I was recently asking a pastor friend of mine what she envisions when she imagines leading from health and strength. She responded by naming two very prominent female pastors whose names you would probably know if I typed them.
While I didn’t disagree with her that both these women are great examples in ministry and life, I was surprised by her answer… mainly because she was not in it. She didn’t envision a healthier and stronger version of herself; she envisioned someone entirely different.
I imagine we all do from time to time.
We tend to have an idea of what great leadership looks like, and often, that leader doesn’t look much like ourselves. The ideal leader is more direct than we ever feel comfortable being in the face of conflict. They are far more charismatic communicators than we believe we are. They have a confidence and clarity that seems to elude us. Their families and marriages make us all slightly annoyed with a tinge of jealousy while instagram scrolling; meanwhile, we still fight over conflicting parenting styles and where to order takeout from.
But what if great leadership isn’t just something others possess, but something you could exude in your less than ideal current reality? What if there is a great leader inside of you, waiting to be invested in and developed?
Jesus taught us that leadership isn’t always the things we think they are. Leadership is not status or popularity or rank or power or privilege. Leadership is humbly serving others, influencing others to Christ, and helping those around us maximize their God-given potential. You don’t need to be a powerful preacher or a prominent mommy blogger or a bestselling author or one half of a #powercouple to lead faithfully and effectively.
Turns out you just need to be you with a hunger to love God and do right by people.
You want to know the secret to leading authentically? You got to bring your whole self to the room.
Are you a woman? You don’t need to apologize for your femininity in a conference room full of your male peers.
Are you a Gen Zer? Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth; instead, set an example for all to follow.
Are you a mom? Bring your kiddos with you as you lead. Let them watch you run your race, even if it means dealing with the headache of lugging around diaper bags and strollers and coloring books.
Are you single? You don’t need to wait until you’re married to step into your calling. God called you now, and your marital status is not a setback.
Are you an introvert? Perfect. You might not like big crowds, but leverage your ability to connect with one other person in the room and go deep with them.
Are you unsure of how something is going to turn out? Don’t keep it a secret. Let those you lead know and invite them to pray and believe God with you.
Are you maxed out? Don’t act like you have it altogether. Ask for help. Invite others to join in the work and make the thing even better than you could have on your own.
You can lead from strength and health, in this season. You, yes, you. Imperfect you. You-who-doesn’t-have-all-the-answers-even-though-you-often-feel-the-pressure-to-you. You with the loads of laundry that need to be folded and the hair that probably should have been washed a couple days ago. You with the kids who refuse to eat their veggies or decide to act a fool in public. You with your own set of strengths and weaknesses, personality quirks and pressure points. You who make mistakes and are in process like the rest of us.
Bring you to the table. All of you. Be like Jesus, and learn from others, but don’t try to compartmentalize your life or hide certain parts of you as you lead. Bring you to the table, because the best leader you can be is the one who is pursuing Jesus, confident in their own skin and who knows how to embrace the season they are in.
P.S. Are you a woman in ministry? I want to invite you to join my next Lead with Love Coaching & Cohort Online Program beginning this fall. Gain the coaching, community and resources you need to lead bravely and boldly without sacrificing your well-being. There are only a few spots left. Learn more and secure your spot here.