A WORD ABOUT THIS MONTH’S TOPICS
The contributors to this column have deep disagreements on many issues about which we are all very passionate. However, we seek to confine our criticisms to the issues, not the person; to the merits of the case, not the character of the author; and to the topic at hand, not our own pet issues. With this in mind, we can carry on civil discourse, disagreement, and dialogue in a way that we hope can be productive and helpful to many.
Topic: What are our priorities in choosing a good leader?
The Very Rev Trudy Erquiaga, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Worship Sunday mornings at 10:00am and Wednesdays at 7:00pm
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“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
Jesus Christ models good leadership by meeting people where they are, accepting differences, sharing wisdom, and teaching how to live together in community. A good leader lives out Jesus’ command to love and serve others through an appreciation and respect for diversity in ideas, beliefs, and the variety of paths people walk. Bringing folks together, drawing out the best in each, making decisions that will benefit the common good are essential to building up the Kingdom of God. Choosing a good leader requires an open mind and the willingness to study the words/actions of those seeking leadership positions to determine who “through love may become servants to one another, rather than use their (leadership) as an opportunity for self-indulgence.” (Galatians 5:13)
Adam Bayer, base chaplain Naval Air Station Fallon
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*The views or opinions expressed herein are solely his, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense or the United States government.
God gives clear biblical guidance how to select leaders for the Church, but not for elected government officials. Even so, given that Jesus has led more people throughout history than anyone else, He seems an appropriate role model, independent of one’s religious belief. Jesus strongly demonstrated and advocated servant leadership, the idea made widespread by Robert Greenleaf—if one desires to lead, Jesus said that one must serve. This idea shone through Jesus’ life, but even more through his death. Though guilty of nothing, Jesus willingly endured crucifixion to earn forgiveness for His followers. Such an example of servant leadership sets the bar impossibly high, but also gives a clear picture of what to look for in a good leader—whether Church or State.
Rev Dawn Blundell, Epworth United Methodist Church
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For Christians, there are some basic qualities that make up a good human, like honesty, integrity, humility, moral courage, and selflessness. In addition to maturity enough to make wise decisions, a good leader must have these qualities. Jesus says repeatedly that a great leader must be a great servant of others. And the Bible describes the priorities a leader must have in their work, by praising leaders who do this (as in Psalm 72:12-14) and condemning those who don’t (Ezekiel 34:4): “You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them.” Vote, friends, and hold them accountable.
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