Making Neighborhoods Whole by Gordon Wayne;Perkins John M.;Claiborne Shane;

Author:Gordon, Wayne;Perkins, John M.;Claiborne, Shane; [Gordon, Wayne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2013-05-22T00:00:00+00:00

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Leadership Development in the ‘Hood

By Joe Atkins

At Lawndale Community Church we define leadership as influence. Twelve years ago, I moved with my family from one area of North Lawndale to another. Not long after settling in, we were approached by a five-year-old girl whom I’ll call “Re-Re.” As I approached the front gate of our home, she asked, “Are you all a family? Is that your wife? Are those your kids?”

I could not help but chuckle at this beautiful child’s boldness. I replied “yes” to all her questions. To my surprise, she said, “I want a family just like that.”

This dialogue made leaders of the Atkins family, for we had influence over this young child.

Developing leaders in my community begins with living my life well. To have a positive influence on others, a person must first die to himself or herself. As Paul put it in Philippians 2:17: “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”

Living in North Lawndale has not always been easy, as my wife, Stacy, often reminds me. Sometimes the sacrifice seems greater than the pain of the journey. But the truth is we would not have it any other way because we feel called to be a light, to offer hope, to be a model for others. I’m drawn to the message of Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Being a leader meant I had to realize that my life is not my own. It belongs to the Re-Res of North Lawndale.

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