Have you ever stopped to consider the people who have profoundly shaped your faith and leadership? These individuals, often quietly working in the background, leave an indelible mark on our character, and guide us toward our true potential. Reflecting on their influence is a powerful way to recognize God’s hand in our lives, and discover how we too can impact others.
Think back to your childhood. For me, a pivotal figure was Mr. Gillard, my 4th-grade Sunday School teacher. To a scrawny group of 12-year-old boys, he seemed larger than life. He combined firmness with gentleness, planting seeds of faith by committing Scripture to memory, reading the Bible, and engaging in lessons. I still remember Saturday night cramming sessions and the anticipation of Sunday morning. Mr. Gillard, along with my parents and others, created a safe and loving community where my faith could take root and flourish.
Why is it so important to look back on these influential figures? It allows us to:
- Recognize God’s Provision: We see how He orchestrated the perfect people for our journey.
- Revisit Valuable Lessons: We rediscover the wisdom they imparted.
- Appreciate the Power of Community: We understand the importance of connection and support.
- Challenge the Myth of Independence: We acknowledge that we’re not meant to walk this path alone.
- Celebrate our Spiritual Heritage: We honor the legacy of those who came before us.
Now, let’s turn the page to your leadership journey. Who has shaped you as a leader? Reflecting on this question reveals a great deal about who you are. I’ve personally experienced the profound impact of mentors and wrote a blog post expressing my gratitude. My biggest takeaway…I was never truly alone; the right people always appeared at the right time.
Who has helped you grow and develop as a leader?
Take some time to reflect:
- Brainstorm: Jot down the names of people who have influenced your leadership.
- Pray: Ask God to bring others to mind.
- Complete your List: Add any names that come to you.
- Give Thanks: Express gratitude for God’s provision.
In my early ministry, I guided leaders through an exercise called “Symbol Timeline,” helping them visually map out the people who shaped their lives. From there, they identified key lessons and values. You can learn more about this exercise here.
Don’t just think about it – live it!
What’s one specific action you can take this week to live out your values? Our actions speak volumes. When others see us prioritizing our values, it inspires them to do the same.
May we all find the time to reflect on those who have shaped our character and leadership, and join Jesus on His mission.
Need help clarifying your personal mission?
Ready to embark on a coaching journey? Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to explore how we can work together to cultivate your soul for greater ministry effectiveness in 2025!
Photo by Mukuko Studio on Unsplash