Life on life influence

Joe was stuck in a snowbank. Needing a tow, he trudged to a nearby farmhouse. He knew the place. The father and sons had earlier rejected Joe’s effort to share the gospel with them. A knock. Entry to sullen faces. The request. The answer: no, our tractor isn’t available, and we’re having supper. With a twinkle in his eye, Joe said, “Well, it’s getting late, and I might need a place to stay for night.” Suddenly, everyone was willing to help the preacher out!

What is a leader? It’s someone who influences others to accomplish agreed upon goals. Sometimes followers are reluctant; sometimes they’re eager.

Consider key influencers in my life. Joe – my father – always talked about “personal work.” This, I discovered, meant relational or “life on life” ministry. I learned and absorbed that value.

Henry played a key role in my call to the ministry. He let me preach. He influenced the Portage Avenue MB Church to take me on staff. He encouraged me towards ordination. He influenced my values in leadership development.

Ron demonstrated effective goal setting and administration and helped my values in that capacity.

Each one of these major influencers did more than teach me ideas; they shared their lives and values with me.

Some say, “I’m not a leader.” But I say, if you have opportunity to influence someone you can be a leader.

Mind you, influencers in my life have had different styles. There were directive, visionary and motivational leaders. There were managers, shepherds and team builders. When someone says, “What we need is some leadership around here,” it usually reflects a desire for directive leadership. Fair enough. But God provides different styles for different times and situations, so let’s not sell ourselves short if we aren’t directors.

Life on life influence presents opportunities for almost anyone. Are you a mom or dad? Lead your kids. A volunteer church worker? Lead your “flock”! A senior citizen? Lead younger people needing your wisdom. Pastors of small or larger churches demonstrate different capacities of leadership. Don’t downplay your leadership potential, even if it’s at a “small L” level. We grow in our ability to lead at greater levels, as we are faithful in small amounts. And we need good leadership all the way through our church family.

As a leader in our conference, I try to remember my influencers, and work within my style and capacity to influence others. Discover, accept and develop your style of life on life influence. Let’s “spur each other on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:25) in the Lord.

David Wiebe is Executive Director of the Canadian MB Conference.