Are “Discipleship” and “Leadership” the same?

The 5C Model is a holistic model of leadership. It helps us move beyond competencies and articulates a clear goal of health in our own lives and leadership. Consequently, this is a question that we are frequently asked. Are “discipleship” and “leadership” the same? And, if not, what are the differences? Every organisational leader must first be a disciple. But not every disciple will be an organisational leader.

The 5C Model gives a clear path to distinguish “discipleship” from “leadership.”

In Christ, discipleship and leadership are the same. Every disciple and every leader needs to be well-grounded in union with Christ. In Community, discipleship and leadership are the same. Every disciple and every leader must be strong relationally – in the home, in the church, in ministry work, in relationships with others outside the church. In Character, discipleship and leadership are the same. Every disciple and every leader must have integrity. Then, in Calling, we begin to find a distinction between a disciple and a leader. In the “first half” of calling in which everything God does has purpose, and everyone has purpose in Him, they are the same. We all have calling from God (1 Cor. 12:7) and we all need to be trained to fulfill those various callings.

However, in the “second half” of calling in which we find our specific individual purposes in God and function in the right roles organisationally, discipleship and leadership are distinct. Leaders have specific organisational roles they are called to fulfill (Rom. 12:6-8) and they need to be trained to fulfill those roles well. It’s the same with Competencies. In the “first half” of competencies, the basic Christian competencies that a disciple needs are all needed by leaders. We all must be able to interpret the Scriptures soundly, pray for others, share the Gospel, etc.

However, in the “second half” of competencies, leaders need additional specific competencies to lead organisationally; for example, casting a vision, leading meetings, building teams. Thus, discipleship and leadership are distinct. Leaders need certain competencies that every disciple does not need and won’t always have.

Using the 5Cs shows the commonalities between leadership and discipleship while providing a very clear way to distinguish the two. In addition, the 5Cs affirms the fundamental need for leaders to be disciples.

Every leader is a disciple. But not every disciple is an organisational leader.