Greetings Holy, Healthy and Happy People of God,

As I write this eNote to our faithful and devoted community of radical and responsible followers of Jesus Christ, I recently attended a talk from Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, the author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?  It is a classic and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in social justice; it’s a great primer.  But beyond the book, her talk focused on the ABC’s of leadership.  Leadership can be defined as anyone who influences another or a group.  So if you influence people, you are a leader!

Dr. Tatum suggested in an American and global world that is fastly changing, we must start Affirming Identity.  We have multiple identities and we should recognize others while seeing ourselves.

Second, Building Community is another leadership quality.  As difficult as getting along with different people can be, community is built on similarities and differences.  We must learn to do life together especially in turbulent times.

And finally, Dr. Tatum suggests that great leaders Cultivate Leadership in others.  This involves active listening, open communications and conflict resolution.  Being able to communicate effectively is a necessary trait of great leadership.

Jesus invites the disciples into a life of leadership.  When Jesus invites the disciples to “follow me” he affirms, builds and cultivates them into transformative leaders who transform the lives of others.  Let’s join Jesus in the revolution of effective leadership.

Remember to pray The Lord’s Prayer every day at 12 Noon!

Be God’s Shalom,
Pastor Stephen