The Leadership Struggle

Blame always rises to the top of the leadership ladder, even in cases where the full truth and reasoning may not be known. In the case of a failure and or removal from the highest level, blame also quickly descends upon those who remain.

Leadership truly does require a thick skin.

It does not require perfection for nobody is.
It does not require full transparency, for we live in a time where it is more fun to highjack the truth with misleading titles and offering words that stand in the way of resolution than asking questions and working through all possible aspects in order to gain better understanding.

Not everyone is "in the room". We do not know, nor can we sometimes fully comprehend the information presented, the context and the history that factors in; as to why, how and where decisions are made and the impact that follows.

Furthermore, it doesn't help any matters that people arrive at places of criticism for some fairly far-fetched reasons, others very legit and well-founded. So the discussion is always an interesting one, provided both parties can hang in long enough to find common ground... or at least a point or place of understanding.

We've come to a place where we think everything needs to be shared, everything needs to be known and all reasoning explained. Life doesn't work like that. Relationships exist on several levels and not all can be intimate enough to be full access with nothing hidden from plain sight.

Leadership is a conviction for truth.
Leadership is a boldness to declare it.
Leadership is a compass for trust.

The first of the three can be the equivalent of an archeological dig.
The last of the three, easier to lose than to gain.
In the middle, resides the temptation to remain silent... which long term, helps nobody.

All the more reason, to pray, not just for leadership in general, but for pastors. For if we are concerned for the lives that hang in the balance as a society, how much more, our concern for lives who hang in the balance of eternity?

Thanks again, for joining me this #associatePastorTuesday, as we pray for associate pastors. Pray for a conviction for the truth. Pray a boldness to declare it and in love. Pray for wisdom in their relationships, that they would be built on trust. As we do live in a day of desired transparency, pray for wisdom and guidance, that leaders and pastors would know what to share, with whom and when; for relationships are dynamic with intricate moving pieces and salient details. May God help those who observe and criticize; may it be done so with compassion and understanding. May their be a foundation of understanding; rather than a platform that is quick to place blame and hurl insults.

May our lives glorify Christ
Even as decisions are made
While we may not understand, nor agree;
May we continue to trust... first and foremost,
The sovereign hand of God.
Not Himself removed from our presence,
But intimately involved in the affairs of man.
That His purposes might be accomplished
So all may know, He is God.

- PNC

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