A couple of years ago I was asked by our organization to help lead a working group on the topic of spiritual leadership. Our task was to do some investigative work and determine the degree to which spiritual leadership was being expressed and felt throughout the ministry. We did a lot of surveys and interviews towards leaders and followers at all levels of the organization. There were several themes that became apparent. But one stood out, which was the assumption of spirituality.
It was consistently explained to us in the following way. Followers knew that their leaders had a vibrant, personal walk with God. But once those leaders put on their leadership hats, that sense of spirituality disappeared and was replaced by organizational language that often felt demanding and driven. Did you catch that? Leaders, both men and women, simply assumed that those who reported to them would get the spiritual aspect of ministry. These leaders would give the majority of their attention to leading the ministry apart from a deep sense of spirituality.
Let me offer three reasons I think this can be a reality for any spiritual entity, whether it is church or para-church. At the foundation of it all, we can trust more in the symbols of our spirituality to carry the day than to actually lead people spiritually towards a greater dependence upon Christ.
1. Your logo. Every Christian entity I can think of has a ministry logo. We in Cru do too. Ours includes a cross. Usually great time, effort and money is spent towards coming up with a symbol of the organization that we think best matches the calling and mission we want to convey. The logo stands as an outward representation of what leaders want to be true within the life of every person who serves within the ministry. But it’s just a symbol. Nothing more. It can never take the place of true spirituality nor produce it. A leader cannot hope that the representation of the organization produces an atmosphere of spirituality. Leaders can’t hide behind it, they must lead to it.
2. Your leadership title. It has been interesting to watch how Christian leadership titles have changed over time. Pastors are now Spiritual Formation Directors. Senior Pastors are now Lead Pastors. Others who serve on the staff are Men’s and Women’s Equipping Director or Regeneration Director. My title is Executive Director for Leadership Development. Most of these are very spiritual sounding titles. But do they actually mean anything? Or are they another symbol to hide behind? Do we hope the title will convey the message? Do we live up to the titles? Do we lead out of the titles? Are we assuming that our mere presence, depicted by a title, will manifest an air of spirituality? The title is only as good as the intentionality behind it to lead out in a truly spiritual manner.
3. Your ministry history. Our organization has a rich 63 year spiritual history. Our founders, Bill and Vonette Bright, exuded intimacy with Christ. Whenever he addressed the staff he clearly led from a spiritual base. Our current President and his wife, Steve and Judy Douglass, do also. Its in the air, its who we are. And that may be the problem for many of our other leaders in the ministry. We just assume it. Look at our heritage. Of course we are spiritual. So leaders stop leading out of, and toward, a deep intimacy in Christ. My hunch is that our organization is not unique. Every Christian entity has a history that portrays and reveals a calling. If God has blessed, there is a heritage to be cherished and honored–but not depended upon! Our history and heritage can become another form of dependence without substance. Honor your heritage by choosing to lead spiritually every day.
Christian leader we cannot afford to assume spirituality. We must be intentional about leading others spiritually towards the foundation that is Jesus Christ.
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