20116487104209614 20164487044249227 · actions speak louder than words, and more is caught than taught when it comes to leadership, after all, John Maxwell’s law of the picture

SPRING 2016THIS ISSUE• Leadership• Leading in the deep• Everyone wins when a leader gets better• Legacy• Leadership by example• Women making a difference• The changing seasons of leadership• Unleashing leadership• Seven guarantees of leadership

Connecting women across QueenslandConnecting women across QueenslandConnecting women across QueenslandConnecting women across QueenslandConnecting women across Queensland

LeadershipOne of the best aspects of my role as Mission Action Partner and member of the Women’s Strategic Action Leadership Team is that I get to connect with passionate women leading and serving in their local churches and communities. It’s so inspiring to hear people’s journeys of how they saw a need in their community and together with other like-minded people, or perhaps even by themselves, stepped out and did their best to meet that need.

You might have read about Jeanette Baird from Rivers Church of Christ in the Autumn edition of ConXion, who founded Heart and Hands For the Poor and Powerless and sells handmade goods to raise money for a variety of causes overseas including a midwife training school in South Sudan and dignified employment opportunities for women in the Klong Toey slum in Thailand.

Jeanette recalls the day, six years ago, when she responded to both the call of God and the burden she felt for the poor and decided to do whatever she could to help, even in a small way. Soon others caught her vision too and joined her in creating goods to sell and with others on consignment at local markets and events. They have a great community of ladies called Thread and Yarn who gather each month to complete projects for sale.

I was privileged to have a cup of tea with the group as they sewed strings of birds. While I was there, Jeanette shared an amazing milestone with the ladies. That very day they received payment for some goods, bringing the grand total they had raised to over $100,000! The ladies were speechless for a moment and then everyone exclaimed at once how unbelievable that was. After just six years they have made such a difference in the lives of others.

Jeanette doesn’t take credit for the amazing amount raised but thanks God for providing the people and provisions to make it possible. And what is equally important to Jeanette is the community of women who have come together. Some women have said they have found friendship and purpose in their life through being part of the group and find real joy in serving others with like-minded people.

What a great story of someone being willing to step out with a vision, sharing that vision with others, and bringing hope and purpose to everyone along the way. Many women like Jeanette would not call themselves leaders. They will say they are just doing life, trying to do the best they can. But we are all leading through influence, whether we have the title of leader or not. Influence is the power to change or affect someone or something. You are a leader. And whether you have a team of people working for you, or a couple of toddlers at your feet, or anything in between, you will find encouragement and inspiration in this edition of ConXion as we look at leadership.

Donna Savill

Donna is a Mission Action Partner with Churches of Christ in Queensland, empowering women to live with identity and purpose. She lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband Bryce and children Hannah and Joshua.

From the Editor

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Connecting women across Queensland

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CONTENTSFrom the editor: Leadership ......................................2

Leading in the deep ..................................................4

Girls Getaway Weekend ............................................5

Everyone wins when a leader gets better ...................6

Legacy .....................................................................7

A Beautiful Life? .......................................................8

Leadership by example ........................................... 10

Women making a difference ....................................12

The changing seasons of leadership........................14

Women truly Shine at Clive Burdeu .........................15

Unleashing leadership ............................................ 17

Seven guarantees of leadership ..............................18

THE CHANGING SEASONS OF LEADERSHIP

14

A BEAUTIFUL LIFE?08

LEGACY07 page 3

Leading in the deepDo you consider yourself to be a leader? Whether you realise it or not, each of us leads in some way, shape or form. Some people are leaders in their workplace, while others lead small-groups or whole ministries at church. Then there are others who find themselves with the often overwhelming task of leading a young family with small children (just ask my wife who’s at home right now with our nine week old baby!).

Each of us have influence over the people God has placed around us: we are all leaders. One thing that leaders have in common is that sometimes we have the feeling of being in over our head. Have you ever felt like you were stretched right out of your comfort zone, like the feeling of being in deep water? As a leadership coach, trainer and speaker, I have the privilege of sharing with many people who lead in various capacities. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when taking on new leadership responsibilities, and I love to challenge people to keep growing in order to become all that God has called them to be and reach their full potential.

