Summary: In order to be a good leader, it is not about being in charge. It's about making sure that the people that you are serving with are very well cared for.

Leadership is not being in charge. Leadership is taking care of those in your charge. I did not want my employees or even the volunteers to somehow view me as “the boss.” I was actually uncomfortable with that concept. I was just a player. We all had a role to play. I didn't like to have anybody think of me as the boss. Granted, I happened to hold a particular seat with particular roles and responsibilities, but we led in community. Part of my responsibility to the whole was to make sure that other people were in a good space. I was kind of the general overseer of care.

They needed to have certain items to be successful, like materials or infrastructure. They needed to have adequate training. They needed to have emotional care. Not only that, they need relational touchpoints from me. Therefore, in order to be a good leader, it is not about being in charge. It's about making sure that the people that I'm serving with are very well cared for.

You know, it's always been a challenge to me when Jesus said that the first will be last and the last will be first. That's super challenging and it goes against our human condition. But I want to encourage you today. What are you doing to ensure that the people in your charge are well cared for? It is about structural care, relational care and so much more.

Now, before you start feeling overwhelmed, it is as simple as talking to another person. That’s it. Reach out to someone today and give them an emotional boost shot. By calling them on the phone or seeing them in the hall of your ministry and giving them your undivided attention, make sure that they are being cared for. Be present. Look someone in the eye and give them your attention.