This paper contributes to the literature on Christian leadership by providing an analytical study of Matthew 9:35-38 in order to build understanding of participatory leadership. Using an intertextual exegetical strategy, the paper explores the richness of imagery, metaphors, and recapitulation of Old Testament texts (especially Ezekiel 34) within Matthew 9:35-38. The fruit of this exegetical analysis is then applied to developing a better understanding of Christian leadership. Three

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... ics of participatory Christian leadership are proposed and explained: (a) response to the will of God; (b) promotion of eschatological joy; and (c) posture of subordination. In summary, it is concluded that Christian leadership, followership, and the leader-follower relationship all exist and are best understood under the rubric of participation in the unfolding of God's eschatological future.