Volunteering as a surf lifesaver many years ago, I witnessed people of all ages and confidence levels enter the ocean. From the toddler who dipped their toes in the water and gazed in wonder and fear at the waves, to the person who travelled out past the breaking waves for the first time,

feeling equal amounts of terrified and exhilarated as they tried in vain to touch the bottom.

At different stages of our leadership journey we can feel overwhelmed and want to retreat to the safety and comfort of the shore. However, the best leaders make the decision each day to step up and face the new challenges that present themselves.

To be a fruitful leader, you can grow by choosing to make the following commitments:

LEAD YOURSELF WELLThose you lead are always watching to see the standard you set for yourself. Whether it’s your attitude, timeliness, confidence, conviction or productivity, people are always watching you lead by example. Fruitful leaders know that their actions speak louder than words, and more is caught than taught when it comes to leadership, after all, John Maxwell’s law of the picture states: ‘people do what people see’.

INVEST IN YOUR OWN GROWTHIn the same way an athlete commits to training in order to excel during competition, effective leaders look for opportunities to develop their skills and enhance their leadership through learning from others. This may include specific books, podcasts, blogs, conferences, networking events and formal study.

SEEK MENTORSI say mentors, plural, as there is not one all-knowing person who could possibly help you navigate through all of the unique challenges you will face as a leader. Over the years, I’ve sought out the advice of many people who have particular gifts. You can turn to different people for advice in different areas, such as finances, relationships, health and spirituality. When we draw from the experience of others, we are more able to successfully face life’s challenges.

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Girls Getaway WeekendIf you love getting together with other women, hearing great messages, savouring time with friends, and if you enjoy taking time out to reconnect with God and with others, then the Girls Getaway Weekend is for you!

Our heart is to see women empowered to live out their identity and purpose in every aspect of life. This weekend is a chance for you to reconnect with God and others and take time out to be encouraged and refreshed.

Ruth Tuxworth from Boonah Church of Christ is our storyteller and speaker for the weekend and will be sharing with us on the theme of Choices—giving us hope, challenging us, and encouraging us in our daily lives.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/cofcwomen or call Carolyn Stocks on 0429 782 051.

PRAYInvite God into your situation and hand the challenges over to Him. In Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) we’re reminded that our God ‘…is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us’.

When I look back on my leadership journey so far, I’m reminded that it was through times of feeling like I was in over my head when God helped me grow the most. I encourage you to push on to deeper waters in your own leadership journey.

Phil Thomson.

Phil is a leadership coach, trainer and speaker, certified with the John Maxwell Team. He is passionate about equipping Christian leaders in the local church and the marketplace. Phil is married to singer/songwriter Bel Thomson and together they love to minister at churches, conferences, schools and camps. Find out more at philthomson.net

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Donate todayYour donation makes such a huge difference to people in Vanuatu. Thank you.

Churches of Christ in Queensland Fundraising Office, PO Box 508, Kenmore Q 40691800 600 900 | [email protected]

Santo

Churches of Christ

Changing lives in Northern Vanuatu

Recently, I was reminded of the importance of being willing to fail.

It is true that no one deliberately sets out to fail. But, it is a fact of life, and of trying. Learning to fail well, or ‘fail forward’ as some put it, is a skill we should all work on developing. We each need to learn to not take failure personally, but rather see it as a wonderful opportunity to develop, even when in the moment you might feel despondent or frustrated.

There are positive things thought that you can take home from failure, for failing means:

• You had the courage to try in the first place—you were willing to step out and try something you have never done before. Celebrate your courage!

• You have a desire to learn and improve your abilities or skills—you want to get better and be better as a person and in what you do. Celebrate your desire to be better!

• You’re not willing to settle for mediocre and you want to excel at what you’re doing—you were willing to move past what has been your normal. Celebrate your move toward excellence!

• You have learned what not to do (or say!) and now have wisdom you didn’t have before. Celebrate your new wisdom!

These are just a few things to celebrate when you fail. What would be on your list? What ways can you positively view failure?

