A new leader

Leaders are important. Crucial in fact.

Good ones are rare.

Today, I learn I have a new Bishop.

He is a good and godly man.

Bishop Christopher taught me on leadership some months ago and I recommended J Oswald Sanders wonderful book on Spiritual Leadership to him which he seemed enthused about. I have no idea if he read it.

Here is a thought from it that I was reminded of this morning as I learn he is to be Bishop of Southwark:

'At the outset of any study of spiritual leadership, this master principle must be squarely faced: True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in the service of others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost. Often it comes with a painful baptism of suffering. But the true spiritual leader is focussed on the service he can render to God and other people, not on the residuals and perks of high office and holy title. We must put more into life than we take out.


"One of the outstanding ironies of history is the utter disregard of ranks and titles in the final judgements men pass each other," said Samuel Brengle, the great Salvation Army revival preacher. "The final estimate of men show that history cares not an iota for the rank or the title a man is borne, or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart"

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Do pray for Christopher. He takes on quite a job.....