Wise Words for Leaders

Dr. Leland Eliason is retiring from Bethel Seminary in August. He was asked to share some words of wisdom or advice to those who will continue to lead after him. His words are very profound so I thought I would share them in this blog article.

These are his words to us as leaders:

• Learn to live outside of comfort zones. God is often found in the places we run away from - places we fear most, places we are sure we don't fit into, places that call for humility and more growth.



• Expect God to show up - His ways are not our ways, and His timing is often not ours. But when God shows up, then all the pieces of the puzzle that didn't seem to fit begin to come together.



• Don't quit. Perseverance is so necessary.



• Sometimes the greatest step of obedience is simply to show up.



• Curiosity is one fo the most under-rated qualities for nurturing growth and development. Let your curiousity guide you to ask appropriate questions of those around you. Cultivate a curiousity about Christ - "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3)



• Learn to be joyful. Our leadership is serious. The world's problems are massive. But "the joy of the Lord is our strength." So in the midst of life, nurture joy in your relationship with the great and good God. Look for humor, laugh with abandonment, and cultivate joyfulness.
  

These are great words of wisdom for us as leaders. I hope we all can practice these just as Dr. Eliason did during his faithful years as a leader.