At the heart of a having a willingness to fail is a desire for something new, something better and/or something more important than what you have now. Wanting to move forward and celebrating each step of your journey can encourage you to keep going. Failing should never be the final setback, simply a step in your journey. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, take your new found wisdom, and take your first, courageous step forward.

Remember, if you fail at one thing, it may just lead you to the path that you are meant to be on, be it a step forward or sideways on your journey!

‘Everyone wins when a leader gets better’ has been something Bill Hybels has shared regularly as a motivation behind why he believes in the ongoing development of the Global Leadership Summit. Having

attended many Summits, these words continue to stick in my mind as I believe we all win when as individuals, teams and families we step out to try new things that help us improve our skills and build deeper relationships. Failure at some point is inevitable—none of us are perfect. The important thing is that we don’t let failure mean we stop, we never try and probably worst of all, settle!

All of us lead in our own way and influence those around us. Learning how to fail well is important so we can continue to be a positive influence on those around us and be an example as well as an encouragement to others. Failing isn’t fun, it isn’t easy but when we see it as a tool for growth, take the wisdom from our learning, and step courageously forward, it can be a wonderful step in the journey through which we can become a better version of who we are today!

Natalie

Natalie is a single mother-of-three who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, sharing wither others how much God loves them, and exploring her new home on the Sunshine Coast.

Everyone wins when a leader gets better

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I stand at the mountain peak, look far below. Easy from here to see where to go. The small hurdles and large, the rough and the smooth: All fade in significance when we gaze on the view.

The roads and the pathways: where do they lead? From here I can see: the destination I read. How different from trudging one step at a time, Trusting others to see that our journeys align.

For then we see but dimly, as in a mirror: Now we see clearly, face-to-face.

How do I use wisely this powerful knowledge? How do I share it to light others’ way? How can I guide them without taking over? How to teach them to lead others today?

In the distance the mountains continue; So many more roads I must traverse. Into the unknown I must follow my Leader But ensure those behind are better not worse.

Janette Phelan [email protected] Access Place Psychology Services 1300 798 622 or [email protected]

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‘Power isn’t control at all—power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own.’ Beth Revis (young adult science fiction writer)

Legacy

We are constantly confronted with beauty — what it is and what it,s supposed to be, whether we are or aren,t, and who it benefits and disadvantages.

Can everyone be beautiful? And if everyone is beautiful, then is anyone really beautiful? And why do we care so much?

— KOVIE BIAKOLO —

Donna Savill with workshop facilitator, Ruth Limkin, who examined how we can

make the world more beautiful.

A Beautiful Life?

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Thank you to all the women who came and participated.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2017.

Women from across our movement gathered on Saturday 23 July for our second annual Women’s Conference, which set out to support, refresh and equip women to live out their identity and purpose in every aspect of life.

Nearly 120 women took listened to presentations and took part in inspiring workshops that explored different facets of beauty.

Special guest speaker Heather Foord engaged and inspired her fellow women, and shared personal stories of life in the newsroom and as a mother. Heather is renowned for her many years as a highly respected journalist and Nine News presenter.

Jan Monument presented a workshop called ‘The Beauty of Vulnerability’. ‘Vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging and love … and the path to accepting your worthiness.’ Brene Brown. Many women left this workshop with the strength to accept their vulnerability and knowledge that it is not a weakness to show it.

‘It has given me more confidence in being more intentional about my vulnerability and being open to new opportunities.’

In Seeing Beauty, presenter Janette Phelan asked ladies to appreciate the beauty that is right in front of them.

‘I understand more about myself as God’s child and am very much encouraged to continue the journey—in Him.’

While Stacey McBride-Wilson delved into how we are created for so much more than just exercising to be a certain look, size or weight. Health and wellness are the tools for the journey, not the destination.

‘I am inspired to take steps towards a more fit and healthy lift to be able to be used for God’s purpose in a fuller way.’

‘… refocused on my physical, emotional and spiritual fitness.’

‘Knowing that I have a purpose and God gives the power … Inviting God into all parts of my life.’

Ruth Limkin, in Towards a Beautiful World, helped women explore how they can make tomorrow’s world more beautiful and create change in the world, be it big or small.

