I guess I'm a Jesus Freak :)

It's cool how my younger brother continues to randomly call me just to check in. He's so much better at this staying connected thing. I really think it is the grace and work of God somehow in this re-blossoming relationship. I'm thankful to be able to share the latest developments in my life with him, even if he doesn't always appreciate or understand them. I know he gets bored down there and I'm glad to hear that he can't wait to leave. Nothing against that town, I just would like him up here with me. There is something special about proximity and face to face interaction with people. I long for that with him again. We have both changed in a lot of ways and I know that God is slowly weaving our lives back together. It's wonderful.

It was interesting when he asked me if I've ever been drunk and kept wanting me to elaborate upon the circumstances in which I found myself in that rather unfortunate state of existence. I like how he agreed that it is a terrible thing, but that he was happy, in a way, to find out I was not "perfect". Ha! He is so hilarious. Thinking that being a Christian somehow transforms you into a perfect little angel who never goes astray. I forget the perspective of a secular audience looking at the life of a believer sometimes. This was a good reminder. It also made me laugh when he asked, "so, when did you get all overly spiritual" to which I replied "I don't really like the term 'spiritual'. Haha. To which he responded, "so you don't like the term 'spiritual'. And you don't like to be called 'religious'. What do you want to be called?" I really could think of no other descriptor than simply "Jesus follower". But in his mind, I am one of those Jesus Freaks. LOL. That label doesn't sound as bad to me as it once did. I'm not ashamed to always be bringing up Jesus at some point or another in virtually every conversation I have with my brother. And if that is his biggest complaint or annoyance with me, then PRAISE GOD!! It's cool that he isn't all too bothered by me talking so openly about Jesus. In fact, he always gets a little inquisitive and has tons of questions about God and the Bible and such.

Like tonight, little did I know that I'd have to become some sort of Christian apologist. No Ravi Zacharias, but I was thankful for some mental and theological shaping that has come from that great man's highly intellectual apologetic talks. It's interesting, because I feel as though my younger brother is at a stage in his life that I was at when I first entered college. Super scientific, philosophical, rational and intellectual. God as concept rather than God as person. I'm glad I got to share some of the insight Jesus has given me into the nature of God and the meaning of life with Him. My brother is stuck on questions about hell, who goes there, does it exist, what about babies? Isn't the bible just a bunch of stories written by mere men? Why, if God is all-knowing and all-powerful, did and does he choose to allow people like Hitler (who He knows will be evil and not put his faith in God) to even be born? What are my thoughts about predestination? Um, some of this stuff was hard to explain. Like, dinosaurs and creation? Adam and Eve, real people? What about evolution? Is he going to hell if he doesn't put his faith in Jesus? Um, yeah... I'm glad he didn't get offended by that. I imagine most people would. Is the world going to end soon? I have my own wonderings about that myself. But like I told him, there are many things we must leave up to God and accept as mystery. We cannot demand answers from Him or point our finger and judge the One who caused the whole cosmos to come into being. I'm glad he had a familiarity with the book of Job. That book is quite troublesome, though. Are we humans, like my brother imagines, simply here to be tested by God to see if we will choose Him and believe in Him? That angle of human existence seems a bit manipulative to me. My understanding of why God created us always returns to Genesis and how He lovingly chose to bring man and woman into being because we are unique from the rest of creation. I don't believe it is some megalomaniac motive, but the true nature of God that is repeatedly described as perfect Love. My brother and his perpetual "what if" questions. How very educated and reasonable of him? Hahaha. What if Jesus was crazy? What if Mary just slept around and lied about the vision? What if this, what if that? These are the questions of the unfaithful. I know, because I perpetually asked them at one point and allowed them to be obstacles to faith in Christ. There is just so much to this highly emphasized reality in Scripture that we call "faith". We desperately need God to open our eyes and ears to hear Him. To know Him. To be lured by his remarkable grace as shown through Jesus Christ. I want God to just rock my little brother's mind with all the wonders and glorious truths about Himself. To open up his mind to understand the actual truth and reality and meaning of life. To let him not be bogged down with questions like, "Well, do miracles even happen now like they did in the Bible?" or "What about the Prophets of the Old Testament?" But to meet him where he's at and pour out that incredible life-saving power of love and grace that so intoxicated me when I first met Jesus. Oh, how I long for Jesus to have his way with my family. Yet I am not so blind as to remain unaware of my part in it all. Shane Claiborne wrote a book called "Becoming the Answers to Our Prayers" (which I have still left unread on my bookshelf, collecting dust). I pray for my younger brother, for my older brother, for my sister, for my parents. I know God is listening and that he hears me because he has given me opportunities to open my mouth and speak on his behalf. Even if I stumble over the theological explanations or just have to admit that not everything is going to be plain to us, I sense the pleasure of God upon me. He has been gracious enough to give me a testimony to share and a passion to know him more and more everyday. I am glad I can confuse my brother and make him laugh by my low prioritization of finding a job and my incredible fascination with this Spiritual Leadership class instead. To the world, it makes little sense to take classes you don't need, especially if they are about God. The University especially pumps out this attitude and recruits followers. But I am grateful to have been called away from the snares of these deceptive and death-ensuing lies. There is a God who loves me, breathes life into me, sees me and holds me in his hand. This same God does so for every one who puts their trust, hope, faith, indeed entire life in his hands. I want that for you and I want that to be the lasting reality for me. My brother may be in an ambiguous point in his journey, not fully understanding God or even believing in his existence at this point. He has challenging questions and doubts that penetrate deep within his being. He does not know who or what is the truth yet. He may harbor some kind of anger or apprehension toward God, but I can rest with a sort of peace that is not possible apart from Jesus. I worry for him, but at the same time I am not worried because I know that the passionate pursuit of his Savior continues and grows more fierce. Jesus will not rest until he has gathered to Himself all who the Father has given Him. I know my brother can and will come to the Lord someday because as I listen to him speak and voice his concerns about God, it's like hearing the echo of my own words from the not too distant past. Jesus led me back to a relationship with the Father through a servant of his in a small, yet cozy Improv Theatre in Tampa. I wait in anticipation for the surprising and incredible way he gets another lost sheep back into his pasture. Praise be to you, O God, now and forever!

