Judging vs. Leading

This past week I received an interesting phone call from one of my MOPS Coordinators.  It started off with Hello’s and then here it came: Coordinator:  Michelle, I just wanted to make you aware of something that happened.

Michelle: O..K…

Coordinator:  Do you no such and such (name hidden)?

Michelle:  Yes.  (While in my mind I was scared to hear what was going to be said next!)

Coordinator:  Well, she disclosed something she was currently struggling with in front of our group. (conversation of details will end here.)

As the conversation went on for another 20 minutes about the possibility of asking this person to step down as her role in leadership, I kept hearing from the Coordinator how she was looked at as judging the other for what was said in front of 35+ women.  (Sorry, I have to keep the details private :-()But, that there was also some that saw it as leading.

So I ask the question, when is it leading or when is it judging?  Let’s say this woman in a leadership role said she is currently committing an affair or was dealing with depression?  What if she said she abused her children or wanted to commit suicide?  Is it right for the Coordinator to be accused of judging when things like this happen or is she looking out for what is best for the women that she leads?  Or, do we point the finger at the leader and say, “where is your grace”?

These questions can pertain to any women in a leadership role.  Maybe you’re a Women’s Pastor or Director.  Maybe you oversee a large non-profit that benefits women.   Maybe you’re a Sunday School Teacher or a Children’s Pastor.  Whatever role you have that has the responsibility to appoint others in certain positions, when do you consider it judging or when is it considered leading?