Spiritual Life and Leadership

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True ministry leadership isn’t about power; it’s about love in action. It’s about stepping into the self-giving, co-suffering way of Jesus, even when it feels counterintuitive. This kind of leadership doesn’t seek control but embraces humility, sacrifice, and deep connection with those we serve.

In this episode, Marc Schelske, pastor of Bridge City Community Church and author of Walking Otherward, unpacks how embracing this kind of love reshapes our leadership, strengthens our churches, and helps us navigate the challenges of ministry with grace and wisdom.

THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Marc Schelske introduces the concept of other-centered, co-suffering love as a key aspect of following Jesus.
• The phrase "other-centered, co-suffering love" encompasses love that is conscious of others and willing to bear their burdens.
• Marc Schelske emphasizes the significance of Philippians 2 and Jesus' journey to Jerusalem as examples of this love.
• Jesus' journey to Jerusalem symbolizes a path that is not self-centered but oriented towards others.
• Self-centered, ego-defending ambition contrasts sharply with the way Jesus modeled leadership.
• Marc Schelske reflects on his own leadership transition, focusing on how he learned to disconnect identity from numerical success.
• Leadership driven by other-centered, co-suffering love requires holding space for others to process change at their own pace.
• Marc Schelske explains the importance of allowing time in decision-making processes to foster consensual and loving leadership.
• The fear of death and discomfort often drives the desire for control and power within leadership.
• Marc Schelske discusses creating communities where multiple perspectives can coexist without division.
• Churches must embrace a posture of vulnerability and humility in their leadership practices.
• Marc Schelske highlights that love acts by consent, meaning decisions should include space for honest dialogue and dissent.
• Co-suffering love challenges traditional notions of leadership by prioritizing presence over power.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Marc Schelske:
  • Website - https://marcalanschelske.com/
  • Bridge City Community Church
• Books mentioned:
  • Walking Otherward, by Marc Schelske
  • Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr
• Related episodes:
  • 206. The Healing Power of Pilgrimmage, with Jon Huckins
  • 236. Supporting Families with Autism in Your Church, with David Quel
  • 240. Leading with Wisdom from Above, with Uli Chi

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