The Foundation of Leadership in Missions

Author Jim Collins has found 2 primary traits that are shared by CEO’s who have led their companies to grow phenomenally over a sustained period of time: personal modesty and an iron will. They are humble, yet willful; modest, yet fearless. They never let their personal egos get in the way of the larger cause.

I believe this describes many of the great mission leaders as well. Leaders like William Carey, the “Father of Modern Missions”, were willing to put their own agendas aside for the greater good of the work to which they were called. Carey faced incredible opposition as he brought the gospel to India including sickness, death of family members, hot, humid, impoverished conditions, and lack of support from many of the church leaders in his home country of England. However, he was able to overcome these tremendous odds and obstacles, all while not seeing one convert in the first seven years of his ministry there.

What gave William Carey the strength and selflessness to persevere under these conditions? Carey himself gives us the answer:

“Prayer — secret, fervent, believing prayer — lies at the root of all personal godliness.”

Basking in the Lord’s transforming presence is the key to both personal humility and unwavering endurance in ministry. For when we are truly in the Lord’s presence and seeking it not only every day, but every minute, we see ourselves for who we really are; His servants. We also see Him for Who He really is; our master and the Lord of all.

Church DNA

What is Church DNA?

To answer this question, we have to first establish a standard definition of DNA from which to begin our discussion. DNA is best described as the basic genetic building blocks that determine who we are and ultimately what we will become.

Many in church leadership and consulting are using this concept of DNA as a benchmark for assessing church health and direction. Every church has building blocks that determine its current practices and its plans for the future.

This purpose of the Church DNA blog is to help church leaders discover and evaluate the DNA that drives their values and priorities and to champion evangelism in every conversation.