As I reflect on this question, I know there is no easy answer.
Therefore the following is my brief reflection on this topic.
First, leadership skill is a common grace issue. What I mean
is this, both Buddhist and Christian, both Mormon and Hindu,
believe that to be a leader one must be equipped with basic
criteria. And these criteria are hard working, intelligent
mind and management skill etc. Therefore, as a Christian
we share this common ground with those non-Christian. Then
there is no surprise when we find out a company run by a
non-Christian may have much more profit than a company
run by a Christian.
Second, within the Church context, we need leadership that
not only to show us how to manage our time and financial
problems. But we need leadership that brings us back to God.
What does that mean? Bring us back to God to pray for more
fortune, fame and prosperity? No, it is to bring our eyes
to focus on Christ’s redemptive work. Because a church
leader knows very well that he is as sinful as the congregation.
Then, the need of the believers is not to ask for more
management skill, but a clear conscience before the
righteous God. By what means to obtain this good standing
before God, by preaching the content of the Gospel!
Third, in light of the first point, a Church leader
(especially the Pastor) may get a C in the management skill
test. But at least he must be faithful to preach the word of
God in season and out of season. At the same time, he must
have a conviction that God will bring people to repentance
only by the means of His Words. And more specifically, the
incarnated Word of God, that is Jesus Christ.
Fourth, the real leader is found in Christ himself. Christ
is the leader of the pastor as well as the congregation.
Therefore if a church leader does not always remind believers
to focus on our heavenly Shepherd (the beginning and the
perfection of our faith), then implicitly he denies that
Christ is the real leader!
Posted on November 4, 2006
