“A GLORIOUS HERITAGE”

“A Glorious Heritage.”

“A Glorious Heritage” I am reading on the poster. You can see the poster when you are looking through the big window of one of the many places here in Kaitaia (New Zealand) where you can buy cars.

It is all about the “Mitsubishi Motors’ Dakar Rally History” from 1983 until 2006. It is a joy to read about the  glorious heritage  of the rally history.

But I am more interested in the history of the church in New Zealand. Unfortunately the church history in  New Zealand does not have a glorious heritage.

In the NZ BAPTIST (magazine) October 2010 I find an article called “Bad leadership scarred New Zealand church history” written by Murray Robertson. In the article we read that there are empowering leaders and that there are controlling leaders. Empowering leaders are good. Controlling leaders are bad. Murray Roberston is asking these questions: “Am I an empowering or controlling leader? If  I am controlling, why do I feel the need to control others, rather than trust the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives?”

Today I picked up the WarCry issue 6502 at the SALVATION ARMY place here in Kaitaia and how glad I am to read about “leaders who empower” others on the back page of the magazine. These are the MISSION GOALS of the Salvation Army to 2013:

“1. Make Dynamic Disciples of Jesus.

2. Increase the Number of Soldiers.

3. Take Significant Steps to Eradicate Poverty & Injustice.

4. Be a Connected, Streamlined & Mission-Focused Army. – We want leaders who are known for their personal integrity and servant hearts- LEADERS WHO EMPOWER OTHERS.

ENGAGE EQUIP EMPOWER”

Is your leader controlling or empowering?