Christ Notes - February 16, 2012

A few years ago, a friend of mine preached a sermon on leadership.  One of his points has remained with me to this day.  He said, “Leadership is taking people where they didn’t know they wanted to go.  It isn’t leadership if you’re taking them to Dunkin’ Donuts.”

The longer I work as a pastor, the more I realize how important leadership is.  “Leadership” defined broadly, refers to influence.  We usually think of leadership as being a committee chair, a club president, an official – and it is true that good leadership skills are needed for these roles.  But it means more than that. 

Through leadership we create change.  We direct people and bring about situations that we hope will build the general good – and we are likely to do this regardless of any titles that we carry.  We lead best by living.  Some of the best leaders I know are the self-defined “worker bees” who decline any formal management opportunity.  Regardless what position we hold, when others bend their actions because of our direction or example, we have practiced good leadership.

The quality of our leadership will depend on the things we are committed to.  People will be influenced by our choices, by the sacrifices that we make, and by the things that are important to us as proven by our lives.  Are you willing to be a leader?  Are you willing to make the choices and commitments that will point others toward the things that are really important?  I hope you will.  I hope your leadership will draw others to God in Jesus Christ.  What better direction can we have?

Blessings,

Rev. Nancy