I came across another Jack Miller reading that was powerful today. In The Heart of a Servant Leader, pages 85-89, he writes to a missionary church planter who Jack believes is too aggressive and impatient. The title of the letter is “The Mature Leader is a Gentle, Kind Learner.” Miller wrote, “the trouble comes when a leader tries to do and be too much, perhaps unconsciously trying to have the power of the Spirit and the Lordship of Christ… the leader is trying to prove himself and own the ministry. This kind of an approach frightens people, and flesh responds to flesh, and conflicts follow.” (86)
On 87, he continues, “I would ask you not to go on the mission field full of the plans you have in your mind, or any feeling that you have to be the manager of the work. Your agenda will simply clash with the agendas of others. Take time and let it become ‘our agenda.’”
There is some advice I have not followed in most of attempts to start work.
I really like his suggestion on how to redirect your intensity:
“Center your aggressiveness on your own prayer life and the corporate prayer of the team and the church.” (87)
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