A Leader's Heart

Last week in class, we talked at length about the connection between a leader's interior life and his/her leadership effectiveness. In short, if a leader's interior or spiritual life is unhealthy or chaotic, then he or she would be more likely to damage the organization than to help it. An organization may remain "profitable" (however one may define that), but will likely not function anywhere near its potential or be sustainable in the long run.

In general, I agree. I believe that a leader who nurtures his/her spiritual life, balancing contemplation and action, solitude and community, will be a much more effective leader than one who does not. A vital and healthy spiritual life is a prerequisite for effective leadership, but that does not automatically make one an effective leader. A deep and meaningful spiritual life does not equate to the ability to effectively lead others into an unknown future. I think this is a crucial difference that we must recognize when we seek leaders for the church. Never has the future been more uncertain for the church in North America, and we cannot settle for anything less than men and women of character who are completely devoted to God and His purposes for the world. This devotion and commitment begins in the leader's heart.