Leadership's Roots

From now through August my Wednesday posts will invite thought and conversation about leadership in the Jesus movement. What does it mean to lead, if the movement is about developing disciples of Jesus and transforming lives and communities? How is that different than leading an organization whose primary aim is to maintain and perpetuate itself?

Those who would lead others in discipleship must themselves exhibit that discipleship looks like. This can be expressed in a variety of ways. In our congregation, we teach this as The Eight Marks of Discipleship. A disciple has become committed to Jesus Christ, though their own decision and through public proclamation of that decision. A disciple maintains a daily walk with Christ, through prayer - continual listening to and speaking with Jesus. A disciple is deeply anchored in the Word - delving into the Bible not just for information, but for transformation. A disciple experiences growth through small groups. Every follower of Jesus needs a group for encouragement, mutual learning and growth, support, and accountability. A disciple has a servant's heart; a willingness to check one's ego at the door, to roll up one's sleeves, and serve the least, the last, and the lost. A disciple gathers with others to worship, not just to fulfill an obligation, but to focus on the wonder of a forgiving, transforming God. And disciples tithe. This refers to what we give of our financial resources. The percentage is important, but the order is more important. Out of the abundance of what God has given to us, we give back to God first. Finally, disciples share Christ with others. As Bill Hybels says, the greatest gift a Jesus-follower can give is an introduction to the God who made us, who loves us, and who has a plan for our lives.

How does this description strike you? If you buy into it, which mark of discipleship is the strongest one for you? Which one needs the most attention? No one is perfect, and we're not going to hit on all cylinders in all eight. These are signposts and directions for our continual growth.

I'll see you around the next bend in the river.

Perspective

Sometimes the God who loves me convicts me with overwhelming force. By God's grace, and not by my intelligence or effort, God enables me to see life's context as God sees it.

I am currently attending our denomination's statewide annual assembly in one of our large cities. As with any organization our size, we will discuss and debate a number of structural, missional, and financial matters. We are in the middle of a difficult decision about the way in which we will provide health insurance for our retirees. In the hallways and lobbies, many people lament the increasing costs of keeping a church running, and the high price we all had to pay for the gasoline to get here.

Yesterday, just after lunch, the assembly was surprised by a visit from a Christian singing group that came from Uganda. I believe the ministry is called "Wapoto." African Jesus-followers are trying to rescue, house, educate and love the thousands of children who are orphaned by war, A.I.D.S., and other manifestations of poverty. This particular group of children and their adult leaders raise awareness of this need by providing praise and worship in song, dance, and testimony. It was the most explosive, transforming experience of worship Jesus I've had in years. These children leaped and whooped and gloried God with pure, utter Christ-focused exuberance and abandoned. It was beyond glorious.

Sitting next to me, our youth minister said, "We're fighting about insurance premiums; they don't have homes!" And they don't have mommas and daddies. I'm complaining about the price of gas and whether or not the temperature in the auditorium is high enough or low enough. They haven't reached their 12th birthdays, and they've seen the bowels of hell, yet they fling their arms in the air for joy and confess through unbridled smiles that Jesus is Lord.

Perspective. Head on down the river. I'll catch up. I'm staying here for a while.