One of the most difficult aspects of the campus ministry here is the lack of unity between our teachers. When I first arrived, many teachers were all too happy to tell me their problems with Teacher X or how Y Church was doing such and such wrong. It drives me crazy. I wish that I could model the right attitude and say just the right things to build unity between our faculty. These problems were here long before I arrived but I don’t want them to be here when I leave. I feel that God is calling me to build bridges. Ok, so how am I going to accomplish this? Good question. Right now, I’m reading about Coach Wooden. Coach Wooden knew how to lead teams. He led his UCLA Bruins to 7 national titles in a row! In the book Developing the Leader’s Around You, John C Maxwell explains that Coach Wooden knew that leaders have a responsibility to the people that they lead.

A Leader’s Response to the People They Wish to Develop
1) Appreciate them for who they are
2) Believe that they will do their very best
3) Praise their accomplishments
4) Accept the personal responsibility to them as their leader

This is a good start. For me, 2 and 3 look to be the most difficult. Some teachers here are hard to believe in and harder to praise. I sometimes wish that Jesus had made following him easier. It comes down to being willing to carry out for yourself what you expect others to do.

I will choose the difficult path. I will lead.