Ever wondered why some ministries thrive while others merely survive?

What's the major factor that separates idol churches from dynamic ones?

Well, Chuck Swindall says it's not just about great leadership, it's great

followership that makes the difference. And today, on Insight for Living, Chuck invites us to look

at First Thessalonians, where you'll discover how to actively contribute to the success of your

church leaders. It begins with embracing the truth of God's Word without reservation.

From his series called Contagious Christianity, Chuck titled today's message, The Flipside

of Leadership.

A leader without followers is like Arturo Toscanini without an orchestra.

He may tap his baton on the music stand, lift his hands dramatically, and drop them for the downbeat.

But let's face it, without musicians, he's merely a man waving his hands without purpose.

However, give him an orchestra to direct, a group of followers skilled in their instruments

and dedicated to his leadership, and he's no longer a man vainly beating the air.

Arturo Tuscany is a maestro.

Successful leading depends on responsive following. We could call it the flip side of leadership. As strong as Paul's leadership qualities were, and he avoided, you may recall,

deception, people-pleasing, greed, and authoritarianism,

while at the same time cultivating sensitivity, affection, authenticity, and affirmation,

they would all have been gestures in the wind if the Thessalonians had chosen not to follow his leadership.

And so today it's appropriate that we talk about the qualities of a good follower,

beginning with the one characteristic for which Paul was most thankful.

Gratitude.

Open your Bibles, will you, to 1st Thessalonians chapter 2. We'll begin reading at

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