In my research for The Humility Factor, one of the pastors which was identified by people as being an example of a humble leader was Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Here is an excerpt from an address he gave at the Catalyst conference a few years back. It has a good reminder for all of us who are leaders: we have been placed in our position and we must not forget that it’s not about getting what we want, but the greater good.
“The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men, and he gives them to whoever he wishes. Leadership is stewardship. It is temporary and can be taken away; we are always accountable. God puts people in leadership. People love to follow humble leaders. There is a self-centeredness involved in leadership that is inherent—the question is how do we deal with this? We deal with this by waking up every morning and saying, ‘The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and he gives them to whoever he wishes.’ Many of us have worked with leaders that get arrogant, that started out great and that are Christians, but they get so arrogant and it hurts them. Men and women get caught up in their own press releases.
Of all the leaders in the world, our hallmark should be humility—we should reek with humility because we wake up every morning and realize that God put us in the place that we are in. You are where you are because in some sovereign way God placed you where you are and he can take this away any time—this should liberate you and allow you to lead fearlessly. John the Baptist, Jesus, King David; these leaders stepped out of the way because they knew God was in control. Lead with all your heart, without fear, and with humility.”
Good words from Pastor Andy Stanley.
Lead humble. Lead well.