Spiritual Leadeship: What Does It Look Like?



Will You Pick Up the Phone?

Spiritual leadership is not a position, a title, or something one can achieve through personal works, education or in the church, but rather it is a calling and a process which reflects the leading and direction of God.  Being a spiritual leader is not something you decide or proclaim? You can do a lot of damage when you are not where God intended you to be and say things without understanding the implications…  

Being a spiritual leader is more than a notion or something that one should take lightly.  Spiritual leadership is to be taken seriously, prayerfully and always with God’s guidance.   J. R. Clinton, cites that a “Spiritual Leader is one who influences a specific group of people to move in a God given direction.”  Today, there is a great need for effective spiritual leadership in every community.   Effective spiritual leaders are interested in more than what happens in their local church, they are actively engaged in their community, helping to bring about positive change in education and government.  There are three specific points,

 

Spiritual Leadership is Personal 

Spiritual leaders are birthed through God’s will and shaped by personal experiences.  God uses the personal experiences and trials of those who are called, to shape, reshape and engage into the affairs of the world.  A spiritual leader is one who has yielded to the will of God and is willing to allow God to use them.  Spiritual leadership is more than empty and hollow words from a selfish heart of flesh, but it is reflected in the life of one “sold out” to God.  We become spiritual leaders by embracing Mark 8:34-36, when Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  What good is it for a man to gain the world, yet forfeit his soul?” 
 
Spiritual Leadership is a Walk 

Being a spiritual leader is not just the talk, but it is the Walk.  Our walk, the everyday reality, and the things we do, the words we say, the people we encounter, and the life we live. It’s our life at home, in school, on the job, in the church and around the community.  Micah 6:8, declares, “He has shown you, O man, what is good.   And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  In one biblical story, Paul changed his walk after encountering Christ on the Damascus Road.  The three days of blindness also helped him to really come to terms with what God wanted him to do.  And as a result of his conversion, Paul become a great missionary and helped to establish the church throughout the world.  In another biblical story, Jonah changed his walk after spending three days in the belly of the whale.  This experience helped him to fully understand the importance of obeying God and to fulfill the mission he was called to do.  And as a result of his redirection, Jonah became the instrument that brought deliverance to a nation that was domed to destruction.   The point is simple; a spiritual leader has the vision to see the larger picture of what God is doing and wants to have happen. 

Spiritual Leadership is God Calling 

God is the one who calls, prepares and directs men and women in becoming spiritual leaders.  Spiritual leaders serve to up build the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of man, for personal gain, groups or for individuals.  They serve for the cause of Christ, winning souls, building community and seeking justice.  God looks for the right person, at the right time to do the right thing.  When God has moved in history, He has usually used human leaders.  Some of these biblical leaders have included Joseph, Moses, The Judges, David, Elijah, Daniel, Nehemiah, Peter, The Disciples, Paul, and Timothy. 
 
Christ dying for the world and the sins provides each of us an opportunity to become spiritual leaders in this 21^st Century.   We are the called out, a royal priesthood, a holy people who eagerly await the coming of the Lord.  For the Lord is looking for a people, a church that is living holy, in precept and by example, reaching the lost, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, standing against injustice and proclaiming the good news to every nation.  It has been said that some are born to lead, while others have leadership placed upon them.  Either way, if we desire to become a spiritual leader we must allow God to work through us to fulfill His will for all mankind.  We must seek the leading of the Holy Spirit, become anointed, use our gifts and walk by faith.  God is on a mission in this 21^st Century and is looking for spiritual leaders. 


The question is …Will you answer the call? 

The Urgency of Now

The neighborhood is considered a special place for those who grow up in urban America.  It is the place that defines you and helps to shape your character, values, faith and to gain a perspective about life itself. 

There is nothing more rewarding than for an individual to acknowledge from where they have come from and what has helped developed their belief system.  If it has been a great experience, then there is a future with unlimited possibilities standing before you…“There is some good in the hood.”  If it has been a bad experience, then there is a future with difficult days and ongoing challenges…“These are some mean streets.”   

Take a Look

One of the greatest social challenges over the past century continues to be the breaking of generational “curses.”  These are the bad habits and lifestyles that have passed down from one generation to another generation without a change.  Breaking a generational bad habit takes a lot of effort, faith and perseverance.  Without a doubt, any habit can be replaced with another habit once a person gains a better understanding of what is at stake. 

From a societal point of view, America has enough generational bad habits to go around, including disenfranchisement, prejudice, poverty, violence, injustice and intolerance…to just name a few.  On one hand, a bad habit is difficult to break… on the other hand; a good habit… requires a change of heart and action.   However, it is easy to give up a good habit, than a bad habit. 

