It seems as though many of the organizations I’m closely connected to are in the process of leadership transition. In short, a season of discernment in recruiting and selecting key leaders for the future. Certainly this includes Youth For Christ USA.
In a period of reflection like this, I’ve been tugged to contemplate and evaluate the recruiting process of Jesus.
Unmistakably, Jesus discerned, recruited, developed and retained a collection of leaders that literally transformed the world. What qualifications did they bring? What key elements informed their resume?
This ignited a quick search of the resume that I assembled when I applied for the role of President/CEO of Youth For Christ USA in the Fall of 2004.
As I walked back through my 2004 resume, I was profoundly struck by how little of what I identified as key leadership accomplishments actually informed my journey for the past 15 years. Certainly I appreciated and leveraged the many lessons that God taught me over the 28 years that preceded this step, but on closer inspection, and in personal reflection something emerged as a theme. A theme that is the antithesis of reality.
Resumes, by design, shine the light on self-sufficiency, on independent accomplishment, on personal achievement. Mine was no different. An upward trajectory from a college diploma, to a covered Executive Parking Lot. From a small cubicle in the middle of the first floor of an office building in Fort Wayne, IN, to an inspiring and engaging window office on the 4th floor of a beautiful building in downtown Kansas City.
A resume screams individuality. Personal success. Mine did. Even when I was applying for the job of leading a national movement to engage the hearts of lost young people. Young people who could have cared less about my resume, parking spots, or stock options.
I couldn’t help but ponder, what if I was required to anchor my resume in the words of Scripture…
- Apart from Christ I can do nothing. (John 15)
- My heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. (Jer. 17:9)
- I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Cor. 12:9a)
- I take pleasure in my weaknesses. (2 Cor. 12:9b)
- When I’m weak, I’m strong. (2 Cor. 12:10)
- I can’t brag about having a spectacular ministry. What I have is a sincere heart. (2 Cor. 5:12)
- Weaker parts of the body are indispensable. (1 Cor. 12:22)
- I don’t know anything except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2)
This in no way diminishes the importance of stewarding work responsibilities well. After all, the standard is high… “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23, ESV) But it does inform the character of those who are capable of leading in a Godly manner.
They are reliable because they rely.
They are trustworthy because they confess.
They are competent because they admit weakness.
They speak well because they listen well.
They have authority because they serve.
They are powerful because they are humble.
They are leaders because they follow.
Followers. That was the job description that Jesus posted.
Flawed. On a journey from self-sufficiency to complete and utter dependence. From strength to weakness.
Eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12). Nothing less. Nothing more.
Applicants welcome.
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