From Monuments to Movement – Part 5: From Pyramids to Circles – Leadership Reimagined

Leadership is one of the most critical areas where the church must shed the baggage of Egypt. For centuries, we have inherited the pyramid model—a system where one or a few individuals hold the highest authority while others serve beneath them. But Jesus and the apostles modeled something radically different: leadership as service, shared responsibility, and mutual submission in love. To move from monuments to movements, we must reimagine leadership—not as a pyramid, but as a circle.

The Pyramid Model

The pyramid is a structure of control: one at the top, layers of hierarchy beneath, and the majority at the bottom with little voice or power. This model is efficient for empires, armies, and corporations, but it is destructive for the family of God.

In pyramid systems:

• Authority is concentrated in a few hands.
• The majority are passive recipients rather than active participants.
• Decisions flow downward instead of being discerned together.
• Power dynamics easily breed pride, abuse, and dependence.

This is why Jesus rebuked His disciples when they argued about who was the greatest: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:25–26).

The Circle Model

The circle reflects the Kingdom: Christ at the center, every member equally valuable, each one contributing their God-given gift. No one is higher or lower; all are interconnected. Leadership in a circle is not about position but about function.

In circle communities:

• Christ alone is the Head (Colossians 1:18).
• Every member of the Body has a role (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
• Decisions are discerned together in prayer and submission to the Spirit.
• Leadership is shared, fluid, and servant-hearted.

Circles foster empowerment. Instead of dependence on one leader, disciples are trained and released to disciple others. Authority is not hoarded; it is multiplied.

The Body of Christ Metaphor

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 shatters the pyramid mindset. The church is not a hierarchy but a body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Every part is essential, and all are dependent on the Head—Christ. This metaphor leaves no room for celebrity pastors or untouchable hierarchies. Instead, it calls for interdependence, humility, and unity.

When leadership is seen as function within the body rather than position above the body, movements thrive. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers exist not to dominate but to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12).

A Crucial Question

As we consider leadership in our communities, we must honestly ask:

Is our leadership empowering or controlling?

• Does it release people into their priesthood, or does it centralize authority?
• Does it encourage disciples to hear God directly, or does it make them dependent on human mediators?
• Does it multiply leaders, or does it protect positions?

True Kingdom leadership serves, equips, and steps aside so others can flourish. Anything else is an Egypt hangover.

A Final Word

The world builds pyramids. Jesus builds circles. Movements thrive when leadership is reimagined—not as control from the top, but as service from the center, with Christ alone as Head. Let us cast off the pyramid, embrace the circle, and together reflect the Body of Christ in all its beauty.

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27)