Deep Church

I remember hearing the aphorism at a Vineyard conference some 22 years ago, 'never trust a leader without a limp'.  It was one of those values that immediately impacted me and has stayed with me. Back then I took it to mean, and it was often bracketed as being about leaders who don't have all the answers, who need others around them to move forwards.  Leaders who are able to admit their struggles, and ask for help. I took some time to mull this one over, and distilled as best as I can for now, what that value looks like for me over the last 22 years as a series of limps: 1.  Doubts: Leaders don't have all the answers, and don't act like they do.  Leaders are learners, and learning takes questions and doubts. 2. Apologising: Man is this the rarest of limps.  Leaders get so caught up in mission and their identity in that.  In the face of mistakes they are unable to acknowledge those and apologise. And more importantly they are unable to call some mistakes what they are, sin.  I don't mean just the obvious ones, of blowing your top, and bad decisions.  I mean the more invidious issues of character. I wish I could remember where I hear (probably in a movie), someone say that you being right doesn't diminish me. It's a rare leader who says, it's probably me not you, and is willing to listen to how they made things difficult.  I do try, and want to embrace this practice.  That when faced with someone's pain, I don't retreat behind my mask of being right, but at least pause and say  Jesus what have I done here that I shouldn't have? 3. Brokeness:  How on earth did we equate leadership with success?  A short read of the New Testament should reveal that even Paul was quick to place his brokeness before Jesus and need of others, front and centre.  Those who inspire me the most live a life where their weaknesses are on their sleeves, and the need for Jesus close to their actions and life story. What limps do you think leaders need?  Which ones impact you the most?