There was this church. Modest-sized, barely keeping its financial head above water, not immune to problems. They had Important Leaders, though, whose spiritual heads were screwed on tight and who daily plugged into the SON. Their brightness enabled them to spill light onto the congregation.
Good Leaders do that. They walk their talk, and folks learn from them how to worship, how to love, how to go out of their way to help others—even people they might not want to spend a whole lot of time with.
One day, a congregant had a problem that required her appearance in court. Not serious,
but going to court is never fun.
One of the Important Leaders asked if she’d like someone to be with her.
“Nah,” she replied. “I’ll be fine. No big deal.”
“What time’s the trial?”
“Early morning. I’ll be okay.”
The Important Leader said nothing, but not hard to guess who showed up before her case was called—despite his having to get up early and drive far.
The woman, deeply moved, speaks of that moment with leaking eyes.
Walking the talk. Living what you say you believe. Being real. Not too proud to wash unspeakably dirty feet.
Important Leaders who do that reflect the loving heart of God.
I’m not an Important Leader, but I try hard to drink light—every day. And sure enough, something comes up every day that gives me opportunity to walk the talk. Towels and basins are not just for Important Leaders. They come in all sizes, but all require the bending of knees to do the job.
Lord, help me see where you are already kneeling, and help me kneel beside you.
What Important Leaders have shined light into your life?
How do you get your daily dose of Light?
Would love to hear—either below or via egus@me.com
“God wants lovers. I pray that you may be an ardent lover, the kind of lover who sets others on fire.” ~Amy Carmichael
Thank you for this articulate illustration of the servant’s heart.
I would expect nothing less, Dear Roomie. <3
Just as good Leaders strengthen a congregation, weak leaders rapidly produce weak congregations.
You’re quite right, John! All the more reason we need to pray for our leaders, whether weak or strong.
Absolutely, beyond any doubt, Dale Brown was a true Minister and Leader in Barrett’s and my life!
He always made himself available. He gave us his personal cell number, encouraging us to use it at anytime during times of hardship.
He talked and prayed me through Barrett’s three cancer surgeries, at one time throughout a difficult surgery when I called him after the Dr came out to tell me there were complications.
I have no idea what was going on in his life when I called him but whatever it was he dropped it to pray at length with me.
Dale called us several times each week throughout the months of recovery.
He dropped everything to support us as we lived through a very difficult death in our family.
He ministered to and counseled us during a ‘tough love’ episode with our child.
He welcomed our questions as we searched scripture.
He prayed with us and for us.
He married us at sunrise on Plum Island and then hurried back to lead 2 services at West that same morning.
When Dale preached we took it with us throughout the week.
When we questioned him, he welcomed our questions.
He never put himself up on a pedestal and openly acknowledged his short comings.
Dale Brown is a true Christian Leader who ‘walks the talk’ !!!
We are so very blessed to have had Dale in our lives and to this day consider him to be our Pastor and friend.
Thanks, Anna. Dale definitely had a pastor’s heart, and many can tell stories similar to yours. He gets an A, at least in the pastoral category!
What a lovely article, Ellie, I appreciate your deepness more every time I read something written by you. You keep writing, I’ll keep reading.
Bless you, Wanda! You make me happy! : )
I would like to add to Anna’s lovely testimony. Dale Brown was also always there for me through thick and thin. When it came to shepparding the flock no one did it better. I am truly grateful for the many lessons he has taught me over the years and especially grateful for the special friendship we continue to enjoy. I take great pleasure in reviewing and editing his new “Daily Guide for Divorced Men”, obviously a labor of much love and devotion. Continued blessings for Dale and his family.
I’m pleased to see that story of the good leader shared. Thank you for the platform you have created to encourage and bless others with the good news!