For many years, I was comfortable in my work and felt confident in my leadership abilities. I had a successful financial planning firm and was serving in a leadership role at our small-town church.
Then, God called my family and me to serve as career missionaries with the International Mission Board. Ten years ago, after a lot of preparation, which included selling my business and home, we moved to Czech Republic. Leading, once again, became a significant part of my life as I began to lead nationals, colleagues, and short-term mission teams.
While adapting to a different culture and learning a second language, I also had to develop an effective way to lead in a new context that was often outside of my comfort zone. I had to ask myself, “How do I become an effective leader in these new and unfamiliar circumstances?”
Although people and cultures are different, one thing we all have in common is the fact that God gives each of us unique gifts, talents, skills, and abilities. I learned that an important part of leading effectively, in any context, is getting to know each person individually.
After finding out what their God-given abilities are, each person can be led to the job/ministry where they can be most fulfilled and effective. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”
Last year, my family and I moved back to the United States. God called me to a new job and ministry that allows me to use my gifts and talents, including leadership. In March of this year, I started working as the director of Streator Baptist Camp.
Once again, I am learning to live in a different culture as I readapt to the ever-changing American lifestyle. I am looking at how to lead effectively in yet another new context. By implementing the same leadership strategy I have used in the past, I am leading employees, campers, and volunteer teams to work and serve the Lord.
Even when facing unfamiliar circumstances, effective leaders know the people they’re leading, and guide them to use their own gifts, talents, skills, and abilities.
Mike Young manages Streator Baptist Camp for the Illinois Baptist State Association.