‘This is a reminder that women can make a difference, and we are!’

‘Given me many things to think about as I explore my journey of life.’

‘It has given me reassurance and encouragement in my life as a mother, wife and myself.’

Karen Trigg, Helen Probert and Brooklyn Folland.

Sandy Feldman and Vicki Marney.

Robyn Bament (l) and Tracy Kenyon (r) with Heather Foord.

A Beautiful Life?

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It is difficult to write about leadership when you have limited leadership experience. But that is the wonderful thing about the meaning of leadership. In simple terms, it is about being an example wherever we are.

We can be an example to others even when we are not aware of it. I am sure most of us are surrounded by others who are important to us in some way—a colleague, a neighbour, a teacher, or mechanic. There are people who encourage us, teach us, protect us and uplift us in the comings and goings of our daily lives. And we are a leader for others. There are people who depend on us and are encouraged by us every day, sometimes without us even realising.

When do these qualities of leadership begin? They are formed in our early years.

When I am with my two little grandsons, I love to watch them play. Ryan is nearly four and Ethan has just turned one. I often hear Ryan say that he loves Ethan. He shows Ethan how to do things, helps

him, and protects him; and Ethan loves to follow Ryan around. Ryan leads Ethan by example. I see Ryan takes his hand as he leads him out into this big world, and makes sure that his little brother is okay.

Have you ever read the timeless gem written by the American minister and author, Robert Fulghum, in 1986? It is titled ‘All I ever really needed to know I learned in kindergarten’. He writes: ‘Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be, I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school. These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you are sorry when you hurt somebody.

Leadership by example

Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life. Every day learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together...’ and he continues on some more.

All of this could actually be seen as a guide to global leadership. These are values that we should be teaching our children and they can equally be applied to family, work and governments. It can all be summed up as ‘Who do I want to be?’ Building and developing character all starts in kindergarten. And it is character that we desire most to be in our leaders.

Who best to learn from, when we want to look at character? Jesus. He is the one we can aspire to be like when we are called to lead. Jesus was loving and compassionate as he moved amongst the people, healing, teaching and preaching. He was also strong and courageous as He faced opposition and the cross. This is how we too are called to lead—to be strong, to love and to serve others, just as Jesus did. Jesus sets the example of servant leadership. John 13:13-15 (NIV), reads: ‘You call me “Teacher”and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’ We are called to have the servant heart of Christ, to meet the needs of others with humility and love, and to encourage them to become the best they can be, to serve God. It ultimately means we can live in a world that has become more caring and just.

Kate Grieve

Kate is married to Ian and attends Sanctuary Park Church of Christ, Nambour. She enjoys spending time with her family and has had a heart for Women’s Ministry and Missions over the years.

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Annual General Meeting Dinner6.00PM–9.30PM

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To book complimentary tickets for Celebrate 2016 including Centrifuge

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As Churches of Christ in Queensland we long to see a day when every community is uplifted and

where the ‘Light of Christ’ is shining into many dark places. The task for all of us is to work with communities to colour in this vision.

This November we invite you to join us for Celebrate 2016, to celebrate all that

it means to be Churches of Christ in Queensland and to explore together

how we can ‘Colour in the Vision’.

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In this past year, I have met amazing women leaders of our movement. From Roma and Dalby to Gympie, through Caboolture and Caloundra, down to Tweed and everywhere in between. These women are leading the way, bringing the light of Christ into their communities.

You may not recognise them (they are often camouflaged) as servant leaders.

Whether it is ladling soup in to empty bowls for the homeless, or supporting a young mother through play group, leading the music team, putting their ‘Heart and Hands’ into crafted items for the poor and powerless, teaching religious instruction in our schools or English to new visitors to our country. We all know of these women in our church or community who are leaders of these programs, as faithful servants to God.

I would like to focus on two women who I have had the privilege of working with this year.

Natalie and Esline share the common bond as sisters in Christ, acting on what God has laid on their hearts as servant leaders.

Vicki Marney is Partnership Coordinator for Queensland and Vanuatu for Global Mission Partners.

