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.)
It was rich food for thought when I read it a while back in its fullness and, again, it is food for my soul tonight. “The discipline of solitude amplifies God-consciousness.” Yes and amen. I really have to work on times of solitude right now. My soul “feels” empty at times, and I know how to fill it.
Jesus. Just Jesus.
Thank you for leading me again.
I love you, Elaine! Thank you for your generous read and heart.
This is beautiful Alicia. It resonates within me. I appreciate beyond articulated words the beauty and joy of the Leadership Investment Intensive this year, a divinely appointed season, and a full paradigm shift on living in His Nearness early in the year and slowing to an intentional unhurried pace. This year through Lii has kindled a thirst for some of the newly discovered ancient Christian disciplines as tools for cultivating intimacy such a lectio divina, spiritual direction, and contemplative and centering prayer that were discovered on the path this year. Thank you for being obedient with your inspirations and blessing others.
Thank you, Heather, for your encouragement. And thank you so much for participating in Mary’s Mentoring Encounter through Lii!
“I believe that ‘hidden in Christ’ is a state of being.” Why, yes, I do agree, but know that it is something that one must be very intentional about. Especially the hidden part. We live in a world that shouts ‘look at me’, yet Jesus never shouted that. Over my years in ministry, I have tried to be very, very intentional in hiding myself behind the cross of Christ so that all the world sees is Jesus. Beautifully convicting piece, Alicia. A true reminder of the power of leadership done Christ’s way.
You are so right in saying that intentionality is key, Leah. I’ve met peacefully famous souls who live hidden in Christ and I’ve met resentfully hidden souls who crave fame. Whether known by many or by only One, intentionally living hidden in Christ cultivates contentment.