There is a Ted Talk that I have watched several times over the past few years, and again this weekend. While Benjamin Zander shares the transformative power of classical music, I am thinking of the transformative power of good leadership in Christian ministry. Zander, a conductor, teacher and speaker on The Art of Possibility, is an inspirational example of true leadership – one who draws out the potential of others. He shares this on his website:
“The best review I ever got was not from a music critic, but from my father. He was 94 years old at the time and completely blind. He attended a Master Class I gave in London and sat there in his wheelchair for about three hours. When it was over, I went to speak with him. He lifted up his finger in his characteristic way and said, “I see that you are actually a member of the healing profession.” It seemed to me the highest accolade.”
These 20 minutes may change your life:
What moves me to tears when watching this is Zander’s belief in the beautiful potential in each person. I cannot agree more. We all are made in God’s image and have the capacity to rule over Creation, in His good design. We were made to have dominion, to be powerful. Jesus said that His followers would do greater things than He Himself (John 14:12). There is so much possibility in each of God’s image bearers.
This vision of empowering others in ministry is not always present in our churches. Our leaders can be blind to the potential of others sometimes. They see their own calling and gifts and understand leadership in terms of authority and corporate paradigms. In our Western world, this may be the only model of leadership that we have ever been exposed to, limiting our ability to imagine a better way. But the New Testament shows us an early church model of mutuality and inclusion. Paul, James, and the other NT authors teach us to consider others greater than ourselves, to lay down our lives in servant leadership, to each bring a contribution to corporate worship as the priesthood of all believers.
May more leaders emerge who view their communities not as followers but as fellow image bearers with their own callings, gifts, and the powerful indwelling of the Holy Spirit. May we not doubt the potential each believer has to spread God’s light and love in ministry.
The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors believes that you have a unique calling from God. He has prepared good works for you to do. Your voice is powerful and every voice matters.
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Ruth Perry
Becky Buck
The Beautiful Kingdom Warriors 