Leader as Coxswain

So, let’s talk about vision. How important is it really to the essence of spiritual leadership? We know it is a quintessential element of worldly leadership, since it is the most frequently discussed theme in the plethora of books out there on the concept of leadership. But we as Christian leaders should be a bit wary of the approaches that are sold for popular consumption in this day. It is true that we can learn a thing or two from them, but we must not overlook the reality that our Way is quite different because it is not based strictly on a time-tested and results-proven method, but rather on a person who is not bound by time or entirely concerned with results. When we look at vision, we cannot disregard what we have already learned – leaders as slave. The calling on leaders to be servants has to inform the rest of what it means to be a leader in the Church. Therefore, the way in which vision is constructed and applied must be in keeping with the servanthood attitude. I strongly agree with the observation that vision + power = manipulative alignment of others to one’s own vision. This kind of leadership is so rampant and yet so unchallenged. But there is hope and opportunity for prophetic challenge because another way is possible: vision + agreement = no power, just a shared dream that one has the choice to engage in. It’s really quite beautiful and liberating if you think about it. It cuts ego and self-interest out of the equation, replacing them with Christ-like communal empowerment instead. I especially love how this approach to vision creation allows the Spirit of God to have more room to move among his people, as He calls them to the place they are supposed to be. It takes so much pressure off us as leaders when we accept that our role is not to get people “on board” with our vision, but to simply share what our passions are and what Jesus is doing in our ministry. Because, who knows, perhaps a genuine conversation with a person (rather than a coercive persuasion) might awaken something inside of them. I have seen this at work in my own ministry, as I update people on how I am doing and what I have been up to. I inevitably discuss the crazy kids I just took to an arts conference or community service project, and sometimes this resonates with the listener who begins to ask more about it.



