We live in an age of the greatest change and greatest opportunity. The world’s population didn’t reach one billion people until 1890. Fast forward 125 years, and global numbers are seven times that. We have an unprecedented opportunity before us.
Technology changes at a rate like never before. Commercial electronics like computers or cameras can be a previous season’s model by the time we buy it! We only have to watch Apple launch their new products to be reminded of how quickly technological changes occur.
All this change and opportunity is exciting for the people of God. We live in an Apostolic age and there is an apostolic move of God taking place, which by its very nature fuels, and is fueled by, change and opportunity. I think a number of things characterise an apostolic move of God: we are called to bring heaven to change earth; we believe nothing but increase and change – glory to glory; we have a mandate for cultural change and transformation, making disciples of nations; and we raise up fathers and mothers who will lead and pass on to the next generation, creating opportunities for them. For all these things, we need leaders.
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Shakespeare wasn’t referring to the subject of leadership when he wrote this in Twelfth Night, but he could have been. Some people are born into leadership, some aspire to it, some achieve it and others have it thrust upon them. Whichever category you place yourself into, one thing is clear: this moment of history needs leaders like never before. I don’t just mean church leaders either, but all leaders – any of us who lead people, whether that is in business, education, government or any other sphere.
If that’s you, then walk with me as I spend the following blog posts exploring what I consider to be leadership essentials that help us be all that God has called us to be.
This post is part of a series on Leadership Essentials, which can be purchased in audio or video format here.