Church of the Holy Apostles - Katy, TX
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Leadership:  The Honest Abe Way

7/16/2008

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Someone once said that everything rises and falls on leadership. I could not agree more. When you look around our society from business to government to even the church, effective leadership is in short supply. I have a passion for learning how to be a better leader and find that if I pay attention to great leaders (either from the past or even those around today) I can learn much.
Currently I am reading a book about a person who I believe was the greatest president our country has ever had: Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln emerged at a time when this country needed him the most. Among tremendous forces that worked against him, he provided the kind of leadership that led this country from civil war to reconstruction. While he wasn't able to provide leadership to the country after the war, due to his assasination, much of his legacy remained a guiding force for the United States long after his death.
I am currently studying (again!) some of his leadership characteristics. I am amazed at how applicable they are for us today. We would be well served to see how Lincoln was able to influence an entire nation during what was arguably, its darkest days. Knowing that God is on our side and calling us to influence not only the corner of the world we find ourselves in, but also the larger society and church, examining what it means to be an effective leader is imperative.
Let me conclude these brief reflections with a lesson I was studying this morning from the life of A. Lincoln: when he relieved General John C. Fremont from his command in Missouri in 1861, Lincoln wrote of Fremont: "His cardinal mistake is he isolates himself and allows nobody to see him; and by which he does not know what is going on in the very matter his is dealing with." The lesson I learn from this example is the importance of being connected to others, not hiding behind a desk or office but actually being with those one leads.
I have seen many so called "leaders" do just that. If there was ever a time when we need leaders who put aside impressive titles and claim authority based on what their "office" is, it is now. My leadership is not from having degrees and claiming that my office is enough reason to do something. Instead, I lead from among those for whom I am called to lead. As someone once said, "if you lead out front and no one follows, that's not leadership, that's just a good walk." I consicously keep myself from being isolated and seek ways to be among God's people and the ministrys of COTHA. I do know that people don't buy into a program or ministry without first buying into the person who is leading that ministry or program. And that's what we are doing at COTHA. Being authentic, transparent and open is not something new. In fact that sounds like Abraham Lincoln!
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Reflections on Putting Ourselves in God's Hands

7/14/2008

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I have a friend who is awaiting a lung transplant in St. Louis. Her name is Kim. Kim and her family are wonderful people, followers of Jesus. The sermon they preach with their lives is one that informs and encourages me in my own journey. In some ways Kim reminds me of Chuck T. who is waging a terrific and grace-inspired battle with cancer. They both have a quiet confidence about them, knowing that no matter what it might seem like on the surface, the battle is not with illness and its not even their battle. The battle is God's. To watch them both maintain a "peace which passes all understanding," is inspiring and encouraging to all of us who walk with them. I am thankful, blessed and honor to know both of these extraordinary people. I am not able to see Kim, since she is in St. Louis, but I hear her story and read of her faith constantly. Please join me in praying for Kim and her family, that a transplant will happen soon and also pray for the organ donor, for Kim's joy will be accompanied by someone else's grief.
I want to ask you to continue to pray for Chuck as well. His faith and focus are extraordinary and his life continues to shine forth with the grace that marks this man of God. Pray for his family as well as they continue to hold on to one another and provide care for their beloved father/husband.
I came across this prayer that is a wonderful reminder for us all as we face the challenges that life brings:
MY HAND IN GOD'S
Each morning when I awake I say, I place my hand in God's today.
I know He'll walk close by my side, My ever wandering steps to guide.
He leads Me with the tenderest care, When paths are dark and I despair.
No need for me to understand, If I just hold fast to His hand.
My hand in His, no surer way, To walk safely through the day.
By His great bounty I am fed. Warmed by His love and comforted.
When at day's end I seek my rest, I realize how much I'm blessed.
My thanks go out to Him and then, I place my hand in God's again.
May God's healing, life-giving and loving hands be upon Kim and Chuck and all of those we hold in our hearts and prayers.
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Church of the Holy Apostles
1225 West Grand Parkway South
Katy, TX 77494
info@cotha.org • 281-392-3310

​Service Times
Sundays 8a and 10:30a
Sunday School 9:15a • Breakfast 9a


Office Hours
Monday – Thursday  9a-5p