I came across this prayer just a few moments ago from the Book of Common Prayer:

“God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

What a great prayer. I plan to make that part of my morning “liturgy” for a few weeks! A friend of mine in the CCO who speaks to parents, students, pastors, etc about this significant transition from high school to college posted this prayer within an article that might warrant your attention. His name is Derek Melleby. Derek co-authored a great book with Don Opitz which I already use as a resource for students. In fact, this past summer I gave a copy of The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness to each of the graduating seniors I knew personally.

In the article I mentioned above as well as Derek and Don’s book, the college experience is a transformational opportunity in life and not a trivial pursuit. College is more than a social “phase” of life wedged in between childhood and adulthood. The college years provide a tremendous opportunity to grow in every way: academically, socially, spiritually, etc. And when the college experience is couple with Christian community, I think the potential for major transformation and growth is exponentially enhanced.

Walking alongside of college students as they are challenged, transformed, and thoroughly engaged with life and culture is the opportunity I have ahead this Fall. What a great gig, eh?!

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.

I was just reading over my end of class survey report and read one of the most encouraging pieces of feedback I’ve ever received from one of these philosophy students:

This response was under the section “What suggestions do you have for faculty improvement:”

THAT is a gift!  It’s often tough to inspire these students much about philosophy, but if I can raise their level of enthusiasm about Christ and the Gospel…success!  

There are connotations… miscommunication… abuse…baggage.

I have recently set out on the task of engaging the idea (and calling) of holiness. Especially important to me is the need to communicate the truth of holiness and sanctification in ways which get at the real heart of transformation, grace, and discipleship.

Oord and Lodahl do a really nice job of describing the “core notion” of holiness as a response of love to God and others which really flows out of God’s call, God’s purposes, and the nature of God Himself.

Where much of the holiness “baggage” comes from is when peripheral notions (rule keeping, legalism, set apart-ness, consecration, etc) of holiness take the place of that core notion . I have a couple more titles to read on this topic so I’m looking forward to a renewed vision for and emphasis on faithful holy living as I challenge college students to pursue Christ-likeness and God’s mission to love.

Ha, ha…but seriously. We’re into the second week of February and I’m about 3 books behind in my reading goal for 2010. But that’s okay…I just came across this helpful post on book reading techniques from Tim Elmore.

If you’re trying to be more efficient with your reading goals, check out his article here.

On a positive note, I’m on track to finish two books this week, so I should only be one week behind after that.

And I’m still open to swapping out some titles on my list if someone has a great book you want to pitch to me!