The Road Ahead

The American experience continues to be made up of the life stories of people from diverse backgrounds on an unbelievable journey together.  It is the journey that continues to define each of us, gives us the inspiration to push forward, to endure the hardships and at the same time enjoy the ride.  There is nothing like it…

All great societies have good people who are interested in making sure that all people in the community are treated fairly, decently and with mutual respect.  These are the advocates for and of change. Proactive advocacy continues to be a challenge in the 21^st Century.  In order for change to occur, good people must step forward, speak up, and take on the causes of their generation.

The fight for equal rights, fairness, opportunity and being treated by the content of character and not by the color of skin is ongoing.  With so much at stake, any society that calls itself “great”…needs to always to be sure that its house is in order… before asking others to clean up their act… Self-examination is always a safer bet than for others to tell of your misdeeds…

In the words of Mahatma Gandi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

So… let take a look in the mirror?

Let's Build It! ...

The beautification that one sees or seeks in any neighborhood all began with an idea or dream of what was possible.  Given the time to grow, develop and to mature to its full potential, only further enhances that great ideas occur when people a shared the vision.  The transformation that transpires reflects the common belief that change is possible and is required to keep things moving forward for the next generation.

Transformation is when there is a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. It is also known as metamorphosis. In realistic and clear terms, when people work together in the community and are compassionate about making something positive happen…change always materializes.  It is taking the present situation or moment as they exist…envisioning the future…and setting plans in motion to make it come to life.  

A Game Changer
 

In the movie The Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner plays the role as Ray Kinsella, a novice farmer who is struggling to pay the bills of the farm and to keep his family going, hears a voice while walking in the midst of his cornfield, that says, “if you build it, he will come!” As the plot of the story begins to emerge, he builds a baseball field in the midst of the corn field and soon some infamous baseball players from the 1919 Black Sox scandal emerge from the surrounding corn field to play on the ball field.

At the beginning, only a few people are able to see these players. However, by the end of the movie, countless number of people come to the baseball field, can see the players and watch the game. Because of his faith, perseverance and belief in making it happen, Ray is able to not only save his farm, but also restore the hopes of dreams of so many others. One of the key lines in the movie came from another character, Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, played by Burt Lancaster for the 1922 New York Giants.  He only played in one game, but never got a chance to bat in that game… he said later, “We just don’t recognize life’s most significant moments while they’re happening.  Back then I thought, “Well, there’ll be other days.” I didn’t realize that was the only day.”

 

Now Is The TIME

Likewise, some of the most significant moments for urban neighborhoods are today.  It is a time for change, for tomorrow is never promised.  Change always affects people, where they live, work and play… change is about life and making the best of what you have to work with.  It is about the unending process… and it moves on regardless of one’s stature or status in life.   

Urban America is in need of game changers, people who want, can and do make things happen, regardless of scale or size.  They are optimistic about a neighborhood future regardless of the odds.  Their can-do and get-it done attitude in the face of unbelievable odds, misfortune and adversity is what sets them apart.    They enjoy taking on challenges and taking “lemons” and making some “lemonade.”  These are transformative leaders, dreamers, and visionaries.  They see what is possible and do not care who gets the credit as long as the results are realized. 

All great cities, who are actively engaged with its residents in building great neighborhoods, invest in its people for positive change and growth.  A true change to believe in and a change that is worthwhile and sustainable.  So while we are at it … let’s tear up some old attitudes, break down some walls of indifferent, remove barriers to collaboration and start building new communities of inspiration, hope and prosperity. 

So…  I say, “Let’s Build It! Our Urban Neighborhoods of Dreams” and “See who comes!”

Stepping Onto The Sidewalk

You never know the importance of a sidewalk until you need one.  To most residents, the sidewalk in front or on the side of their home is too often taken for granted.  It is overlooked for its value and the ways it may compliment a home.   

 

The main purpose of sidewalks is circulation.  They are intended and designed as an efficient way to get people around on foot.  A sidewalk helps define a neighborhood and gives it a presence that accentuates the homes and the community.  Sidewalks adorned with well-manicured lawns, scrubs and trees add significant beauty and long lasting value to that particular neighborhood.  However, sidewalks also play other important roles.  It gives the people in the neighborhood a place in which to gather; connection socially and interact with other neighbors.   Sidewalks are used in major cities as places for residents to gather as spectators to view the inauguration of a President, holiday parades, the return of veterans from Wars and to celebrate achievements in sports. 

