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I believe that leadership is a form of influence.  Jesus-style influence is internal authority–when the weight of one’s presence affects those around them. As such, leadership is not sourced in–though it at times can be served by–superlative giftings, skill sets, or fame.  As a leader, my silent or speech-adorned presence has the power to lean souls toward the Savior. Such internal authority has the potential to expand within (and be strengthened without) through moment-by-moment attentiveness and obedience to Christ.

I believe that my gloriously common calling is to “follow” [Mt 9:9] and “be with Him” [Mk 3:14]: to minister to God as His friend.  My personal calling is to lead leaders into the practice of God’s presence. As Christ’s disciple, the reigning priority of my faith’s job description is being with Jesus.

I believe that as a leader, a well-watered soul and authentic, transparent relationships are among my most convincing credentials.

I believe that anything worthy of saying publicly as a leader must be born from silent and hidden waiting in God’s Presence. The discipline of solitude amplifies God-consciousness. And God-consciousness minimizes self-consciousness in public moments.

I believe that “hidden in Christ” [Col 3:3] is a state of being: it is equally profound and personal whether speaking to thousands or tying the shoe of one. “Hidden in Christ” levels all forms of service, making every moment equally full of potential to practice the presence of God.

And I pray that as I seek to be fully present to my God, my self, my family, the leaders I mentor, and my generation, that my life imparts an enduring fragrance that awakens sleeping souls to the living God and empowers awake souls toward the moment-by-moment intentional practice of God’s faithful presence on earth.

(The post has been adapted and excerpted from an @GFES DMin class assignment for Professor Dr. Christopher Meade.)

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