I spoke on Monday, August 15, in the Global Ministry Center chapel service. The service provided for me an opportunity to share with my colleagues a critical component of my faith journey in the vocation of Chrisitan higher education administration.

Twice in Paul’s prison epistles he challenges his readers to “walk worthy.” In Philippians 1:27, Paul states, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” These thoughts are echoed in Ephesians 4:1, “…I urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received.”

Below are the PowerPoint slides I used to work through the theme identified above.

Leadership implication: Be honest in defining reality.

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Leadership implication: Good and godly people sometimes collide over vision and mission. Don’t procrastinate in managing conflict Christianly.

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Leadership implication: Dialogue is a sacrament: our words can bless or ‘burn’ those with whom we lead and work.

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Leadership implication: The speech of God’s people can grieve the Spirit of God. Leaders balance fierce resolve with deep humility.

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Another way of viewing these steps in “walking worthy…”

In the midst of the leadership journey, we are increasingly challenged to: Pray earnestly.

Return to the Ephesians epistles

4:1-3
5:1-2
5:18b-21

Philippians 1:27, Paul states, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:1, “…live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Our calling and challenge: to live and lead with a mind of Christ.

In reviewing Ephesians 4:25-32, we as leaders see more clearly the means by which to “maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” and, in so doing, walk (lead) worthy of our calling as leaders.