There are portions of Scripture that are difficult to understand. That does not cause me to doubt God. It reminds me that I am not God. I delight in the depth and mystery. He’s the Creator. I’m the created. It’s enough to know that I am loved by God, and because of that, loved by others. It’s the foundation by which I lead.
As a Christian leader, who happens to serve in a local church, it’s important that I’m able to lead within some ambiguity. I just don’t have all the answers. There are some Scriptures I may never understand. I have to lead from what I know. Isn’t that true for all of us?
I think that matters. If you find yourself at either extreme, I think you’ll lead yourself into a corner. If you are on the more dogmatic side, you have the answers and there is no grey, in time, life will prove you wrong. If you are on the more “Teflon” side, and tend to make it up as you go, in time, you will lose the confidence of those who follow you.
Leading from what you know isn’t a static idea. There is more to it.
You must keep learning. Stay open to new ideas.
It’s important that you are willing to change.
Allow your faith to guide you in the transition.
A transition is needed from what you don’t know to what you do know. Helping people move toward God is at the core of what we do. It’s about vision – taking people to a new place (spiritually). It’s about leading the church to a place of greater strength and impact. We must take steps into what we don’t know – and that’s where faith comes in. Faith is where we find peace while leading with some ambiguity. Which takes me back to where I started. I delight in the depth and the mystery. God is in control.
