Readings in Leadership Development
So, we have to read these books that have to do with spiritual leadership for the class I took this week (it was a great class, by the way. I wish I had taken something like it 10 years ago – of course, I probably wouldn’t have paid attention back then!). I only have one book left, and my review of it isn’t due until mid-February. I read the first book more than two weeks ago and it’s still running around in my head.
In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen is not your typical book about leadership. It’s a short book – only 80 pages or so, with large type. He discusses what traits the Christian leader should posses, and it’s quite counter-cultural. Unfortunately, the leaders who fit his description are few and far between. Here are a few quotes from the book:
“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.”
“Few ministers and priests think theologically…Without solid theological reflection, future leaders will be little more than pseudo-psychologists, pseudo-sociologists, pseudo-social workers. They will think of themselves as enablers, facilitators, role models, father or mother figures, big brothers or big sisters, and so on, and thus join the countless men and women who make a living by trying to help their fellow human beings to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday living. But that has little to do with Christian leadership…The task of future Christian leaders is…to identify and announce the ways in which Jesus is leading God’s people out of slavery, through the desert to a new land of freedom”
OK, that last one was a really long quote. Couldn’t really cut much more out without it losing its impact.
Do I agree with everything Nouwen says in the book? Probably not. He approaches things from such a different angle that you can’t help but chew on it for a while. I’m still processing his words. I’ll probably be wrestling with what he says for quite some time.
I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.
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This has nothing to do with your very nice diatribe on leadership- but, yes, I do remember when SNL used to be funny. And, I have developed several theories on why it’s not funny anymore. It makes me sad to watch it now, although I probably will try to tune in next week… if possible. Steve Martin is hosting for the 14th time, a new record.