of separation and his own death.
The ultimate purpose of “The Call to Follow” is to encourage Christians to be followers of Christ above all other pursuits. Authors, Richard Langer & Joanne J. Jung, also spend a great deal of time explaining the difference between leadership and followership and why the later is necessary for the former to succeed. Leadership is a calling but for Christians, Followership is a command of the gospel.
These writers have an affable style that’s easy to read and find affinity with. They included a study guide at the end of the book that lends itself to groups or individuals; a great add on. Scripture text uses the ESV version unless otherwise noted and both a topical and scripture index are included.
All things considered, a relevant & compelling biblical discussion for dealing with our anti biblical culture📚
“Take up your cross and follow me.” “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” These are but two of many biblical quotes that point to followship as a life’s goal for every follower of Christ. Christ himself was a follower of his Father, God, and heard the words, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” Christ followed the will of his father even to the extent of separation and his own death.
The ultimate purpose of “The Call to Follow” is to encourage Christians to be followers of Christ above all other pursuits. Authors, Richard Langer & Joanne J. Jung, also spend a great deal of time explaining the difference between leadership and followership and why the later is necessary for the former to succeed. Leadership is a calling but for Christians, Followership is a command of the gospel.
These writers have an affable style that’s easy to read and find affinity with. They included a study guide at the end of the book that lends itself to groups or individuals; a great add on. Scripture text uses the ESV version unless otherwise noted and both a topical and scripture index are included.
All things considered, a relevant & compelling biblical discussion for dealing with our anti biblical culture📚
September 4, 2022
The Call to Follow
Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership
Richard Langer & Joanne J. Jung
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
Crossway
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed With Leadership through Crossway and Netgalley:
In this book authors Richard Langer and Joanne J.Jung teach that “followership” is a crucial part to both organizational and spiritual flourishing. The Call to Follow reexamines the nature of leadership and followership in light of the life-transforming power of following Jesus Christ.
Everyone wants to lead, very few want to follow. But is there value in following? Jesus was a follower. He did what the Heavenly Father called him to do. Now it’s our time to follow his lead in our relationships and the works we are called to do.
I give The Call to Follow five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership
Richard Langer & Joanne J. Jung
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
Crossway
Christian
I am reviewing a copy of The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed With Leadership through Crossway and Netgalley:
In this book authors Richard Langer and Joanne J.Jung teach that “followership” is a crucial part to both organizational and spiritual flourishing. The Call to Follow reexamines the nature of leadership and followership in light of the life-transforming power of following Jesus Christ.
Everyone wants to lead, very few want to follow. But is there value in following? Jesus was a follower. He did what the Heavenly Father called him to do. Now it’s our time to follow his lead in our relationships and the works we are called to do.
I give The Call to Follow five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
August 23, 2023
In an age where we are buried up to our eyebrows in books about leadership, this book about the importance of following is a welcome read. Langer and Jung assert that we are all followers in some way, and you are not settling for something lesser if you don’t aspire to be a leader. (If everyone’s a leader, then who are they leading?) As believers in Christ, we are all called to follow His lead first and foremost. One other element I really appreciated in this book was the deeper development of sheep imagery in Scripture. Yes, sheep can be dumb animals, but they are LOYAL to their shepherd and able to distinguish his voice over any other. This is an excellent and helpful book. (And I love the fact that I actually know one of the authors! Rick Langer was a pastor at my family’s church for many years before becoming a professor at Biola.)
November 18, 2023
This book was intriguing to me when I saw it promoted by crossway a few years ago, but now I finally read it and have to say it was worth it. A quick read but with plenty of substance. I found myself being both challenged and encouraged, asking myself the question, "how could I have missed something so obvious?" As I read the clear word of God speaking of following not only as a means to leading but as the goal in itself. I would recommend this to anyone who wants the balance between leadership and follower-ship to be restored in their hearts and minds.
June 30, 2023
A much-needed book in a time when, not just the secular world, but the Christian world often seems to view becoming a leader as "making it" and being a follower as the burdensome road to get there. Some later chapters seem more like a primer on Christian disciplines and being a disciple of Christ. However, this is also entirely the authors' point: being a follower is inextricable from the Christian life, best exemplified by the example of Christ himself.
July 28, 2025
Exactly the book I needed to read. Everywhere I look it seems churches are more interested in training and promoting leaders and I was starting to feel like a crazy person wondering if anyone still cares about discipleship. The authors do an amazing job of defining the meaning and role of followers (hint it’s not derogatory) and inspiring Christian’s in what it really means to be a follower… it’s not about blind obedience and thoughtlessness. I am very thankful this book was recommended to me.
June 6, 2023
Very good book on followership. The whole point is that we all are followers of Christ first and foremost, some follow by leading and others by following leaders, but all are called to follow (Christ) before they lead. The book is continually fluctuating between Leadership as an identity and leadership as a position, which made it hard to read at points.
February 23, 2025
Maybe it is the mood I have been in these last few months but I couldn't get past the 3rd chapter. It seemed to repeat things far too many times. I understand the importance of the topic so maybe the book is more for those people who have over-focused on developing leadership skills instead of focusing first on being a follower of Jesus as the bible states we are to be.
August 28, 2022
Following is just as important as leading. An organization can fail because of a poor leader but it can also fail because of poor followers. Do we have a responsibility to follow well?
This was a thorough examination of what it means to follow like Jesus followed.
This was a thorough examination of what it means to follow like Jesus followed.
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October 18, 2022This was the first time I let Audible's AI recommend a book for me. This was recommended because Gavin Ortlund wrote the foreword and I'm a big fan of his work. I don't think I'm going to let AI recommendations influence what I'm going to read for future books.
June 7, 2023
Very good. Encouraging and challenging. A book I think everyone should check out!
June 7, 2023
More like 2.5. This book was not bad — just wasn’t for me. I think it could be beneficial for different people, hence why I rated it a 2.5.
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August 19, 2023very thought-provoking
January 6, 2025
A must read for EVERY Christ-follower!!!
December 30, 2022
This book is long overdue and needed in our culture. I can’t recommend it enough.
May 28, 2023
Aspiring but unnecessary. Attempts to make a word out of "followership," and appears to relegate Christ to the position of a follower. Subject matter could be summarized as a spectrum of servanthood, showing that not everyone is a leader, and that most people are servants of some kind.
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