How should a Christian define the term leadership? What does it look like to act as a godly leader in today’s culture?
Before my time as a Fellow, these questions would have brought to mind the image of an authoritative commander, directing others on how to serve them best. However, through our Principles of Leadership class, Matt Dee has given me a drastically different idea of a leader.
In Principles of Leadership, Fellows sit with our service teams to learn about leadership tactics and how to apply them to our everyday lives. We are equipped to interact well as a team in ways I could have never expected. Instead of exercising control over one another, we have learned how to serve each other to the best of our ability.
Part of leading well involves taking care of our spiritual health. Matt Dee has prepared us for this part of leadership by teaching spiritual disciplines. Some of these disciplines involve abstaining from certain activities and habits, while others require engagement in activities and habits that are sometimes neglected. By participating in practices such as fasting, celebration, silence, and solitude, we can learn from our Creator the unique ways he has designed us to lead. When we are intentional in our relationships with the Lord, it is much easier to be intentional in leading each other.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned”
Romans 12:3 ESV
Authentic humility is not being overly critical or deprecatory in my view of myself; it is also not thinking of myself as better than those around me. Rather, it is an attempt to see myself as I am.
Learning about leadership is essential for believers in all walks of life. Whether or not we recognize it, we have a sphere of influence. It’s up to the individual to decide how to use that influence. In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches this aspect of our faith:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”
Matthew 5:16, ESV
Over these last couple of months, I have watched my service team implement these principles and truly lead one another well. Each week is another opportunity to step into our roles with assurance and serve other team members. And each week, we can carry this out more confidently and excellently as we grow in our leadership abilities. Following God’s design for leadership has given us the ability to pull together and serve in a way that honors Him.
In my own life, I have seen God begin teaching me to live with Spirit-empowered influence. Cultivating my relationship with Him and walking in humility have been essential parts of this journey. It’s encouraging to see the Holy Spirit’s work in me reflected in the way I interact with others. Through Principles of Leadership, I have been empowered to embrace servant leadership in every aspect of life.
Zoe Hill
Class XIV
Lagrange, Texas