46 Ducere Est Servire: THE LEADERSHIP JOURNAL OF DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY it to be done,” calls believers to a balanced life. Leaders should pursue shalom in all areas of calling: personal spiritual life, marriage, family, community, physical health, work, ministry, and financial stewardship.53 6) A healthy leader leads out of their marriage or singleness. Niemöller worked feverishly as an organization leader and pastor, much to the detriment of his family. Peter Scazzero wisely suggests that “the first ambition for married Christian leaders must shift from leading our churches, organizations, or teams to loving our spouse passionately.” Additionally, the single person has a call to a God-honoring single life with vulnerable, transformative friendships.54 The healthy leader leads out of the overflow of their virtuous personal life, whether single or married. 7) A healthy leader embraces an intentional, transformative Christian community. In prison, community had an incredibly positive influence on Niemöller, but post-imprisonment, he was often isolated and unteachable. Literature on enduring adversity notes that a healthy faith community supports survival during and growth after adversity.55 However, modern Christian leaders commonly isolate themselves from community and accountability and suffer the consequences.56 Leaders need a Christian community in all its chaos and mess to support their endurance and growth. Scholars emphasize that vulnerability in gospel-oriented relationships is essential for spiritual growth and well-being.57 It is honesty within a pledge of biblical commitment to one another that makes all the difference and creates a safe space for the messy work of regeneration.58 8) A healthy leader leads out of their weakness. While imperfectly done, Niemöller attempted to lead from his weaknesses when he campaigned for German repentance, citing his failure and the Church’s failure to speak up for those being persecuted. In his small but powerful study on 2 Corinthians, J.I. Packer explains that as “our discipleship continues, God will make us increasingly weak-conscious and pain-aware, so that we may learn with Paul that when we are conscious of being weak, then—and only then—may we become truly strong in the Lord.”59 Throughout history, God has called Christian leaders to acknowledge their daily dependence on Christ for survival and to lead others from this humble, courageous position.
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