What makes a leader distinctly Christian? Simply put, they attempt to follow Christ with their will, words and works. Their loves, lives and lips all honor Jesus and they acknowledge Him as the ultimate “owner” of their organization. They are stewards of the people, resources and opportunities that God has given them. Not owners, managers. Not personal kingdom-builders, Ultimate Kingdom-administrators. Jesus reflected this principle in his teaching in Matthew 25:14-15, where he said, “It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey…”
In recent years, two fantastic organizations have partnered together to help equip Christian leaders to steward their businesses well: Convene and Fellowship of Companies for Christ International. We were honored to host a group led by Greg Leith, CEO of Convene, and Dan Munkittrick, CEO of Muraho Technology, at Hope Haven Rwanda recently. They were joined by a phenomenal group of Christian leaders, representing several sectors, and they radiated the love and grace of Jesus everywhere they went!
As Greg reflected on his time at Hope Haven, he said, “It is rare air to have experienced something so kingdom significant as Hope Haven Rwanda. As a leader who has had the privilege of training hundreds of nonprofit leaders, I want you to know that it is rare to see leadership in action like I saw at Hope Haven…Your team is energetic and enthusiastic and the operation of the school is astonishing.”
Greg echoed the sentiment of many guests at Hope Haven Rwanda, and we pray that our students will grow into the Christian leaders and world-changers of tomorrow! As my friend, Christina Joy Hommes, captured in her recent poem “What Can I Do For Jesus,” our desire is that all 75 of our staff members and the 635 students we serve will reflect the leadership of Jesus in their own lives and transform our community through Christ!
Christina writes,
What can I do for Jesus
How can I really please Him
The One who died for me?
In little ways He’ll see?
What does He want to ask me
To do for Him today,
To reach some soul in darkness
And lead them in His way?
What can I do for Jesus
Who gave Himself for me?
How can my actions thank Him
Because He set me free?
What little act of kindness,
Costly though it may be,
Can I, His servant, offer
To someone that I see?
What can I do for Jesus
Who took my sins for me?
How can I be a channel
For love vast as the sea?
What errand is He waiting
For willing feet to run
To show His grace and mercy
Where otherwise there’s none?
What can I do for Jesus
Who intercedes for me?
How can I be His mouthpiece
This side eternity?
What words is He directing
My tongue to speak today
To point the way to heaven?
What would He have me pray?
What can I do for Jesus
Who’s all in all to me?
How can I serve Him wholly?
Today what will it be?
How can I yield my members –
My tongue, my feet, my hands –
So fully to His service
They move at His commands?
Are you willing to level-up your Christian leadership? To be inspired by other Christian executives and to journey together toward impactful stewardship? Join us for Leadership Collab 2019 in San Diego in late September. Susan, Kimberly and I would be honored to spend some time with you there.