I had never heard of a coxswain prior to last class, but now, daaang. That is one incredible metaphor for what it means to be a visionary leader and servant. They are at the head of the boat steering it, keeping the team in rhythm. They are the effective communicator and motivator, seeing the goal ahead but not leaving the crew in the dark to despair or give up. The coxswain is by nature small, light, and of little consequence compared to the others’ physique. Biblical leaders are to be like that, diminishing themselves for the sake of the team’s success. Unlike worldly leadership, they lead from the back, not the front. This allows for something so rare, but so valuable: trust. It is not about their glory, but about the team’s effort and reward. I love how the coxswain can see both the present struggle of his team and the promising future that awaits those who persevere and don’t give up hope. There is the possibility for godly encouragement and pastoral care of one another when this perspective on leadership is adopted. I see it as helping to prevent missional burnout, which can occur when poor leaders fail to establish rapport with those they lead or don’t communicate in a way that is inspiring and motivating. I have been guilty of settling for under-influence, serving as a silent model rather than combined with more vocal and descriptive leadership. At least this has been the case for me in community-living situations. But I understand and agree with the call for Christian leaders to speak up, whether it is necessary decision-making like with James in Acts 15 or just sharing the reasons why you do the things that you do. There needs to be a shift in how we view leaders – not as the all-star quarterback with the epic plays but as the boat servant who steers in such a way that the whole crew's united effort is seen and applauded.

Worshipping with Reckless Abandonment

We can pray and worship God in quietness and solitude. But there is an intimacy with Him that comes when we let ourselves go and stop holding back the fearless and unabashed praise inside of us. You can see in this video how at first the young man is just singing to himself, probably quietly and not very noticeably as he looks around at the people by him. It's like the opinions of others make him a bit shy and insecure to fully release the great joy God has filled him with as he worships and prays. And that is how our lives are usually, singing out praises to Jesus, a little muffled but still sincere. But something happens over time in a believer's relationship with God as they go deeper with Him and the fear of man begins to diminish more and more while the fear of God and growing love for Jesus overwhelms us. We no longer care how we look or what others might think of us. Image just isn't as important once you have encountered the living God. His presence, his approval, his thoughts about you are what come to matter. We will gladly become fools for His Name's sake when we begin to really let the praise pour out of us and, like a glorious fragrance, rise up to Him. We see this happen by the end of the video, and it is an inspiring sight to behold. Now, would our own lives reflect this boldness of worship and surrender to the amazing Christ our King. O Praise Him!

Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. - Psalm 112:1

Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. - Psalm 25:12

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Lyrics to O Praise Him (All This For A King)

Turn your ear
To Heaven and hear
The noise inside
The sound of angels
The sound of angel¡¯s songs
And all this for a King
We could join and sing
"All to Christ the King!"

How constant
How divine
This song of ours will rise
Oh, how constant
How divine
This love of ours will rise
Will rise...

CHORUS:
O praise Him!
O praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy, yeah!

Turn your gaze
To Heaven and raise
A joyous noise
Oh, the sound of salvation come
The sound of rescued ones
And all this for a king
Angles join to sing
"All for Christ the King!"

CHORUS [2x]

Oh la la la la la...

O pra-ise Him!
O pra-ise Him!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!

How infininte and sweet
This love so rescuing
Oh how infinitely sweet
This great love that has redeemed
As one, we sing...

"Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!" [2x]

O pra-ise Him!
O pra-ise Him!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!

Oh, La la la la la la...

"Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!"

O pra-ise Him!
O pra-ise Him!
He is Ho-ly!
He is Ho-ly!

Oh la la la la la la...

Leader as Slave

So, last week’s teaching was incredible. I definitely had my eyes opened and my mind blown. The nature of who God is confounds the mind, really. There is just so much to learn about him and from him, that I find myself feeling like a young child who cannot help but stare intently at the every move their father makes, fascinated by his work, his art, his words, his movements, his life. What particularly struck me was the rather deep conversation about the Philippians 2 passage, wrestling with the reality of God’s intrinsic nature. That penetrating question of can God take a nature other than his own? Jesus, being in very nature God, took the nature of a servant. It would appear at first glance that the two are opposites: God we know to be all-powerful, in the seat of highest authority, subject to no one. A servant (indeed a slave) brings forth images of subjugation and surrendering of rights. It is, if anything, a state of utter powerlessness. How on earth can the two be reconciled? I see the Christological problem, but I also understand some of the mystery to this paradox. In Jesus, there is a truth about God that has been revealed to us which was not evident before: servanthood is an integral part of the nature of God. Even more enlightening was the question of who is Jesus a slave to? I loved the analogy to a butler because even though he appears to be serving the people, there is a deeper and less visible relationship at the core. Jesus did not incarnate himself to be a slave to the masses; rather, he made himself nothing, humbled himself and became obedient to death even on a cross because he had willingly chose (like a bond servant) to be slave to his good master, God the Father.

