PIONEERING LEADERSHIP

If you watched the news Friday, you would know that the space shuttle “Endeavour” flew over the Sacramento Valley.  If you had a moment, you would have slipped outside to get a glimpse on its way to Southern California, where it will be “retired.” 

Recently, we mourned the death of a pioneer astronaut, Neil Armstrong.  He was the first man to walk on the moon.  He is forever marked in history, and will always be remembered for the daring adventure that would lead us into the 21^st century.

In An Audience with Neil Armstrong, the famous astronaut discusses his life and the experience of traveling to the moon.  In the interview, there were five lessons that struck me as important for leaders of all generations.

Humility.   It was said that Armstrong resisted bringing attention to himself. “It’s hard to trust the intentions of self-absorbed leaders whereas humble leaders create an environment and culture that breeds openness and trust.”  We know that in ministry, trust is a valued and necessary asset to long term impact.  Pride is taking credit for only what God can do. 

Honor Others. Armstrong was quick to acknowledge the groundwork laid by others before him.  He knew his success was not his own, but because of the contributions of so many who had gone before.  “Today’s leaders would be wise to honor and respect those who have laid the groundwork ahead of them and not act like the success they’re enjoying today is solely a result of their efforts.”In our office hangs18 photos honoring all of those who laid the groundwork for what we have today in NCN Student Ministries.  Our success is because of the groundwork they laid.

Stay Diligent.  Armstrong was attentive to every detail of his landing on the moon.  He manually navigated the landing to avoid any unexpected changes and interruptions. “Successful leaders are always scanning the environment so they can react to changing conditions.”  Tim Elmore teaches the principle of the “sigmoid curve.”  In the curve, there is a point of incline, leveling off, and then decline.  A leader surveys his surroundings and makes the necessary changes to minimize the impact of the declining point of the curve, thus taking things to the next level.  Ministry requires that we stay diligent to what is taking place, being attentive to the needs, and helping students get to the next level in their spiritual and personal development.

Stay Focused.  It is easy for us to get distracted.  Problems pop up, schedules get moved around, and life gets busy!  “It’s easy for leaders to have their focused diffused among all the demands competing for their attention, yet the most successful leaders have learned to block out the distractions and focus on those activities that produce the most results.”Often times we got so caught up in the momentary struggles of ministry and life, that we take our eyes on what lies ahead, and we get off course.   Leadership requires the balance of keeping our focus on moving forward, while dealing with the immediate.

Don’t Waste Opportunity. Just four years before the landing, NASA had a setback that placed them in a difficult situation to fulfill President Kennedy’s hope to land on the moon. “Armstrong and his colleagues demonstrated ingenuity and perseverance in dealing with this setback and it’s a lesson for all leaders about how to make the most of the problems thrown their way.”  I’ve heard it said that problems are just opportunities in disguise.  What do you do when you face a difficult situation?  How can you make the most of it and move your ministry toward the vision God has given you?  Many inventions exist because of problems needing to be solved because problems are trampolines to success.

His family described it best when they said, “While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.”  Our cause is one ever greater than reaching for the stars, it is one that reaches through eternity.  Let us continue to fulfill all God has called us to do by being focused and staying diligent, doing what God has called us to do, in humility, to make the most of every opportunity God provides.

Abe Daniel - Student Ministries Director