Want to know more about how you can connect with Mission? Go to http://www.inpartnership.org.au/

Women making a difference

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. — Anne Frank —

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Esline Toa General Secretary Churches of Christ Vanuatu

Esline is leading the way for women in her nation as the elected leader of the Churches of Christ movement in Vanuatu.

Married with four adult children who work and go to college, Esline has been an active member of the local church for 25 years, with a special interest in women’s ministry locally and nationally. Holding the position of National Coordinator of the Christian Women’s Fellowship for two terms

has seen Esline deliver Women’s Leadership Development programs for the island leaders.

She has a heart for rural women, wanting to improve their skills through leadership programs, improving their financial position and providing opportunities in the community. Education opportunities are limited for women on the islands due to location and finances. Many women may have only been able to attend school to primary level, with the focus for females to be to raise children, take care of the household and manage the home with whatever little earnings may be received from their garden produce.

Esline’s position as the first woman elected as the leader of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu is all that more remarkable considering that Vanuatu currently has no women elected to its parliamentary system.

Natalie OakesNational Coordinator embody — Global Mission Partners National Youth Movement

Natalie is an amazing young leader, engaging with young people across Australia in mission, advocacy and prayer.

Growing up in a Christian family, Natalie had a heart for mission and advocacy. Her family legacy of ‘speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves’ and taking action supporting people in need, is woven into the fabric of this remarkable woman.

Natalie’s driver is to provide a connection for other likeminded young people, who are also passionate about mission and advocacy to have a platform and support where they can act on this desire God has laid on their hearts.

Natalie overseas the very successful Safe Water September campaign, which engages with young and old around the nation. This is the third year of this campaign. In 2015, they raised $100,000

and delivered safe water to over 5,000 people. Natalie is passionate about making lasting changes in communities. Access to safe water means that schools reopen, disease and illness rates drop dramatically and sanitation and hygiene practices improve, meaning those living with HIV can be healthier, and maternal deaths drop.

To find out more about embody or Safe Water September check out these links:• safewaterseptember.org.au/• embody.org.au/

Natalie Oakes, right, with Kristin Hansen (embody NSW Volunteer) and Mitch Varcoe

(embody National Campaigns and Resources Manager).

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I am so excited to share that since the last issue of ConXion I’ve become a mum! Yay! Our beautiful son Michael John Thomson was born in Brisbane on Friday 17 June at 8:47pm, weighing a healthy 8.1 pounds (3.7kg).

His name was chosen after much thought as we prayed about the gift of his life and our hopes for him—Michael (a mighty warrior for God) John (a joy and delight). We know God has a plan for this special little boy and he certainly is our joy and delight. Thanks to all of you who prayed for us!

Since bringing Michael home from hospital I have embarked upon a very different season of life and leadership. Ministry on a platform has given way to ministry in the home, caring for our newborn—and to be honest,

motherhood is far more challenging than any role I’ve done before!

Previously, for me leadership often involved leading many people in worship from a stage. Currently, it looks slightly less glamorous, serving one hungry nine-week old baby who can make more noise than a large crowd of people. But I’m learning that I’m still called to worship God and lead in this new season of nappies and night feeds.

Now at the end of the day when I finally place Michael down in his bassinet to sleep, I thankfully climb into the shower to wash off the grime of the day (usually a mixture of baby spew, drool, wee, and occasionally poo if it’s been an extra exciting day!). I set my iPhone to play worship music and I sing my heart out as I scrub. Sometimes I cry as I tell God about the challenges of

the day. I pray for wisdom to know how to care for my baby.

Tonight as I sang I thanked God for this season, and

I sense he receives this shower-time worship as

readily as when I’m leading in front of

a crowd. He sees my desire to

raise this

little boy to be a warrior for Christ. It may not be glamorous right now, but I know that investing in Michael as a newborn is laying a foundation for his future wellbeing as a servant of Christ. Therefore, every time I change a nappy, or feed and cuddle my crying baby, it is actually an act of worship, as I minister the love of God to him.

At first I couldn’t believe the daily tasks of mothering could be so overwhelming and all consuming. Maybe you feel the same if you’re caring for children. Yet I believe God loves the secret worship we bring, unseen inside the walls of our own homes. It reflects his own overflowing love for His children. It is our privilege to lead our own children to know the reality of God’s goodness, provision and love for them. We are growing future worshippers, leaders and God-lovers.

