Jerry Gillis

By Lisa Littlewood

To a culture that tends to revere leaders Jerry Gillis’ book Followship proposes some radical thinking. “Growing up in an age of technological advance and innovation, I assumed that the most notable thing one could aspire to was leadership,” says Gillis in his book. “Maybe that is why it is so troubling to me that Jesus wanted me to be a follower.” 

Gillis is one of the head pastors of the Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville and the man you’ll find preaching (though not behind a podium!) on most Sundays. Followship, a book written in 2005, compels readers to consider their own Christian walk and to question how well they are in fact ‘following’ Christ, rather than attempting to carve their own paths. “Jesus calls for followers- not rock stars or supermen or even leaders. His great call, “Follow Me” implies that He is already the leader and we are to go where He goes and do what He does. This book talks about some of what that looks like,” he said.

Gillis is a transplant to Buffalo with southern roots. He is originally from Atlanta, GA and says his favorite thing about Buffalo is the “heartiness of the people.” Followship can be found in the bookstore at the Chapel at Crosspoint, as well as on Amazon.