"I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self." (In the name of Jesus by Henri J.M Nouwen,1987:17)
Having read this in light of being commissioned as an Officer (minister) in the Salvation Army, i was challenged by what it meant and more importantly, what it looked like. We are told the church needs to be relevant, up to date and connected with it's community. We are taught that leadership involves having tools for the tasks presented before us. What on earth is Nouwen getting at.
Actually, I think it is quite simple. We need skills, tools, passions and knowledge but not at the expense of knowing Jesus. His weakness is the source of our strength, His (seeming) irrelevance gives us authority in this world. Jesus must come first in all we do. "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30).
I repeat my call (for myself as much as anyone else); "Weak and irrelevant leaders wanted!"
I'll take the Job!
Matt
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