Been awhile since I’ve finished a book! Although I have 5 or 6 in progress, actually reading one through to the end has proven challenging over the summer. But this particular book was part of my professional development as a campus minister with the CCO. Though not what you would call “required” reading, it’s a book that my supervisor referenced as an inside look at his own style and approach to leadership.
Early in the book Allender discusses the question “Who is a leader?” and makes several great points. We often limit leadership to an elite group of slick, effective, and polished individuals…even in the church. But this author correctly points out that “Anyone who wrestles with an uncertain future on behalf of others–anyone who uses her gifts, talents, and skills to influence the direction of others for the greater good–is a leader.”
Later on he says “You find your greatest effectiveness as a leader when you lead with a distinct limp.” This is perhaps the central point of the book and his philosophy of leaders which he bases on Paul’s own style and claims in the New Testament to be the “chief of sinners.” Paul even prays for a failure/limp/obstacle to be removed but acknowledges that Christ’s strength is made perfect and put on display through our weakness.
In a church culture of success-driven and C.E.O’esque patterns of leadership, this is not necessarily a popular concept. For a leader to admit weakness, failure, sin, anger, pride, narcissism, struggle, etc?!? But consider the whole point of leadership from a Kingdom perspective. It’s not about making the leader look good, effective, or successful. It’s about bringing glory to God and influencing people towards the Kingdom through reconciled relationships.
In a section on exhaustion and disillusionment these words prescribe wisely: “To reduce chaos and complexity in our lives, we must build in margins and set boundaries; we have to limit what we do.” And in the same vein, “Busyness…is moral laziness because it involves refusing to live with courage and intentionality.”
The final chapter I would call attention to has to do with calling. In my own personal experience, wrestling with the notion of calling and identity in ministry has been one of my greatest challenges over the past several years. I’m still steeping in the brew created by this statement: “Our calling, however, i soften shaped as much by our weaknesses as by our strengths.” Allender acknowledges that this style of leadership may not be for everyone and we need to ask some difficult questions of ourselves. Additionally, the context within which we seek to live out our calling (which should be all about character development…spiritual maturity of ourselves and those we lead) is extremely important.
Does anyone remember that game perfection? You set the timer and you try to put all the shapes where they belong before your heart pounds out of your chest from the dreaded inevitable buzzer?!? In my own leadership/ministry journey over the past few years…I felt as though I kept trying to ‘fit’ myself into the right spot. I felt like a square peg with only round holes being offered as my context for leadership and calling. With a lot of grace, guidance, and wise counsel…I learned some of the things this author speaks of regarding calling and context.
I resonate with much of the book and find that it’s particularly helpful in positioning myself to be lead by someone who leads with a distinct limp.
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