What makes a good leader? The answer to that question has been the source of debate and study for millennia. From time immemorial, highly educated, experienced men and women have sought to discover and to define the magic formula for what makes a good leader. Countless lectures, books, and seminars have been dedicated to the subject. But the fact that countless hours continue to be dedicated to finding “what makes a good leader” should tell you one thing – there is no magic formula! That is an encouraging, helpful truth for me as I prepare for our upcoming leadership training.
In many ways, preparing to teach about leadership has overwhelmed me. As I have combed through articles, books, and blog posts, the words of Solomon apply well to my preparations:
For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. ~ Eccl. 1:18
Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. ~ Eccl. 12:12
Brothers and sisters, I do not write to you today with helpful instruction or keen insights about “what makes a good leader.” Rather, I write to you with a humble request. Please pray! Pray for the leadership in our congregation, both current and future, and pray for me as I prepare for our leadership training. The words of James ring in my ears, “Why do you not have? Because you do not ask!” If we are not willing to ask for the Lord’s blessing upon our leadership training at CPC – or in any other regard – how can we legitimately hope for his blessing?
God calls and equips leaders of all types and stripes – some as ordained officers and some in other areas. Regardless of where each of us might serve, I am truly grateful for the diverse gifts, talents, personalities, and backgrounds in our congregation and am confident we can work together to serve the Lord faithfully and fruitfully as a congregation. Perhaps I am wrong in my expectations, but I sincerely believe that through leadership training and officer elections we are about to take a huge step forward as a congregation. As go the leaders, so go the people… Where are we going as a congregation? We need to make those decisions together over the upcoming months, and I look forward to doing so with all of you. I do not know what the Lord has in store for us at CPC but am excited to find out!
Leadership training will begin Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 5:00 pm CDT. See you there!