This summer, four different men provoked me with their examples of frontline leadership. The common thread between them that deserves our careful attention is this: faith-filled risk-taking.
Leadership is fascinating to watch. Too much blame or credit is so often placed at the feet of someone who directly controls so little of the outcome. Yet, this is not inappropriate, because decisions made at the top of any organization filter out into all its activities. Leadership really matters.
In early July my friend Jon Ward (who also blogs here) left our small group and the familiar confines of our local church in the suburbs. With his wife’s support, he led a careful process of evaluating his desires and his sense of God’s call for him to serve others, particularly the less fortunate, nearer his home in DC. As our group honored them for their exemplary faith, all were provoked by their choice of the “Road Less Traveled” for God. Our local church is rich in the grace of God, but the Wards recognize the basis of Christianity is sacrificial service and personally ministering that grace to those in need, and this drove their decision. I expect lasting fruit through them for their community in Brookland (Northeast DC) and in their new church.
Also in July, a man named John Loftness left his position after 27 years as a Pastor at Covenant Life Church, only to strike out in a new adventure of leadership–taking the Senior Pastor role of Solid Rock Church, a smaller congregation in need of a proven leader. As our church honored John, his wife, and their children for their sacrifice to make this transition, I was provoked by John’s conviction of leadership and his rejection of comfort to serve those in need. While others may feel entitled to a posh retirement, John is pressing on to “die with his boots on.” Wow.
For all the criticism and declining polls against him, President Bush has emerged to me as another example of faith-filled risk-taking. Many believe this is nothing more than stubborn arrogance. Perhaps. What leader is not subject to that assessment at times when they stick to their core principles over near-term popularity? I believe the Bush Doctrine of using force to root out terrorists abroad to prevent another 9/11 at home is a sound principle, despite any failings of execution. This summer has shown signs that the execution is turning in our favor as Gen. Petraeus’ Surge has progressed in Iraq. While conservative supporters like Bill Kristol made their case this summer “Why Bush Will Be A Winner,” thoughtful former opponents like Michael O’Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack have recognized this as “A War We Just Might Win.”
The fourth example is the ultimate Frontline Leader, Jesus Christ, and His leadership took a different meaning and shape for me when I read The Manliness of Christ. I encourage you to see for yourself.
The sum of these summer lessons for me is this: No leader can know the final outcome of his or her decisions, but one must be prepared to take the road less traveled when God calls. This requires a well-informed, prayerful, and child-like faith to discern and confirm that God and not self-assertion is the One calling. Through this process, one can gain all the confidence needed to humbly but boldly take principled risks.
Where would the world be without such leaders? What is your “road less traveled”?
