By Marian Choueifati
Leaders bring order, create momentum, lead change, and fulfill needs. However, in the havoc of leadership, Christian leaders often miss certain voices, particularly the voice of God.
In partnership with Heart for Lebanon, Dar Manhal al Hayat (DMAH) hosted an engaging workshop featuring Pastor John E. Johnson, the renowned author of “Missing Voices: Learning to Lead Beyond Our Horizons”, which has been translated and published in Arabic by DMAH. Pastor Johnson has experienced the unique dynamics of both pastoral and academic spheres, residing in the seminary and the church. His service as a pastor equipped him with diverse experiences along the way. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to the pursuit of writing and teaching. “Missing Voices” represents his valuable contribution to the realms of global leadership and theological discourse, encapsulating his insights and wisdom in these areas.
The leadership trainings were held on the 26th of April in Beirut, Lebanon, and on the 28th of April in Cairo, Egypt, successfully reaching a total of 165 church leaders from both locations. All the attendees received a copy of Pastor Johnson’s book “Missing Voices” in its Arabic translation. The book addresses the limitations of western-centric leadership models and proposes a globally and theologically attuned approach to leadership. It emphasizes the inclusion of voices that have traditionally been overlooked, integrating their insights with recognized perspectives.
The sessions aimed to equip participants with valuable insights and practical tools for leadership development in diverse cultural contexts, revolving around three key points.
1. The leadership crisis we find ourselves in.
In focusing too much on the practicality of leadership, we seem to have forgotten the theological side of it. As a result, we have an abundance of leaders who are infatuated with success through a “what works?” mentality, without really understanding what leadership is from God’s perception. This is slowly leading to a dysfunction of leadership characterized by immorality, authoritarianisms, and insecure leaders who are corrupted by power.
2. What is our definition of leadership?
During the workshop, participants engaged in an exercise where they collaboratively sought to craft a single, all-encompassing definition of leadership. However, when it was time to share their responses, it became evident that each definition differed significantly from the other. Beyond this disparity among human perspectives, a striking contrast emerged between our understanding of leadership and the way God defines it. This observation highlighted the need for a deeper exploration of aligning our perceptions with God’s perspective on leadership.
3. How do leaders gain credibility?
Character
The character of a leader should have virtues of love, justice, humility, integrity and diligence. These virtues strengthen leaders’ self-discipline in a way they lead in their followers’ best interest.
Wisdom
We often think that wisdom comes from experience. However, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Skills
A Christian leader should possess a strong foundation of biblical knowledge and prioritize prayer and discernment in their decision-making. They should exemplify servant leadership, effectively communicate their beliefs, build nurturing relationships, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and lead with integrity, all while having a clear vision and implementing strategic plans to fulfill it.
One attendee shared with the DMAH team: “A lot of leaders are thrown into leadership without much practical and methodological training. This training is especially beneficial for all current and aspiring leaders. I am very happy to be attending today with my Church pastor. I am assured that my church is being led by the voice of God, entrusted to a leader who is working to identify the missing voices in ministry”.
Indeed, God does not need leaders, instead, He does summon and use them for the expansion of His kingdom.
Support Dar Manhal al Hayat-led Leadership Trainings
DMAH not only publishes and distributes resources, it also hosts and attends events to help train and equip believers throughout the MENA region though book launches, regional bookfairs, free book distributions, workshops, conferences, and trainings.