There’s no round of applause from Michael when I change his nappy or respond to his crying at night—but my audience is the Lord who has entrusted this child to me and I believe he is cheering me on. And when my little boy smiles at me I just about explode with joy...and it’s so worth it. Every other accolade pales in comparison.

As I embrace this season of being a new mum it’s an ongoing challenge for me to readjust my compass and realign with these new priorities. I’m learning to accept the limitations of motherhood and see them as a blessing. I’ve realised I can’t do it all right now. So for this season I’m taking it slower with my public ministry in order to be a minister in my own home.

The changing seasons of leadership

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Women truly Shine at Churches of Christ Care‘Shine Women’ aims to assist women to understand their own worth, strength, purpose, and to realise their potential within to fulfil their own desires.

The Shine Women program was recently delivered at Churches of Christ Care Clive Burdeu Aged Care Service at Hillcrest.

This program was hosted by Service Manager Anna Ward who wanted to provide it as a development opportunity to her staff.

Facilitators Modupe Akib from Learning and Development, and Mission Action Partner Donna Savill, created a nurturing environment for participants to share their stories, dare to dream, and support each other through difficult life circumstances.

Participants embraced the program and enthusiastically shared their stories of the impact it had on them. They all talked of feeling more positive and confident to set and achieve their goals.

Tracey Kenyon told her inspiring story of how she decided at the beginning of the year to upgrade her certificate to a diploma.

‘I failed the entry test. I felt so stupid and was very hard on myself. I started to doubt my job skill and how well I do my job now. After doing Shine for a few weeks it gave me the courage to try again. I failed again! Shine helped me to try again and not only did I pass—I got level 4! More than I needed to get into the course’, Tracey said.

L to R: Jackie Taylor, Tracee Weller, Anna Ward (Service Manager), Michelle Jaques and Tracey Kenyon took part in the inspiring Shine program.

While the number of gigs I’m doing has decreased for the time being, I still feel a deep passion to continue in music ministry in the future, as I truly believe that healing and peace are found in Christ alone. The world needs Jesus; and we each have a role to play in sharing His grace. For me, music ministry is one way that I am gifted to lead and share His grace. But now as a mother, I must balance that with the gift of parenthood, in order to lead my own son to know the Lord.

For many women, leadership may look different depending on the season we are in. But the responsibilities that God gives us are just as important to Him regardless of whether we lead from a platform or from the privacy of our homes. God’s word reminds us: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…’ (Col 3:23 NIV)

I sign off writing this article typing with one hand as I hold Michael with the other. I know that I’m blessed to be a mother; it is surely one of the most profound opportunities for worship and leadership I will ever have.

Bel

Bel Thomson is an award-winning Australian singer, songwriter and speaker whose ministry takes her to conferences, schools, camps, and Christian churches of all denominations. To listen to her music or enquire about bookings visit belthomson.com or youtube.com/BelThomson

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It felt like Henri came alongside me, saying, ‘Keep going...you’re on the right track’! This was profoundly helpful, as I’d only recently begun to approach leadership in a way I’d never dared before.

I’d been given the privilege of leading several young women in a Cornerstone mission training team. For the first time in my rather over-confident, self-reliant life, I’d actually acknowledged from the start how inadequate I was for the role. I knew it was an enormous challenge. However, I also knew that God was urging me to take the opportunity to practise a new way: where my confidence had to keep coming back to God and His resources, rather than my own.

So, for the first time, prayer became foundational to my ministry. It was sometimes costly, in freezing Ballarat, to leave our heated lounge room to sit and pray in the quiet enclosed alcove outside the front door. But this wasn’t out of obligation, I was praying out of need! It became a chance to see how much better ministry can be when rooted in dependence on the real leader of our community.