I see these connections as being vital to anyone who aspires to lead a group of people. We must acknowledge that Jesus died for the Father before he died for you and me. Accepting this means that his motivation and reasons for doing things become ours as well. I am a leader of youth in the Walk, but that does not mean I am a slave to their whims and desires. I can appreciate this point about servant leadership especially because the mission field I have found myself in is the world of tumultuous middle schoolers, and imagine what folly it would be if I catered to their wants rather than God’s will.

So this begs the question of who do we want to be? I like the identity descriptor of being “servants who lead, not leaders who serve.” Of the two categories Brian described, I think I fit into the category of servant who needs to be coaxed into leadership, even though there are still numerous ways I need to conform my attitude to be the same as that of Christ. “Servants do whatever is needed, regardless of their gifting.” I think there is a great deal of truth in this statement, and it is honestly an area for improvement in my own life and ministry. Often it is out of necessity that I serve rather than sacrifice. The kinds of leaders whom God calls, however, serve because it is love that drives them to lay down their whole lives for the sake of others. It is this subjugation of ego that frequently trips me up, more so in the context of living in community and learning what it means to be a leader there rather than as a youth leader. Somehow I find it easier to pour myself out on behalf of our kids than it is to, say, clean up after five grown women. But I see in Jesus a spirit of servanthood that is sincere and consistent. Despite his company or circumstance, Jesus is intent upon pleasing the One he serves. We should do likewise.

It is good to assess one’s leadership by answering the question, “when was the last time you chose suffering and subjugation rather than comfort and power?” When I read in Philippians 2 to humbly consider others better than myself, I consider such a question and let it cut me. I feel as though a conscious searching for ways to make oneself lower (so others may be lifted up) should be an everyday occurrence for servant leaders. For what was Jesus’ whole life if not this posture? He is God and yet he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. So he demoted himself to human likeness, to slavery, to death on a cross. And yet, this was to his glory and the glory of the Father.

The practical assessment at the end of class was convicting and instructive. As a leader in the Walk I desire for God to show me who these young men and women can become. Usually my dreams are self-absorbed and my empathy skills aren’t too keen, but God has blessed me with fellow leaders who challenge me to forget about myself in the interest of others and their needs. These criteria transfer into living in community, where a great deal of listening, empathizing, submitting and taking responsibility are required. I’ll be the first to admit where I've strayed from these, becoming defensive and hard-hearted, thinking things like “what is wrong with these people?” rather than “what should I do differently?” It shows me my own weakness and pride, and my desperate need for God’s grace in those times of failure as a leader. Perhaps similar experiences caused Peter to address his second letter as “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ” instead of the triumphant "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ." Likewise, we should seek to live in this same kind of humility as we serve the people we lead and please the God whom we serve.

1 Timothy 2:11-15

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

I would like to see this passage somehow reconciled to 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 where it says:

