The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Nixon N. Echavez
Date: 26.04.2010
Category: Leadership Development, Leadership Development
The prevailing philosophy of many pastoral leaders concerning leadership, at least those that I come in contact with in my short years of ministry, is a lopsided interest in a certain dimension resulting to a lack of balance with the other areas. One group argues that adequate theological training is the key for ministry effectiveness. Another asserts that zeal for God should be enough to carry them in ministry. The last, however, is counting on practical ministerial skills to bring about the desired results. What is interesting is that all three groups are found across denominational structures and theological spectrum.
I believe in the necessity of intellectual, spiritual, and skills development based on a leadership paradigm provided by the Lord Jesus in the Great Commandment. To be fully developed leaders we need to look for a creative balance to promote intellectual growth, to pursue passionate spirituality, and to expand ministry skills. This is a challenge for the global church as we seek to accomplish the task of world evangelization in the 21st century. Let us continue to explore ways of fusing the mind, heart, and strength dimensions so that we can become more complete leaders and lead God’s people more effectively in fulfilling His purposes for our world.
Keywords: Leadership development, pastoral training, theological education, Christian spirituality, ministry skills, Great Commandment, Philippines
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Japan
In Japan, where I have been ministering as a missionary for thirty-four years, one major issue in leadership is the problem of spiritual abuse. Many pastors, claiming to be "God’s chosen and annointed vessel," act like dictators as they demand total and unconditional obedience from their church members. I have counseled with countless Christians who have experienced great mental, emotional, and spiritual damage at the hands of these men. I think it is very important for us to return to the biblical teaching of servant leadership, as outlined so precisely by our Lord in Mark 10:42-45.
27.04.2010
Philippines
@ William_Wood: @William: The Lord Jesus never instructed us to build our own kingdoms. It is however unfortunate that many of us Christian leaders act like kings in our churches, denominations, para-churches, seminaries, and other platforms of leadership. It is regretful that we succumb to the seduction of our flesh, forget the essence of servant leadership, and hurt other people in the process. In my opinion, it is absolutely essential that when we formulate our own ministry philosophy we specify whose Kingdom is to be built to constantly remind us who is King.
28.04.2010
India
Thank you so much for your contribution. I think every leader of God must remember that ministry flows out of his/her being. God is more interest in us than what we do for Him.
Suman Aghamkar
27.04.2010
India
Thank you for your contribution. I think every leader of God must remember that ministry flows out of our being. Instead of doing something for God, we must develop our own spiritual life. God is more interested in us than what we do for Him.
Suman Aghamkar
27.04.2010
United Kingdom
Thank you for your contribution to this debate about Leadership models. I’ve come to realise that its less about me as a leader striving to reach a challenge or a goal. The model I see in Luke 3 and 4. It is based on what Frank Lake has called the ’Cycle of Grace." Jesus understood he was sustained through the trial of the wildrerness experience, because he was loved and accepted by the Father. Knowing this sustained him he was able to understand his significance and purpose. It was this hat allowed him to see success or achievemnet. the danger we all fall into even in our evangelical leadership models, is to put achievement first which gives us significance, which sustains us to the pointbwhere we feel accepted. Lake invites us all to turn from the Cylce of Works to the Cycle of Grace.
27.04.2010
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