Leader as First Grader

I think that one of the best images for leadership so far has been this image of the first grader. It isn’t something that you would intuitively come up with like slave to the master or weaver of multiple dreams. Sometimes it is easy to think of a leader as the person who “has it all figured out,” not really needing the thirst for knowledge that a first grader exemplifies. I have personally been driven by a constant desire to know more and learn as much as I can in a variety of areas, but I had never connected this to leadership. It is true, though, that good leaders are people who are filled with wonder at all that can be known, hope in the opportunity to learn at least some of it, and humility in regards to their sure inability to ever know it all. The more books I read, the more classes I take, the more workshops and seminars I attend all have this effect on me at some point: realization that God’s creation is a fascinatingly intriguing place, and I have not even scratched the surface of knowing Him or it. The assertion that “a 6-year-old child has the greatest expression of strength as a learner” is quite profound. Who would have thought? I want to have that same attitude of excitement that the first grader has each time I learn something new from my time in the Word. It is so easy for us to approach Scripture with an air of “I know this” or a situation with the mindset of “I got this,” and completely miss the intention that God has for us in those moments. Spiritual leaders must be aware of their tendency toward pride and accept the truth that knowledge puffs up while love of God builds up not only them, but those they lead. He gives them the wisdom to lead well. When we recognize that someone always knows better than we do, namely Jesus, then there is a sense of humility and openness to learn from others that is instilled in us as servant-leaders. As much as I think I know, this sensitivity and awareness of self has been very important in helping to lead the Walk. Because really, what do I know about middle school life and effective ministry strategies? I am only 23 and already I’ve forgotten those days of my youth. Plus I’ve only been seriously following Jesus since the summer of 2008. As a result, I have had to metaphorically become a sponge and soak up the knowledge of strong leaders who have experience and wisdom I do not yet possess. I understand why God purposely chooses the leaders he does, ones who do not fit the leadership mold of the world, because their inexperience and naivety necessitate reliance upon Him. I don’t know what I’m doing half the time, but apparently somebody (God) does because kids are loved and growing in their relationship with Jesus.

I like how the first grader is in the best stage of their learning career. There is no sense of inadequacy or competition with fellow classmates. They simply enjoy one amazing discovery after another and look forward to the next day’s intellectual surprises. There is no end to their wonder, awe and amazement. What happened to us? Where is our free delight and inner joy of learning? Forget the private middle school, IB high school and 4+ years of college. Apparently it was the 2nd grade that began to knock the daylights out of my innocent love of knowledge. Yikes. I am thankful to have had this passion reignited in my soul and been placed back on a path that seeks to lead in the name of Christ by submitting to him as Master and Teacher. In a previous blog I admitted to being the type of person who shies away from leadership, probably due to a level of insecurity and lack of confidence. What I’m learning from Jesus, though, is the great potential that learners have to become leaders because of their ability to integrate all the different elements that they have learned. This is such good news because it opens up the spiritual leadership arena to the kinds of people that God uses best in accomplishing his purposes on earth. They are humble in their knowledge of what little they actually know, and yet they are wise in making connections between the things that God has graciously opened their minds to see and understand. We need leaders who will listen to the counsel and ideas of others because other people may know things that they themselves do not know (ie: other solutions), and who use their knowledge to discern more godly and effective ways to lead His people. God forbid the day I ever think that I have arrived in my discipleship or accomplished something in my ministry. Rather, I hope to unlearn a few things in order to return to that first grade outlook.

Since last class I have discovered my dark side of leadership – evidently I am a passive-aggressive leader and it has “significant negative influence.” That’s a bit troubling, but I find solace in the fact that Jonah was just as messed up and somehow God used that guy. At the very least, I have learned something (well, this was actually more like a confirmation of what I already suspected). How to overcome this dark side… now that is likely to be a very challenging learning process and experience.