November 7, 2024
For the next few weeks, I want to tell you all about my recent time in Oregon for my second (of four) in-person classes as part of my Doctor of Ministry program from Portland Seminary. And let me being by thanking you all for allowing me the time away and for supporting me on this journey.
What is ‘leadership’?
Last week, we explored a definition of “spiritual formation” and this week we are going to look at a definition of “leadership.” However, before we do, we need to make a clear distinction: Leadership is different than management. Management is the art of accomplishing tasks and a lot of people think that being a good manager automatically makes somebody a good leader. And, certainly, good leaders must be able to get things done. But being a “leader” is something far beyond being a “manager.”
A manager can help an organization to get things done, but a leader curates a culture. Think of it this way: if you own a home, management is doing all the things to your house that need to be completed (chores, etc.), but leadership is making your house into a home.
During our class, we looked specifically at how Jesus functioned as a leader: He empowered his disciples (John 14:12-14), he maintained a clear vision even amongst competing goals (Matthew 10:24-42, John 6:31), and he spent time by himself in order to recharge his soul (Matthew 14:1-13, Mark 6:30-32, Luke 4:1-2). Jesus did accomplish a lot (i.e. management) but he also crafted a culture of formation amongst his followers (i.e. leadership).
My professor, MaryKate Morse, provided us with this definition of leadership that is decidedly Christian:
“Christian Leadership is an embodied relationship process in Christ and with the Spirit for God’s intended transformation purposes in us and in our churches and communities.”
Notice where the starting place of leadership is: It begins within the leader. The Christian leader must first be led by Christ and then may help shape and guide the culture of community.
Many of you serve in a wide variety of leadership positions. Perhaps you serve here at Ardmore in some way or maybe you help lead an office or business. Consider: Are you focused on merely being a manager or are you willing to be a leader? If you seek to be a leader, you must first be led.
Take a moment to read this passage from Philippians. Here, the Apostle Paul is reflecting on the leadership qualities of Jesus. Read these verses 2-3 times and ask God, “What do you want me to learn about being a leader?”:
Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:4-8)
