"The one thing that every leader needs----followers.  The bishop has that, the pastors have that.  Who else on that list has "followers"?  Maybe they do have, but they sign as academics, not leaders of some movement or cause."  The problem is----you have little or no respect for 'academics'.  You probably have more respect for the person who fills your request for drive in fast food.  

The truth is, academics deal with 'ideas---concepts' and many of them DO inspire their students.  It doesn't matter if the teacher is educating the little ones in primary or elementary school, or youth in high school----if they inspire some or many of their students----they are leaders.  And the academics don't have to have huge followers.  It is conveying information and often inspiration leading to new insights---that makes academics LEADERS.  As far as bishops and pastors are concerned---some are leaders---yes.  And others were just appointed to a position.