As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Sure, this passage could be written off with a cultural explanation but what about the first? It is much more difficult, seeing as verse 13 goes all the way back to Genesis. It appears to be not so much of a cultural reasoning but a human nature argument. And reading it, I can't help but feel a little insulted. It makes me wonder why a woman should learn in quietness and full submission, never being able to teach or have authority over a man. I guess I should be grateful that we can learn period, right? I mean, c'mon, look at the state of our world as it is. And who is running it? Men. Don't you think they could use some insight and authoritative counsel from women? Just a thought. The rationale is that Adam came first and Eve was the one deceived, therefore becoming a sinner. So apparently women are more gullible and as a result should be subject to the decisions and ruling of men. Great. And isn't the last verse just the icing on the cake - women can look forward to restoration through childbearing! Hooray! I can tell why so many people neglect this book of Scripture. It messes up how we'd like to think about the place and role of women. And if you do have the unfortunate luck of being a woman, it honestly makes you a little pissed at God for being so unfair. But the truth is there has to be something valuable and instructive in this seemingly chauvinistic text. After all, Jesus did show the greatest amount of dignity and care toward women, more than anyone else in the history of the world. So, there must be a way to view this passage in light of the rest of God's story. There was something that Mark Driscoll pointed out that made me ponder a bit. As much as Jesus gave value and worth to women, more than their culture ever would, he still did not choose any to be included in his Twelve disciples. Just as priests were the highest position of leadership in the OT, apostles were the highest in the NT. The question becomes "Why didn't Jesus choose any women to occupy this role? Why all twelve males?" Surely it isn't because Jesus was limited to operate his ministry in the confines of his cultural context (one in which women were more lowly), for he was always going against the current and getting in trouble for it. He could easily have pissed people off again by having women hold such a high place in ministry. So it begs the quesetion, "Why did he construct his leadership team the way he did?" Could it be that there is some truth there that we just don't want to see? One that is connected to gender roles (cover your ears, all you sociologists and femmies!) and the specific intentions that God has for men and women in his Church. I don't know, but it has me wondering.

Let Go...

...of what?

of fear?
of control?
of comfort?
of image?
of pride?
of doubt?
of anxiety?

of it all?

God's grace frees us from the tyranny of fear and the pressure to please others rather than Him.



Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters ... they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God"
(Isaiah 43:1-3)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." (John 14:1)

I'm leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So, don't be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:7)

YoungLife/WyldLife Leaders Retreat – March 4-5, 2011

I originally hadn’t wanted to go on this overnight trip to Southwind, preferring instead to attend the large protest against Publix that the Coalition of Immokalee Farmworkers was doing that same weekend in South Tampa. It bothered me that I could not go and show my support. I have often felt conflicted about what exactly it is that God desires for me to do and invest my energy in. Not being able to discern a clear calling on my life further complicates matters. I have a side that longs to be more of an activist, fighting for justice and confronting oppressive systems, while another side recognizes the tremendous value of reaching people one-on-one through smaller and more personal associations. This latter place is where I find myself, as I try my best to be a leader in the Walk/WyldLife. It is sometimes weird to be a leader in a microchurch that is at the same time a part of another organization with its own outlook on ministry and particular organization (YoungLife/WyldLife). I feel very much “Underground,” but I also sense this other, rather unknown, missional identity that is grabbing for my attention. I don’t particularly like this tension and balancing act, but I did leave this leaders retreat feeling much more empowered, adept, and connected to a group much larger than myself.

I went with three other ladies, they representing the University and Sulphur Springs area, and I the Ybor City Club. I am especially grateful to have met Mary Jane, who I could immediately tell was totally in love with Jesus, his mission for her life and the kids who he has brought into it. I was very much inspired by her passion, the experiences she shared and the advice she gave about joyfully following the will of God, particularly as it relates to doing ministry. She seemed completely at peace and filled with joy as she talked about Jesus’ work in and through her life. I realized how much I really want to live in that reality to a greater extent than I am. A reality where I am content with where God has chosen to place me and use me for his kingdom. After all, it is ultimately not about what I want or what I will to happen. At least, it should not be. I have again learned that God desires for me to stop holding onto control of my life and my future. It isn’t mine to begin with. I am not entitled to live a certain way or work a certain job or even serve Him in a certain ministry context. That is all ultimately up to Him and the sooner I realize and accept that, the better.



Even though the retreat was constructed much like a kids’ camp (aside from the inclusion of workshops) and had some rather immature elements in my opinion, I did feel like God was speaking to me through it. I remember the talk the first night about faith, referring to the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2. I liked how the speaker described the mission of YoungLife as being, “about Christ & kids, and bringing the two together.” I feel like that equally describes the purpose of The Walk. It struck me how the friends’ faith in this passage is so important to consider in this man getting healed and forgiven. For us as youth leaders, we serve as those friends who are faithful and act upon our faith in order to bring kids into the presence of this wonderful and gracious God, Jesus Christ. He asked a pretty penetrating question, “Are we leaders who tear off the roofs of houses to get our kids in front of Jesus?” And do we also humbly go to him ourselves, knowing that he is everything we need? I agree with the possibility that Jesus was probably laughing the day these men brought to him their paralyzed friend. He must have been joyfully smiling as they were destroying some other guy’s roof in order to see him. It really is as if something right happened that day. Where some might see this behavior as folly, we look to it as a lesson. Where can we be bold and act seemingly crazy on behalf of the kids we serve? I want us to not be afraid to tear some roofs off of houses for the youth of this city. Because for some of them, they will not get the opportunity to come face-to-face with Jesus unless there are committed and passionate friends/leaders in their lives willing to be creative and carry them all the way to Him.

