Mapping spiritual leadership.
The Map that Changed the World is, among other things, a powerful reminder of the fact that success is possible regardless of constraints. In other words, if God calls someone to a certain task and that individual does their best to fulfil this calling, there is no telling what significant outcomes could result – even if the person involved has remarkable handicaps. Real or perceived handicaps have compromised what otherwise could have been life-changing contributions from several people within my ministry context. For example, last week I was privileged to be one of the facilitators for a mental health workshop for some 15 government employees in my city. Practically all the participants complained about the constraint of having superiors that undermined the possibility of having a fulfilling workplace. I tried as diplomatically as possible to “push back,” urging my audience to focus instead on what they can do regardless of the constraints. That is why The Map that Changed the World is so encouraging. Winchester describes William Smith as a “half-educated Oxfordshire yeoman, working alone, with compass and notebook and clinometer;” yet, despite these handicaps, Smith was one who “could surmise with accuracy what a thousand surveyors succeeded in confirming [emphasis added].”[1] A poor education, lack of staff, and a shortage of equipment did not deter him. In addition to penury, Smith also struggled with “plagiarism[2].”
Joseph Campbell points out in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, that Smith is not unique in the need to function in face of handicaps. Indeed, in every culture, heroes must confront significant handicaps in a phase of their life’s journey that Campbell describes as the “Belly of the Whale[3].” Presumably inspired by the Biblical story of Jonah, the term Belly of the Whale, highlights how heroes seldom complete their life’s mission without a notable threat. Adding to this, Jim Collins argues that to lead their circle of influence “from good to great within the constraints” of any sector, it is imperative for leaders to exercise significant discipline in their choices and actions[4]. Perhaps few Biblical characters have suffered constraints like Joseph. Rejected by his siblings and sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph became the victim of false accusation and ended up in jail. Yet, faithfully working within the constraints of his situation with a discipline that made him consistently reject sin[5], he ended up becoming a global leader managing a project that preserved life in every nation on earth[6].
Winchester observes that the task of completing what might be the first map of a modern nation required patience, stoicism, strength, and stamina[7]. Similarly, the task of effectively communicating the gospel to all people groups, and developing indigenous leaders who are Bible-based and globally-minded will take patience, wisdom and strength, rooted in relying on the Holy Spirit. Perhaps, inspired by Smith’s experience, we too can devote our lives to prayerfully and patiently mapping out the key features of the landscape of identifying, training and deploying indigenous Christian leaders within every culture of our time.
[1] Winchester, Simon. The Map that Changed the World. (London: Penguin Books, 2002) Kindle edition, location 2105.
[2] Winchester, The Map. Kindle edition, location 2109.
[3] Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. (Princeton University Press: Princeton, 2004), 83.
[4] Collins, Jim, Good to Great in the Social Sectors. (HarperCollins: New York, 2005), 19.
[5] Genesis 39:6-12
[6] Genesis 41:57
[7] Winchester, The Map. Kindle edition, location 2706.
About the Author
Henry Gwani
Follower of Jesus, husband, father, community development practitioner and student of leadership working among marginalized communities in South Africa7 responses to “Mapping spiritual leadership.”
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Henry,
I appreciate that regularly tie in scriptural references, and this week’s post did not disappoint. The story of Joseph is so reflective of the Hero’s journey and William Smith’s life. I am curious if there are any new aspects of these two examples that you are desiring to develop or add to your own personal development?
Denise, thanks for always being so gracious. I think an important element of Joseph’s leadership that I want to constantly adopt is his forgiveness. I am deeply impressed by how, after realizing his dream, Joseph assures his brothers of his forgiveness, and highlights the fact that it was God who sent him to Egypt. By this, he displays uncommon love for his fellow man and a remarkable insight into the often-mysterious ways of God. I would love to see more spontaneous and unconditional forgiveness in my life, and in our programs for developing leaders from the margins of society
Wow. Great blog. I love how you directly tied it to your work, and the authors you incorporated into the blog.
In your context, what does it look like to identify and train indigenous leaders? Are there certain marks or characteristics you are looking for in these leaders?
Much thanks Eric. For me, an important element in identifying indigenous leaders is by checking if they are taking initiative to address their challenges, regardless of how limited their resources may seem. This could be by running a microbusiness that can be used to send children/siblings to school; helping to put out a fire in a neighbor’s house; cleaning the street to improve community sanitation and/or earn an income; coming out of one’s house to help when an alarm has been raised by someone being robbed just outside your house. The list is endless. When I meet individuals like these, I believe I’ve met someone who’s intrinsically-motivated to do good and not waiting for/blaming government, like we see with many others. Does this answer your question?
Henry: Great connection with Campbell’s “Hero” Smith did indeed spend some time in the belly of the whale: frustrated, poor, homeless all the while knowing that he did what was right. He put in the hard work, achieved his map and shared it with the world and the world betrayed him. It’s a striking story with an ending that ultimately ends well for Smith, but I wish he had lived to see even more of his creation being recognized by everyone and he taking his rightful place among great British scientists.
Troy, you’re right. Life is often unfair, especially when one considers what is happening with our neighbors who live in the margins of society. Owing to poverty, disease, etc, life expectancy is often very low within this demographic, making it difficult for many to see the fruit of their labors. I believe the prayers of people like you, who have a burden to see more justice for this precious group, could tip the scale, and bring about change that only God can manifest. I think this social injustice might be an incredible prayer invitation for us all
Henry, I love your vision of what could be when you say: “Perhaps, inspired by Smith’s experience, we too can devote our lives to prayerfully and patiently mapping out the key features of the landscape of identifying, training and deploying indigenous Christian leaders within every culture of our time.” I also appreciate you zeroing in on the need for what is often names a “calling.” Regardless of the barriers, great things can be done when living out one’s God-given calling. I believe this day needs many people stirred by God’s vision of the world changed for the better through His values and actions. May God bless your efforts to do that in your context!