In this article, the issue being discussed is leaders who lead without being fully healed from their past. The statement that intrigued me was “great leaders lead from a healed heart.” As I think of leadership, I realize that many Christian leaders in the church are leading with wounds from their past that they have not dealt with. I ask myself the question, how many of our leaders are hurting but have too much pride to get help? As I think about the traits of a healed leader as opposed to someone leading who is not healed, I began to look within to be sure that I am operating as a leader who is healed. I also want to be sure that those who serve with me are not inflicting others with their messiness because underneath the surface they are suffering. The good news is that Jesus does not look at leadership the way the world views leadership. God sees our end and knows our potential so that even in the midst of our past struggles, He restores, rebuilds and renews us into who He called us to be. This article has presented one simple challenge: chase healing. I think that is a powerful statement in the article because if we are healed as leaders, only then can we meet the needs of those whom we serve and bless them with “authentic leadership”, not a pseudo-self that is trying to maintain control of something that only God is in control of.
Mildred what an excellent question: How many leaders are too prideful to get the help that they need? People can only lead others where they have gone themselves. When a person is stuck in one area of his or her life that individual will not be able to lead others through that same area. There are some people that have made progress through some issue, but are equally incompetent to lead others. For example, some ex-smokers are haughty when dealing with other smokers with an attitude, "If I quit, they can quit." There are other ex-smokers that can use the experience to create empathy and compassion to stand beside others as they deal with the issue at hand. Then there are still a third group of people that have never been an alcoholic or dealt with a particular issue, but can learn how to help others walk through the process to healing. As leaders in ministry it will be important for those leaders to discern which people are healed with the right attitude to help others progress toward wholeness. Otherwise, the church can do more harm than good. Good point Mildred!
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