Leader as a Member of the Body/Dream Weaver

“Leadership is an art, not a science.” I think that this statement alone has a lot to teach us. It is true that the typical and long-standing approach to leadership, both within the church and without, has primarily been as a formulaic, predictably reproducible science. We have tended to see it as some process, a series of steps to be taken that will, upon successful completion, give us a large degree of influence and power over those who follow. There seems to be a large disconnect between this understanding of leadership and the thriving of a God-filled ministry. For too long we have been content with a hierarchical model in which one leader emerges as supreme, defining the vision and ultimately seeking the alignment of everyone else. The good news is that this does not have to be the case. There is a beautifully creative leveling of leadership that is possible, which brings both freedom and mutual success to all members. What if we could reconnect this value, this lifestyle, this high calling from God back to its biblical roots? What insights do the Scriptures give us? Provided that the quotation at the very beginning is indeed true, it should come as no surprise that what we are presented with in the Bible is a stunning picture rather than a surefire method. In 1 Corinthians 12, the image is of one body with many different, but equally valuable parts. This passage has volumes to speak on creating a much more organic leadership style, where control and singular master plans do not reign, but rather the Head of the Church – Jesus Christ – does along with the people he has called together, uniquely equipped and gifted to labor for one purpose, that is, service to God. There is no need for a solitary and charismatic leader to arise and sway the masses to follow him and his mission (especially in a ministry context) when the authority of Jesus over the entire endeavor is rightly understood. Instead, the focus shifts to how each member of the body fits into the larger spiritual community – what role do they play, what special skills and insights can they offer? As the text reveals, there is mutual respect and concern for each other. An individualistic or independent attitude has no place here in the body as we can clearly see in the foolishness of one part declaring to another, “I don’t need you!” The body is a unit that functions, feels, moves, decides and collaborates together. It is alive and unpredictable, representing the truest expression of this elusive concept we call spiritual leadership. There is something very Other about it; we are not used to this overwhelming leveling of the playing field with its decentralization of power, sharing of authoritative voice, equality of opinions and interconnectedness of spirit. It is highly unheard of in our everyday business world, whose models have had significant influence on the church over the years. This is why turning to the very Word of God is so paramount. Where else could we find a paradigm so permitting of a multiplicity of vision and so enthusiastic about seeing its community become who God has made it to be?



The ministry I am helping to lead is the Walk/WyldLife, reaching out to middle school kids. I can appreciate the way in which spiritual leadership was framed during the first class because it is definitely the kind of model I would like to see come to full fruition in our ministry. Leadership has changed several times, as people have come to join the team and then gone. There has been a great deal of collaborative effort and input, but I would say that there is room for a more organic and shared leadership style. It is good to have a main contact person, but it can become quite easy to put all the responsibility and ultimate decisions on them. Sometimes there is a fear of taking on leadership by team members (I would fall into that camp) and other times there is too much control being assumed. Luckily, we have had new team members who are not afraid to jump into the unknown and be willing to serve in whatever way is necessary. They have brought energy, experience, new gifts and a refreshing attitude to the ministry. The body metaphor helps to explain why the makeup of our team looks the way it does, with its different personalities and skill sets. God has made each one of us a part of this body that we, as a team, form. And I know that there are still many parts to be added into this network of members so that a more complete body will take shape, all functioning together for the mission to which they have been collectively called. The image of a weaver, carefully interlocking unique pieces to create something larger, stronger and markedly more beautiful is how a spiritual leader and team of leaders are to be. God has given each of us a dream and is calling us into missional communities to live them out. He, as the Master Weaver, is intertwining the lives of our leadership team and is showing us how to empower one another rather than concentrate authority in the hands of a single leader.