Reflection
The third descriptor for our Empowering Leadership value is:
We empower and equip everyone to lead in whatever sphere of influence God has called us into – in the church, in the family, in the community and in our everyday worlds.
Our faith in Jesus was never intended to be confined to the church but is intended to transform families, workplaces and the communities where we live.
Jesus says:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:19
Making disciples involved leading people. We are all called to lead and, whilst we believe that some are called to church leadership, we recognise that most are called to lead in the world. We are called to lead those around us, whether they be colleagues, friends or family members.
We value all kinds of leadership in all places. We do not place greater importance on one over the other. Instead we spend time encouraging, empowering and envisioning everyone to lead wherever God has called them, because this is how we see the Kingdom of Heaven coming to earth.
As a family we take time to listen and to pray for one another that we may be salt and light in the places where we find ourselves each day.
The Bible says
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed
Romans 8:19
This starts to happen when we realise that we can change the places where we are everyday. Whether it be a nurse in an operating theatre, a manager in an office or a teacher in a school. Whether it be in a community group, a coffee shop or a youth club, we all have spheres of influence – places where our presence, actions and words shape those around us.
We are called to lead in these places full of the Holy Spirit exhibiting the fruits and the gifts. We do not lead by being dominating or being judgemental, but by showing grace and love to those around us. In doing so, we start to reveal Jesus to them and we point them towards a different Kingdom – the Kingdom of Heaven.
Prayer
Thank you Jesus that you came to save and redeem the whole world. Help us to recognise the gifting that is on all of us and teach us what it means to lead in our everyday worlds. Help us to love and support each other in this as we seek to see your Kingdom come on earth. Amen