Arts & Entertainment There are no fences! Learning about Biblical Leadership in a Chicken Coop

entire day of flight training and orders for Christians of both genders to prac- the chickens through grueling exercises. tice. London Bible College professor Mary However, he doesn’t explain the process or Evans used as an illustration the logic behind his training, which leaves in her workshop on “The Powerless Leader: Ginger (right) points out her plan for the chickens literally spinning while he sits Contradiction in Terms or Biblical Ideal?” escaping the coop—before it’s too late! Sure, Jesus used back and observes. at CBE’s 2004 International Symposium in farmers to teach the disciples, but While Rocky’s confidence as a leader Durham, : chickens? Little did producer DreamWorks stems from his belief that “I’m gifted, they’re and directors Nick Park and know not,” Ginger seeks the opinions and support Ginger has no power, no authority. But when they released Chicken Run (2000) that of others to form a community-based plan. Ginger is a leader who enables people to their movie would be a modern parable. From her earlier failures, Ginger learns that reach their full potential. Leadership for Ginger (Julia Sawalha) is an intelligent, she must take part in every step with the Christians is never about the matter of independent chicken with a heart that tells group, not as a director of affairs, but as a claimed authority, status, or power. From her there’s more beyond the chicken coop willing participant. the beginning, it was supposed to be a mat- (and eventually, the chopping block). She Leadership does not mean refraining from ter of servanthood…We take servant words has a history of trying to escape, much to any sort of individual action or confronta- and turn them into status words: minister, the chagrin of her owners, a bumbling wife- tion, however. At times, leadership requires pastor, deacon. But the picture of Jesus and-husband team (Miranda Richardson, confrontation to express passion and pur- and the disciples indicates strongly that the Tony Haygarth). pose for the common good. We often envi- leader does not make decisions for the led, The audience chuckles when they see the sion a warm-fuzzy Jesus, like a politician but enables those who are led to make deci- personalities that somehow must cooperate kissing babies and patting puppies on the sions for themselves. to achieve the escape. There’s a gruff old head. But remember the Jesus of the temple, general (Benjamin Whitrow), a matter-of- vehemently opposing the wrong being done Ginger embodies this biblical vision of fact scientist (Lynn Ferguson), and not a few in God’s house and to God’s people (Mark leadership when she answers the concerns flighty egg-layers. Yet, Ginger is able to share 11:15–17)? Of course, he certainly would of the doubting chickens. Like the disciples, her vision with all of them, transforming a not be an effective leader if he were raging they vacillate between faith and fear, often coop of doubting chickens into an animal mad all the time, and in fact followed up preferring the predictable daily feedings house of hope. his outburst with a time of healing for those inside the cage to the possibility of freedom At first her repeated attempts to mobilize in need (Matt. 21:14). Leadership involves outside it. “Who feeds us?” one nervous hen less-than-imaginative fellow chickens only discernment to know when to step forward ventures. Ginger responds, “We feed our- result in even more restricted freedoms for and when to support from behind. selves! And there are no fences!” Even with- herself and the others. She admits the mis- Ginger reflects this same sensitivity. She out seeing the “other side,” Ginger believes takes of her approach, and even goes too far is willing to try other’s plans, even asking in the promise of a better life. In the end, by chiding herself for thinking she could lead. Rocky, whom she does not get along with, hope (seasoned with humor) does indeed At this point, she asks for heaven’s help. to continue sharing his wisdom with the lead the chickens to freedom. Rocky (Mel Gibson), a rooster with an group. However, when she sees he is not Chicken Run is not only a quick-witted, ego bigger than his tail feathers, falls out of following through with his commitment to entertaining movie for both children and the sky. Chickens swoon. Rocky struts. And the chickens, she confronts him. Like Jesus adults (listen for reference from movies the vision blurs. Ginger immediately believes reclaiming the temple as a “house of prayer like Braveheart and Star Trek), but is also a Rocky will provide the strength she is lack- for all nations,” Ginger declares the world representation of Christ-like character. True ing, and he allows her to think he knows beyond the fence as the well-deserved home leadership looks past the fences to the forces how to fly. She sees promise in teaching the not just for roosters, but for all chickens. that created the fences in the first place. It is chickens a new skill; he sees an opportu- Her impassioned speech causes Rocky to motivated by common suffering, and there- nity to hide in a henhouse full of beautiful rethink his approach and in turn, they work fore works for the common good. Servant chicks. He agrees to lead without having a together to plan a real escape. This is biblical leadership means admitting when you are personal investment in their freedom. In his justice in action. wrong, recognizing the resources available, own words, he “tells them what they want to While the two characters portrayed and being open to revision. Most of all, it hear,” so he can get what he wants. do not necessarily point to male versus involves empowering others to identify and One scene vividly depicts Rocky’s self- female styles of leadership, the contrast use the gifts God has given them, through glorifying leadership style. He proposes an does highlight a much-needed distinction the chicken coop and beyond. 

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