 

Broader Appeal

In a number of major cities around the world; London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Madrid, Jerusalem, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Rio De Janeiro, and Beijing, getting around by foot is the main means of transportation and the primary way to conduct business.   Additionally, in a number of these cities, cars, motorcycles and other forms of vehicles are prohibited in downtown areas.   From their perspective getting people out of their homes, walking, running, and socializing is a sure way to build and strengthen any community.      

 

Sidewalks in America were designed as a pedestrian pathway beside a road or street.  This allowed people to walk both ways on the same street at the same time with a measure of safety.  The benefits of sidewalks also provide a way for people without transportation to get around; it allowed children walk and play and the elderly to just get out and take a stroll.  Other benefits include protecting the environment, road traffic safety, health and wellness, social uses, parking bicycles, bus pick up points, sidewalk cafes, street markets, place for street musicians to preform, and parking.  Sidewalks come in all sizes, shapes, decorations and made of various construction materials including wood, concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, and rubber.  

An Urban Appeal

From a number of perspectives, the sidewalk is a concrete reason to get people out of their homes, go somewhere, do something and make life better.  These sidewalks can help people to take routes and pathways to other places of importance.  Any activity, the block club party, rubbish sale, community clean-up on the street is also a call for others to join in and become active in make the neighborhood better. 

   

June Jacobs, The Life and Earth of Great American Cities, says that “Streets in cities serve many purposes beside carrying vehicles, and city sidewalks – the pedestrian parts of the streets – serve many purposes beside carrying pedestrians.  Jacobs’s main assertion about sidewalks is that they are the one thing that makes a city safe or unsafe.  Neighborhoods with active sidewalk life are typically the safer neighborhoods, and those with nearly deserted sidewalks are the ones that are unsafe.   When the call goes out about “keeping the streets safe” is also means keeping the sidewalks safe as well

If only a sidewalk could talk, what would it say? 

 

Community Teamwork: What Does It Look Like?

 “There is no ‘I’ in team…” is a common quote used by leaders who want to inspire their employees, staff and other managers to work smarter, become leaner, and maximize outcomes.   The hope and goal is to see noticeable increase in productivity and the bottom line.   All leaders know that to achieve sustainable results, teamwork is at the heart of what made the difference.  It makes the difference for any company, city and even at the grass root level, especially when there is an interest to go from “good to great.”   However, leaders also know that achieving effective teamwork is easier said than done; for teamwork also requires… work. 

Showing Our Colors

Each week and all across America, thousands of people attend numerous team sporting events just to cheer and support their favorite team.  They wear their team colors, wave banner and participate in cheers.  Even more people attend local team sporting events at middle and high schools, community parks, churches and universities.  These spectators and supporters are interested in seeing their team complete to win, to show team spirit, and enjoy the moment.   

Overall, people enjoy seeing teamwork in action at football, soccer, basketball, hockey, and baseball games.  Each game always provides some thrilling moments, hidden success and unexpected outcomes.  For all people know that something special can happen at each and every game and you want to be there to witness that moment.  Depending on the kind of game, teamwork is more likely to play a bigger role in the outcomes of the game, than any individual accomplishment during the game.  Of course individual accomplishments of any team member can make the difference and lead to the win and of course the play of any member can also lead to its defeat.         

Cheering for the Home Team

Teamwork is something that does not come naturally for most people; it takes time, and is always a work in progress.  At the heart of “teamwork” is training and the more individuals on a team trains together, the more likely the team will achieve success.  Training is about acquiring the discipline, stamina, trust, attention to detail and work ethic needed to reach positive outcomes. 

A team is made up of people who have strengths and weaknesses.   Teamwork relies on the collective talent, skill and experiences of those on the team to complete the mission and reach the goal. When team members buy into a shared mission and vision of the business, agency or organization; great things always happen.  Teamwork is about people who work together with a purpose.  On the contrary, least effective teams fail to achieve noteworthy results when its members remain focus on working in solos, personal agendas and with blinders to the possibilities.     

For Urban America, teamwork at the grass root level needs cultivation, supported and acknowledged.   Like any other team, grass root level teamwork can lead to fantastic results and provides an opportunity to a longer lasting impact in getting things done.  Urban America needs help to inspire others to see the possibilities of what teamwork can do for their community.  Grass root teamwork is what makes any city great, the results are clear and on display every day.   In the words of legendary Coach Vincent T. Lombardi, who once said “the achievements of an organization are the result of the combined effort of each individual.”  

Come Join the Grass Root Team… no experience necessary!!!