“The Reluctant Leader”

Maybe you’ve shied away from leadership roles because you feel unsure about your abilities. Or perhaps you are reluctant due to the common fear that you will be criticized and underappreciated. Please know that your leadership is needed! In every sector of society (family, business, church) leadership roles remain empty, waiting for people like you to take the bold step. Sure there are reasons to be fearful, but the satisfaction of knowing you helped just one person makes the risk worthwhile. Those willing to be led and shaped by Christ will lead with passion, strength and wisdom. Remember this: many Biblical leaders were reluctant when first called.

rules or results?

I think Jesus got himself in trouble with the 'religious managers' of his day because he continually pushed their 'bureaucratic buttons'! The Pharisaical position is "here is what we do, here's why, and here's how - because tradition tells us". They shake therir fist at Jesus and mumble to their neighbor over coffee at Tim's. Yet Jesus, being neither a bureaucrat nor a manager, does the 'leadership thing'. He places the focus on results, not rules. If someone needs to be healed on the Sabbath, then get it done! Forget the stupid policy. Leaders get it done. If it offends those tied up in tradition, so be it. Good leaders will accomplish the mission/purpose/mandate and you would think that should be enough to speak for itself. The 'proof is in the pudding thing'. Yet even then, after so many miracles and so many inspirational sermons, and after so many of those living on the fringes experience grace, the best leader the world has known is still given the death penalty. Politicians learn to placate the opposition. Usually this means compromising the results. Leaders like Jesus go for the results and sometimes face an unjust lynching. I'd vote for courageous leaders any day. At least it makes life more interesting. Here's to the adventure of leading.

position or charachter?

Some foolishly think that leadership is defined by office rather than character. Actually, it is more about the person than the position. The Bible tells us that Jesus did not insist on His rightful place but humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). This kind of leadership has inspired followers for over 2000 years!

What will set the church straight?

The. Rev. Cheol Soon Park, a candidate for Moderator of the PCC 2008 General Assembly, says that the church's future depends on the church's leadership. He says "the local church should be a place that makes a joyful noise and wakes up people's hearts and minds. In order to achieve it, renewal of leadership is a pre-requisite."

Let out the leader in you!

You have insights, passion and life experience! all of these can inspire, help and motivate others. And don't forget that God has built spiritual gifts into each person in His Church, so that by pulling together, so much can be accomplished!