Plugging the Leadership Leak
Why leaders need to set an example of community.
by Scott Mawdesley, Small Groups Pastor, Christ Fellowship
Is there enough time?

I'm not sure what your lives are like, but mine is progressively getting faster and more complex. As the doors of opportunity increase and the pace of ministry exponentially advances, I find myself struggling to create margins and live a life that is not only pleasing to our Lord, but also aligned with who I am and what I value.

Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you want to see in others." Does this thought resonate with your life?

Ron Martoia, a friend of mine, wrote one of my favorite books: Morph—The Texture of Leadership for Tomorrows Church. In his book, Ron talks a lot about "leadership leak." Our leadership is constantly leaking on other people, whether we realize it or not.

What are we leaking on those around us?

We emphasize the importance of community and relationships, yet many of us are strung relationally thin and would have to say, "Do as I say, not as I do." The problem with this is that leaders are models; we show, through our actions, what true community is. Our everyday lives show the picture of what we believe to be truly important. If we're not doing it, the majority won't do it either.

Two weeks ago I spoke on a Wednesday night about the importance of community in our lives and how we cannot survive without it. As I was speaking, there was a part of my soul that realized I've put myself in a position where I wasn't experiencing the kind of community God intended. Since then, my wife and I have begun a more intentional journey to align our values more closely with the leak of our lives. Although we're still wrestling with finding the right balance, we feel one step closer to experiencing the change we want to see in those around us.

What changes do we need to make in order to speak Paul's words: "Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1)? May God bless you as you seek to find the right balance in your lives.

 

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