KANSAS CITY, Mo.--Howard Hendricks told seminarians that transformative church leaders are marked by purpose, mission, persistence, according to the Baptist Press.
The distinguished professor and chair of the Center for Christian Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary, challenged an audience at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to be transformative leaders.
As a long-time chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys, Hendricks related a story of quarterback Roger Staubach, who still holds the record for the most wins in the last two minutes of regulation play. Hendricks said he asked one of Staubach's fellow team members what happened in the huddle during such a comeback. The player looked a bit glazed, claiming he wasn't quite sure why, but said under Staubach's leadership they were convinced they would win.
"Each believer must have a strong sense of purpose," Hendricks said. "Our objectives will determine the outcome."
He added that each Christian must have a mission statement of that purpose. "What is the one thing that drive you?" he asked.
He called leaders to be persistent and to make an accurate appraisal of their strengths and weaknesses. A successful team, Hendricks said, is made up of individuals with differing strenghts and weaknesses.
Hendricks also challenged leaders to be lifelong learners. "As long as you live, learn," he said.
Hendricks also advocated risk-taking. He referred to the parable of the pounds, in which the only failure was the one who did not take a risk. "These are among the strongest words of rebuke Jesus spoke," he said, describing the servant as wicked and lazy.
"There is no such thing as faith without risk," Hendricks added. "As humans we prefer to be safe, but if you always play it safe, you will never inspire those around you."
Finally, Hendricks said effective leaders are also excellent followers.
"Jesus told his disciples to 'follow me and I will make you fishers of men,'" he said. "If you fail to trust and follow, you are a failure. You cannot impart what you don't possess."