Nouwen explains that through the discipline of prayer:

‘Christian leaders have to learn to listen again and again to the voice of love, and to find there the wisdom and courage to address whatever issue presents itself to them...’ (p.31-32)

Another new realisation was that rather than trying to be a rugged individual, blazing the way, attempting to appear perfect and expecting everyone else to be the same, a true Christian leader acknowledges their own weakness and need. Out of my vulnerability and trust in the grace of God, a mutual vulnerability and trust could grow in our community, leading to the important recognition that ‘it is Jesus who heals, not I; Jesus who speaks words of truth, not I; Jesus who is Lord, not I...’ (p. 41).

Nouwen expresses it beautifully on p 43-44:

‘We are not the healers, we are not the reconcilers, we are not the givers of life. We are sinful, broken, vulnerable people who need as much care as anyone we care for. The mystery of ministry is that we have

been chosen to make our own limited and very conditional love the gateway for the unlimited and unconditional love of God. Therefore, true ministry must be mutual...’

I would love to be able to say that these realisations have become my default. Even now, as a parent, I see that old pull towards self-reliance and perfectionism. Why do I find it so hard to really pray for my kids? Could it be that, in defiance of obvious reality, I somehow believe I’ve ‘got it covered’? That somehow that messy cocktail I’ve amassed from parenting books, other people, and my own (broken) experience is going to ‘work’, making them ‘what they should be’? Perish the thought!

Once again, as one of the leaders within my own home, I’m needing the grace of God to break through those natural ‘abilities’ that actually disable me from spiritual leadership. I thank God for how determinedly He continues to do this.

Nerida is a singer/songwriter, teacher, wife and mum living in rural New South Wales as a member of Cornerstone Community. Read more at www.blog.cornerstone.edu.au/nerida

‘Unlearning’ leadershipA book I was given in my late 20s was one of the timeliest gifts I’ve ever received: Henri Nouwen’s, In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership*. Clearly, it was published with busy Christian leaders in mind: a mere 75 pages with large print!

*Darton, Longman & Todd, 1989

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Seven guarantees of leadership

Every decision you make will produce multiple of responses.Some will agree. Some will not. And, some will not care either way.

You will feel under-appreciated many times. This is especially true if you are looking for appreciation. Of course, we all want to be appreciated, but great leaders are not as concerned about what other people think as they are about doing the right thing. And, because of this, they aren’t necessarily seeking personal recognition or applause. These leaders are methodical in their pursuit of progress, but not usually aware of how much good they actually are doing. 

Some days it won’t seem you’ve accomplished anything. And, sometimes, looking back, these will be your best days. It might be because you spent all day investing in others – while other ‘work’ goes undone. But, remember, if you are leading you are in a people business. People will always be your best efforts.

Change is inevitable. You can deny it. You can attempt to avoid it. You can be afraid of how people will react to it. But, change is coming either way. It’s best to be on the side of change where you at least have some chance of helping the change be for the overall good of the people you lead.

You will seldom be 100% certain. There is always a level of risk with every decision you make. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will seldom do anything. You should ask good questions, get plenty of input, and certainly pray for wisdom. Sometimes, however, you simply have to pull the trigger and get started. 

You can never adequately predict how people will respond. Even the people you felt were your best supporters will sometimes turn on you if the decision you make does not go in their favour. And, then there will be some people who will rise to your support you didn’t even know were in your corner.

You will make mistakes. And, you will make lots of them. But, you will learn from them even more than the things you do right. The best leaders I know do not hide the mistakes they make. They use them as life lessons and help others grow through them.

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upcoming eventsThere are a number of events coming up that will inspire, encourage and equip you to have a passionate relationship with Jesus and to serve Him where He calls you. If you, your church or a women’s ministry group you are involved with have an event coming up, please email details to [email protected]

10 : OCTOBER3 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday9-15 Mental Health Week28-30 Girls Getaway Weekend

11 : NOVEMBER10 Celebrate 2016 – Centrifuge – Annual General Meeting Dinner11 Remembrance Day25 White Ribbon Day

12 : DECEMBER 5 International Volunteers Day10 Human Rights Day25 Christmas Day26 Boxing Day

01 : JANUARY 20171 New Year’s Day16-20 FUSE Camp26 Australia Day

02 : FEBRUARY 201713 Apology Day14 Valentine’s Day

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Connecting women across Queensland

[email protected]