First followers and spirit-led servanthood: a book review

Leonard Sweet’s book titled, “I am a follower: the way, truth, and life of following Jesus” stems from Christ’s call to his disciples to ‘follow me’. This call was meant to change the lives of each of the individuals called in such a way that becomes infectious. He explores the degradation of the call by the leadership myths, the separation of leaders and their flock and the so called corporate culture that has permeated our churches and relationships. He discusses that Jesus calls us not to lead, but to follow and to focus on following Christ’s example. It is a beautiful book that explores true discipleship as well as servanthood, both that can only be attained through Christ and His grace.

Sweet divides the book into four parts: the place, the way, the truth and the life. He introduces the term “First follower” which takes away the superiority that seems to be attached to the word leader. Being a first follower meant someone was already first, and that person is Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life and the only way an individual comes to the Father. It is a reality check for us who have become focused on becoming leaders that we forget the call, who calls us and what we are called to do.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.