One Leadership – Many Leaders
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of may parts; and though all its part are may, they form one body." 1 Corinthians 12:12
1 Corinthians 12:12–31 is one of the most frequently cited passages in conversations about leadership within Christian organizations. It is often used to affirm that each person brings unique gifts to the body – an important and deeply biblical truth. But I continue to be struck by how narrowly this passage is sometimes applied, particularly in boardrooms and leadership settings.
Too often, the emphasis lands almost entirely on differentiation: "You have your gift, I have mine – let’s not step on each other’s toes." In governance language, this posture is reinforced by well-worn phrases like “stay up in the crow’s nest” or “noses in, hands out.” While these expressions aim to protect clarity of roles, they can unintentionally create distance – separating leaders from one another and fragmenting the very body they are meant to serve.
But this is not the primary thrust of 1 Corinthians 12.
Paul certainly affirms diversity of gifts, but he does so in service of a deeper, more unifying truth: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” And again, “God has put the body together.” The biblical emphasis is not merely on difference, but on divine integration. The body is not a collection of independent operators; it is a living, interconnected whole, animated by one Spirit.
When we import overly rigid distinctions between “those who lead” and “those who oversee,” we risk missing the biblical point of 1 Corinthians 12. In practice, it can lead to boards that retreat into passive observation, or leaders who carry burdens in isolation – neither of which reflects the biblical vision of shared life and shared work.
A more faithful application of this passage invites something richer: a posture of intentional interdependence. Boards and leaders are not meant to orbit one another at a safe distance, but to engage in a shared calling – discerning together, acting together, and bearing responsibility together.
This does not erase roles or accountability. Rather, it reframes them. Governance is not about drawing hard red lines between “action” and “oversight,” but about wisely allocating effort across a unified body. At times, a board may lean into strategic or even operational engagement; at other times, it may step back. But always, the question is not "How do we stay in our lane?" but "How do we, as one body, best serve the mission before us?"
In a time when complexity in ministry is only increasing, this matters deeply.
The call is not to protect independence, but to pursue unity – not just in belief, but in practice.
Christian charities, churches, and schools operate under one collective leadership mission, their focus is unified in purpose.
And they are strengthened by the commitment of many capable leaders.
SHEPHERD'S SPOTLIGHT: Micah House
Micah House in Hamilton is reaching its 20th anniversary! Twenty years of 'offering a place of hope and new beginnings to refugee families.' Twenty years of being a Christlike refuge for those in need of a home. Twenty years of practicing Matthew 25's quote from Jesus: "When I was a stranger, you invited me in."
In celebration of their 20th anniversary, they are hosting a gala event (April 11, 2026 from 7 – 9 pm) at The Gasworks (141 Park St N., Hamilton). It's a gala of music, story and celebration. We encourage you to buy tickets for this joyous event here.
At Shepherd Consulting, it is a privilege to walk alongside them and support their leadership journey as thier board is seeking intentional training and maturation for greater effetiveness. This is a practice (ongoing board traiing) that is often overlooked by Christian charities, but Executive Director Stephanie Schreuders and the Micah House board have seen the impact of a strong board and seek to strengthen even further. As the adage goes "Strong boards create strong Charities!"
If you wish to perhaps pursue organizational strengthening through advanced board training in a Christian framework, you can reach us by clicking here.
Rev. Dr. Darren Roorda (Founder and Principal Consultant) has served in Nonprofit Leadership for over 23 years. He is proud to work with a wonderful group of associates. His leadership and ministry roles have helped hone his education in Leadership, Governance, and Theology.
D. Min., Pro Dir, Partner of The Alliance for Board Effectiveness. Professional Member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities
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email: info@shepherdconsulting.ca
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