CNLP 627 | John Ortberg Breaks Down the Divide Between Leadership and Spiritual Formation, Why It's Not True That If You're Not a Leader You're a Loser, And His Reflections on Willow Creek and Church Moral Failures
Jan 25, 2024
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John Ortberg, a thought leader in leadership and spiritual formation, breaks down the divide between leadership and spiritual formation. They discuss the old adage, 'If you're not a leader, you're a loser' and reflect on moral failures within the church. They explore the relationship between leadership and friendship, the intersection of leadership and spiritual formation, and the challenges of seeking reconciliation in the church. They also discuss forgiveness, repentance, and the fusion of leadership and spiritual formation.
Leadership and spiritual formation are often perceived as separate, but they are both essential and should be integrated in church communities.
Forgiveness, rehabilitation, and reconciliation are distinct concepts that need to be understood and applied in the face of scandals or misconduct in church communities.
Churches should encourage a balanced perspective that values and integrates both organizational leadership and personal growth for a holistic approach to ministry.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Leadership and Spiritual Formation
There is often a perceived separation between leaders who value leadership skills and those who prioritize spiritual formation. This divide can be attributed to different wiring and interests. Leadership is often seen as an outcome-driven field, while spiritual formation focuses on the inner life and personal growth. However, it is important to recognize that everyone is being spiritually formed, whether they are intentional about it or not. Churches play a crucial role in reclaiming the value of leadership and encouraging a deeper understanding of spiritual formation. Great leaders can bring vision, energy, and growth to the church, while also prioritizing personal growth and character development. It is necessary to foster wisdom and actionable ways of life that integrate both organizational leadership and spiritual formation for a thriving church community.
Forgiveness, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation
When faced with scandals or misconduct, it is crucial to understand the true meaning of forgiveness, rehabilitation, and reconciliation. Forgiveness is not about excusing the inexcusable, but rather acknowledging the wrongdoing and releasing any desire for revenge. It also involves letting go of negative emotions towards the person involved. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is not equivalent to forgiving or forgetting the wrongdoing. It is about addressing the misconduct and working towards personal growth and restoration. Reconciliation requires a careful balance of grace, truth, and justice, ensuring that all individuals impacted by the situation are considered. These concepts require thoughtful reflection and application, as they play a significant role in church communities.
Uniting Organizational Leadership and Spiritual Formation
Organizational leadership and spiritual formation are not mutually exclusive, and both are crucial aspects of church life. Spiritual formation is the shaping of one's inner life and thoughts, while leadership involves mobilizing people, achieving goals, and making strategic decisions. It is essential for churches to encourage a balanced perspective that values and integrates both leadership skills and personal growth. Looking to historical examples like Benedict, Ignatius, and Wesley, we can see the powerful combination of effective leadership and wisdom in spiritual formation. When leaders prioritize their own growth and character development, they create a foundation for long-lasting ministry and prevent the disconnect between platform and character. Likewise, spiritually formed individuals can contribute their unique insights and gifts to leadership roles, fostering a holistic approach within the church.
Importance of Spiritual Formation and Leadership
The podcast episode discusses the importance of integrating spiritual formation and leadership. The speaker shares their personal journey, highlighting the significance of investing in one's own gifts, values, and character. They emphasize the need for leaders to recognize the craft of organizational leadership and to develop competencies in that area. Additionally, they stress the importance of deepening one's spiritual formation and character, emphasizing the necessity for leaders to arrange their lives in a way that cultivates joy, contentment, and confidence in their relationship with God.
Lessons from Willow Creek Controversy
The podcast episode addresses the aftermath of the Willow Creek controversy, where allegations of abuse and abuse of power by the former leader came to light. The speaker acknowledges the pain and confusion associated with such situations, but affirms that not all aspects of the church ministry were in vain. They highlight the need for leaders to continually work on their character and maintain a deep connection with God, emphasizing that the main thing God gets from a person's life is the person they become. The importance of integrating leadership and spiritual formation is underscored, and the need for leaders to honor and study the craft of leadership is emphasized. The speaker encourages leaders to create a culture that celebrates and develops leadership skills while prioritizing character formation and organizational health.
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