In the last few days I've been thinking a lot about leadership. Our church is in the process of searching for our next pastoral leader and Sunday we had a conversation with the district leader about that position. The church is at a point in her history and growth where good leadership continues to be critical. There are currently incredibly talented people in lay and staff leadership positions, and our next pastor will need to be a compliment to and crucial element of that leadership.
(Painting a picture with a wide brush and a grain of salt now:) Our nation seems to have a lot of "leaders" who are strictly out to further their own or party's agenda. Our society seems to discourage godly leadership within the home. People in our culture seem to be led like sheep ("sheeple") by entertainment, sports, or political celebrities. Thoughtful people pine for times when thoughtful, careful, leaders looked at the best thinking around them and how to apply it to current situations. And while I recognize that in every generation there are leaders and "sheeple," somehow it seems there are a lot more sheeple than quality leaders right now.
This weekend I read Peggy Noonan's column in the Wall Street Journal. Most of it was a response to the criticisms of Sarah Palin. But the last few paragraphs I believe are profound and important for thinking citizens and church folk to consider. (You can read the whole article at:
I won't reprint the whole thing here, but the last paragraphs I believe apply both to the Church and to our nation.
The era we face, that is soon upon us, will require a great deal from our leaders. They had better be sturdy. They will have to be gifted. There will be many who cannot, and should not, make the cut. Now is the time to look for those who can. And so the Republican Party [or any church following Jesus!] should get serious, as serious as the age, because that is what a grown-up, responsible party [church/pastor] —a party [church/pastor] that deserves to lead—would do.
It's not a time to be frivolous, or to feel the temptation of resentment, or the temptation of thinking next year will be more or less like last year, and the assumptions of our childhoods will more or less reign in our future. It won't be that way.
We are going to need the best.
God,
We love you, O LORD, our strength.
The LORD is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer;
our God is our rock, in whom we take refuge. (Ps.181:2a NIV, alt.)
Turn your ear to us, come quickly to our rescue;
be our rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save us.
Since you are our rock and our fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide us. (Ps.31:2-3 NIV, alt.)
O LORD, hear our prayer, listen to our cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness come to our relief.
Let the morning bring us word of your unfailing love,
for we have put our trust in you.
Show us the way we should go,
for to you we lift up our souls.
Rescue us from our enemies, O LORD,
for we hide ourselves in you.
Teach us to do your will,
for you are our God;
may your good Spirit
lead us on level ground. (Ps. 143:1, 8-10 NIV alt.)
We need leaders who are tuned in to you,
both for our church and for our nation.
We need men and women who seek first your kingdom and righteousness
and want to serve you in their roles.
Prepare our next pastor and upcoming/future civic leaders
for the leadership roles you have for them.
Show your church and your people the ones you
have anointed for leadership.
Give your leaders the fortitude and patience of David
as he waited for your timing to become the leader
God had anointed him to be.
Give your leaders the courage and faith
of Joshua and Caleb, to see Your Promised Land and
speak your truth to the people.
Give your leaders the joy of Abraham and Sarah
as they watched Isaac grow, knowing your promises are "yes and amen."
Give your leaders the focus and vision for ministry
the apostles and early church had so we are effective in our mission and ministry.
Give your leaders a desire to be genuinely humble
and allow you to raise us up to exalted places.
Guide our feet into the paths of peace
for your righteousness and for the glory of your name.
Amen
Peace be with you,
JV
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