Leading with Purpose: Reflections on Christian Leadership

In a recent podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr. Corné Bekker, the insightful Dean of the School of Divinity at Regent University. Our conversation centered on a topic near and dear to my heart: Christian leadership. Dr. Bekker's passion for this subject, sparked by observing the pitfalls of ineffective leadership, resonated deeply with my own experiences. It’s truly remarkable to witness the burgeoning interest in understanding what makes a leader effective, and more importantly, how those principles align with our faith.

One of the key distinctions we explored was the contrast between secular and Christian leadership models. It struck me how often worldly leadership emphasizes the accumulation and exercise of power. In our discussion, Dr. Bekker articulated the Christian leader's role beautifully – as a "broker of reality," guiding others with integrity and truth. Biblical narratives, like the powerful song of deliverance in Exodus 15 and the profound example of Christ's humility in Philippians 2, serve as constant reminders that true leadership is rooted in service, humility, and unwavering obedience to God.

For those of us who feel called to lead, Dr. Bekker shared a particularly impactful piece of advice: focus on personal transformation rather than simply trying to emulate others. It's not about putting on a facade of leadership; it's about an inner journey of recognizing the genuine needs around us, shedding our own insecurities and pretenses, and grounding ourselves firmly in Christ. It was also a comforting reminder that missteps are inevitable on this path, but they hold invaluable lessons that shape us into more effective and empathetic leaders.

Ultimately, my conversation with Dr. Bekker reinforced the idea that the call to lead often finds us in unexpected ways. The crucial element is our willingness to learn and grow from every experience. Drawing from the wisdom in Peter's letters, I'm continually reminded that love, a servant's heart, and a clear vision of God's restorative work in the world must be the guiding principles for any of us striving to lead with purpose and make a lasting, positive impact.