From the Introduction to Reggie McNeal’s Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extrordinary Spiritual Leaders:

Humility derives from the leader’s awareness of where his or her source of strength lies.

Jesus’ idea of greatness revolves around humility and service- a far cry from our typical associations with this concept.

Great leaders bless people. They inspire and encourage, The help people become more than what they have been, maybe even more than they thought that they could be. Great leaders help people be part of something bigger than themselves. In short, great leaders leave people better off than they were before the leader entered their lives.

Leaders who have an appropriate view of self (humility), combined with the capacity to help others (service), don’t just show up in the nick of time. They are crafted over time. They practice being great. Extraordinary character and exceptional competence develop over time. Leaders must make countless good choices and right calls to fasion greatness.

In the spiritual realm, greatness is not pursued for greatness’ sake. Perhaps this statement should go without saying, but to do so would run an unwarranted risk of a colossal misunderstanding about the pursuit of greatness for spiritual leaders. Genuinely great spiritual leaders do not do what they do for themselves or even as a way to become recognized as great leaders. The end game for spiritual leaders is about expanding the kingdom of God. They pursue greatness because they are passionate about God and helping other people experience the life God intends for them to enjoy. In the end, great spiritual leaders are not interested in calling attention to themselves. They point people to a great God. This is the sort of greatness we are desperate for.

Greatness is earned. It is not a gift; it is a reward. It is not accidental; it is cultivated. It is not bestowed by others; it is self-determined. You do not need to hope it happens. You can plot a course to make it happen. “Am I a great leader?” or “Do I want to be a great leader?” are questions only you can answer. You will answer them one way or another. The kingdom of God is at stake.

You are free to practice greatness.

If that doesn’t stir your soul about becoming a great leader, I don’t know what will.

Dare to be great.