A Director’s Diary: Three Things God Is Teaching Me About Leading a Missions Organisation

Two seemingly contrasting passages of scriptures frame my perspective when it comes to the role and responsibility I have been entrusted with.

First, it’s one that describes the peace that transcends understanding.

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6-7

Second, it’s one that talks about the holy burden of being a leader.

²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 2 Cor 11:28-29

These are three tensions that confronts me regularly.

1.        “What should I be prioritising right now?”

The job involves a broad scope. There are always needs and aspects that require attention. From abiding in prayer to administration work, from mobilising to member caring, all are critical pieces that need to be looked into. Being aware of my default and preference is important as well, so that I do not neglect the pieces that naturally I may not be giving attention and working on.  Keeping an eye on the current reality and situation and the other on the aspired future is part of the tension of prioritising.

2.        “How can I care for the team better?”

The work God has entrusted to our base to carry through is only as effective to the extent the team is cared for and are joyful in their service. As a remote team, our interaction is generally limited to virtual interactions. I am grateful for a wonderful team whom I can trust and work well with, and I need to remind myself to be caring for them as they care for God’s people and mission.

3.        “How can I better serve our workers, their sending churches, our field leaders and teams, and our International Director’s Office?”

Being part of a highly relational organisation, we value the way we connect with others. Cognizant that we also have a core value of participatory servant leadership, it means how I go about communicating with others has to be from a place of humility and willingness to understand and accommodate. It is challenging in different ways, and definitely a character moulding process. I often am reminded of the many godly leaders within our organisation that have inspired and modelled what leading with the ethos of grace looks like, and how much I need to grow in this aspect.

So what is God teaching me about leading a missions organisation? Prioritising. Caring. Serving.