Sept. 4, 2009 The Journey Continues ...
As is typical this time of the year, another wildfire is burning its way across California. Containing such fires requires a 24-hour effort by dedicated professional firefighting crews. One lesson they've learned is that fire creates its own wind, and that wind can cause the fire to spread more quickly than anyone expects.
This week I read an opinion piece sent across the church by a prominent leader in our denomination. He devoted significant space to justifying his position on certain issues by denigrating those with opposing views. The tone of the article had a disturbing arrogance about it and the writer accused church leaders of not being in touch with reality.The piece created a scenario of "winners versus losers" and did more to divide the church than to unite it. It is an article that, I am sure, will create a wind of its own -- sending the fire ahead far more quickly than it should.
The article caused me to reflect upon the role of leaders and how leadership should be exercised within the church. Some passages of scripture speak about the unique role that leaders play in the life of church:
- For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - or rather that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12)
- But speaking the truth in love,we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." (Ephesians
4:15-16) - Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.Above all, clothe yourselves with love,which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:13-14)
Probably the best biblical reference comes from Paul's writings to the church in Corinth, a people filled with conflict and discord: "The authority the Master gave me is for putting people together, not taking them apart." (II Corinthians 13:10, The Message).
That is the essence of true Christ-like leadership. It does not tear people down in an effort to justify a position. Instead, it strives at all costs to go the extra mile in loving our neighbors as Christ loved us. It
doesn't mean that we never disagree, but it shows the right way to approach disagreement. Our calling, as I understand it, is to build up, not tear down.
After reading the article I began to reflect on my own leadership.That self-analysis caused me to admit that there are significant times when I become frustrated with my work. I have a low tolerance for bureaucracy that takes away from our church's mission. I get confused by the large number of our churches that are focused only on themselves, rather than reaching out through evangelism and mission.
I scratch my head over divisions in the church that rip apart the fabric of who we are instead of celebrating our diversity as a gift from God.
I wondered -- do these frustrations cause my attitude to be shaped in a way that I too tear down instead of build up? Admittedly, sometimes they do.That realization sends me into prayer for forgiveness for the times that I do not reflect the spirit of Christ in the way I lead.
What about you? Are there times that lead you away from Christ-centered leadership? When are you tempted to be critical when you could be constructive?
Our ability to recognize, confess, and move beyond those times is a critical dimension of effective leadership. It will make the difference in whether you are seen as a "pot stirrer" or "kingdom builder." When someone reads or hears your words, do they see the face of Christ inviting them into the heart of God? This is the essence of a church leader.
Webster's defines the word "lead" as the ability to "guide on a way, especially by going in advance, to direct on a course or in a direction, and to serve as a channel for (a pipe leads water to the house)."
That's not a bad definition. It could describe the spirit behind any number of opinion pieces written these days. But when you add the spirit of Christ, the definition of leadership is very different.To lead in that sense is to "guide into the heart of God, especially by leading through example; to direct on a course or in a direction that builds up and does not tear down, and to serve as a channel for others to follow Christ (a shepherd who leads the sheep into the house of God)."
That's a fire we should feed and a wind that we can only hope will jump ahead and show us the way.
The Journey Continues ...
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