This month, Kristen Daley Mosier, our CASA communications director (a genXer), asked if I (the builder) would write about Christian leadership, showing how relationships + experience lead to greater knowledge and wisdom. She wanted to know some of the characteristics that have worked for me in building faith and leadership bridges across generations? It’s a good question. So here goes.
There may be no better or more familiar example of this in a biblical context than that of Paul and Timothy, two men differing in customs, cultures and ages who, over a span of years, left their footprints on a clear and proven path of intergenerational Christian leadership. What was it that Paul did with such clear-cut intentionality in this young man’s life that almost all great mentors still practice today?
Engage the right person
When we’re at our best, we have an eye out for nurturing the right people. Some relationships just happen to us. Others are designed by the Holy Spirit. With most we make spiritual deposits because we can. But with a few there is something different, a nudging of the Holy Spirit. We invest heavily in these because we must!
My ministry relationship with Kristen began in a mentor/student context in her final year of seminary. During this brief time, the Holy Spirit allowed me a glimpse of her character and calling that invited more curiosity. It resulted in our working together, and an ongoing sharing of knowledge and wisdom and a collegial relationship.
There have been others on my Journey. And there will be more. But why now at this point in my life? Mentoring can be hard. It is time consuming. So why do it? Because it’s the right thing for leaders to do and because I am not done yet. The people in my life with whom I’ve witnessed the greatest spiritual growth and success are the young men and women I’ve been privileged to nurture. Words. Example. Listening. Show and tell times. Vulnerability. There is great satisfaction (and risk) in exploring faith and work with the right person, one who is hungry and open and searching and listening. When I am at my best, I have an eye out for nurturing leaders.
Equip for the task
Get the right people in the right positions and watch them flourish. Paul placed Timothy and Silas in Berea to care for a young church. It was a great training ground for what was to come later in their lives. Paul led them. He spent time with them. He gave responsibility to them. Paul was all about caring for the church. But he was also about nurturing young leaders.
Empower for success
To those who would be asked to follow this young leader ~
Paul affirms Timothy’s calling, his concern for the people, his being a one-of-a-kind leader, a colleague who is like a son. He offers his own reputation as the highest recommendation he could give (Phil 2:19-23). Don’t forget. The recommendation of a respected elder is the best of gifts to give, to receive and to live up to.
To the younger man himself ~
Paul challenges, “Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses” (I Timothy 6:12 12). Building on a foundation that someone else has laid is a sacred trust, one too easily forgotten in our rush toward a ‘relevant’ high-tech gospel that admittedly can sometimes be more about “me,” than about “Thee.”
All my life I’ve been competing for the faith, the holy calling and the confession of saints who came before me, who did the same for those who would come after them. The church didn’t begin in my head or even in my heart. Nor did it begin in yours. It was birthed in God’s heart, set aflame by his Holy Spirit, and carried on by great men and women down through the ages, many whose names are known only to God. So if pride has put its nameplate on your desk, get over yourself. Up to now, good friend, you and I have been building on the work of others!
Employ for effective service
By giving Timothy opportunity to deal with the heresies afflicting the church in Ephesus, where Paul himself had already invested considerable time and effort, he was entrusting Timothy with a responsibility for a church and a city, and providing him an opportunity for the maturation of his ministry. Paul’s encouragement and belief in Timothy gave this younger servant leader the courage and boldness he needed for success.
Develop a trusting relationship
Phil 2:22 “I have no one else like him…”
Trust and relationship among leaders, as well as between leaders and followers must be non-negotiable. Jesus engaged the right persons, equipped them for the task ahead, empowered them for success and employed them for effective service. Yet after all this, one of his most trusted associates betrayed their relationship. It happens. But not so with Timothy and Paul. Over the years, Timothy assimilated what Paul taught, and what he saw in Paul’s ministry and perseverance and trustworthiness. And they grew together.
Nearing end of his Journey, Paul reflects the intimate confidence he has by telling Timothy, “I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!” It’s almost over for me, Timothy. My son. My life offering is spent. It’s time for me to go. I’ve done my best. I’ve finished well. I have kept the faith.
If I were once more charged with building the ‘ideal’ ministry team, my example would be that of four from the “greatest generation,” long before team building was in vogue and “good to great” had become a modern day leadership mantra. Billy Graham, George Beverly Shea, Cliff Barrows and Grady Wilson, after much prayer and counting the cost, committed themselves to ministry together, subordinating their personal plans and dreams in order to stay together throughout their lifetimes. Devoted to Christ, to a vision they could see at best only “through a glass darkly,” and to one another. Graham expressed it to Barrows with these simple words. “May we serve together until the Lord returns, or until one of us is called home to heaven.” I like the servant leader power there is in that.
Nurturing leaders is a quiet business. I have leader friends so busy with what’s on their table of tasks that they have no time for this. I am sorry to hear it. No one should be that busy, but I do understand the demands. It’s just that these friends are missing one of the most important responsibilities of good leaders. And quite truthfully, it’s not the Jesus way.
The Jesus way results in more leaders, more men and women that are committed, motivated and personally satisfied as a result. Prepared to face the leadership challenges of the future. Engaged. Equipped. Empowered. Employed. Nurtured.
Relationships + experience lead to greater knowledge and wisdom.
“O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you” (1 Tim 6:20).
By the way, if you would like to experience this very thing with more depth, to add another ‘arrow’ to your arsenal, and take away how it can happen for you, your family, your church and your world, sign up for the leadership conference today. Here’s hoping I see you in Dallas November 6-8!
Come join us. Rediscover Your Why!
Ward
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