Give us some Christian Waves.
Introduction
I had never heard of DO-RE-MI Leadership before, thanks to Dr. Glanzer and his Sound of Leadership. “All music is a series of sound waves filling the air from these tones. God-honoring, kingdom-seeking, biblically rooted leadership has a scale too.”[1]
Jesus drew me to my knees through the beautiful sounds of music. Living in the village of Western Rwanda in the mid-80s, in my mid-teens, I had never seen a guitar, touched one, or got closer to one; I loved to hear the sound of music on our village radio, even though it took me some good walking to listen to one.
I still remember the beautiful singing I first heard as I worked back and forth on dust village roads coming back from school. When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and personal savior, following in the new way of faith, the persecution that followed my decision was so intense.
Discernment is crucial
“But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. Luke 23:23 (NLT).
Dr. Glanzer writes from a personal experience, a leadership style grounded in his faith and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ; he shares many details on his growth, education, and opportunity to lead. “People want to be heard. They desire their voices to be acknowledged and understood and their requested action to be taken. In a democratic society, freedom and expression are valued, and a minority voice expects to have an impact on the majority.”[2]
Dr. Glanzer’s faith and guidance in all he did is evident as he shares his personal encounters as a Leader. “Leadership begins with listening, first to the voice of God and then to people.”[3]
What do we do when our values and convictions are challenged? The author has a wealth of wisdom in the Sound of Leadership, as is to many other leaders. Does a thorough belief that God is leading us in a specific direction shield us from confrontations and challenging opposition? Probably not.
“For the followers of Christ, living with paradoxes is nothing new. Paradoxes are central to the orthodox doctrine of the Christian faith. Jesus was fully God and fully man. We are sinners and saints. We are forgiven and sinless, yet we sin constantly.” [4]
What voice should I value as a Christian?
In 2008, the highest authorities in Rwanda inspired a closure of over 8000 Churches countrywide (Some churches were deemed unstable and unsafe). The religious leaders in Rwanda had to obey and go with the government’s authority mindlessly, or else they risked trouble. Some of them (high-ranking clergy leaders) who dared voice opinions were arrested and put in jail for several days, and when released, some of them had to flee the country. Many religious leaders abandoned ministry to this day; they have never been allowed to regain their congregations due to financial inability to build structures that the government requires.
“For leadership to happen, you need a situation that needs addressing, a group of people who desire to see a change, and a person prepared and called to bring them together for the common good.”[5]
Confession time
I must confess my frustration; I agree 100% that all power is from God; however, I wonder, if non-believers are the majority in many leadership positions, what should we expect?
Should we remain helpless in some areas, fearful, and not obedient to God but to our pagan leaders? Maybe Peter can motivate us here: “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'” Acts 5:27
“Leadership can be life-giving or life-diminishing. How leadership is perceived and how one responds are determined by both the one influencing and the one being influenced.”[6]
We need Christian Waves.
Simply put, a sound wave is movement. Leaders are doers. They challenge the status quo, creating a new and preferred future. They create disruption that leads to a new way. They are not satisfied with things as they are and work to make them what they should or could be. Leaders make waves.[7]
[1] Glanzer Jules, Sound of Leadership Kingdom Notes to Fine Tune Your Life and Influence (Invite Press, 1901).
[2] Glanzer Jules.
[3] Glanzer Jules.
[4] Glanzer Jules.
[5] Glanzer Jules.
[6] Glanzer Jules.
[7] Glanzer Jules.
About the Author
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe
Jean de Dieu Ndahiriwe is a Clinical Correctional Chaplain and former Child Refugee from War-torn Rwanda. A member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, Jean is passionate about Servant Leadership and looks forward to seeing more leaders that inspire Lasting Peace and Justice for all, especially "the least of these".6 responses to “Give us some Christian Waves.”
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Jean,
I enjoyed hearing how music was apart of your coming to Jesus. I am sure this brings you good feelings to this day!
I am praying for these brave men and women who took a stand for Jesus and raised their voices:
“Some of them (high-ranking clergy leaders) who dared voice opinions were arrested and put in jail for several days, and when released, some of them had to flee the country” May they find vindication from the Lord
This verse really “jumped” as I read it
” “But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. Luke 23:23 (NLT).”
Wow…standing apart from the crowd is going to be so important/is so important. I appreciate your emphasis on discerning voices and making a stand for Jesus.
I would love to hear more about this:
“When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and personal savior, following in the new way of faith, the persecution that followed my decision was so intense.”
What were the messages of persecution that you heard?
I enjoyed your post Jean!
Thanks for engaging with the blog Kristy,
Following Jesus for me was a challenge, as my father did not want me to. I was bitten for many months until I was made to leave home. It wasn’t easy, yet Jesus gave me the strength to remain his follower.
Dr. Ndahiriwe
I really enjoyed your post, thank you. Your 5th point is such an excellent point for us to remember as leaders.
“For leadership to happen, you need a situation that needs addressing, a group of people who desire to see a change, and a person prepared and called to bring them together for the common good.”[5]
Thank you for sharing with us. Well done!
Dr. McMullen,
I loved to see “Dr.” before my name for the first time. That excellent point you noted is precisely what you do every day as you fight for the dignity and wellness of those refugees and marginalized brothers and sisters. Thanks, my friend; more favor and blessings to you and your dear family.
Jean, I so appreciate hearing from you and learning more of your background and perspective. Thank you for sharing. You asked the question, “What voice should I value as a Christian?” I think this question is an important one to answer. I am saddened to read about the government shut down of many churches in Rwanda and the subsequent abandonment of ministry by many leaders. I wonder, are they abandoning ministry / calling, or organized church? Are they still leading, but from the backstage?
I often wonder if our freedom to worship here in the US is a benefit. I see Christians trying to regulate morality, impose Christian values on a country that is not a Christian nation (no matter what they say or want to think). Then I hear stories about how the underground church is thriving in nations where Christianity is outlawed.
Yes, we must prioritize the Voice of God over all else. I love your conclusion, that as leaders we must be doers. Your description of the Christian Wave makes me think of someone starting a wave in an arena, and watching the crowd follow along with cheers and excitement. May we be such a positive force in our world.
Thanks Becca,
You ask a very good question “I wonder, are they abandoning ministry/calling or organized church? Are they still leading, but from the backstage?”.
Some were discouraged and left the ministry for good due to shame and discouragement. Fortunately, others continue trying. I still get messages after almost 15 years asking for help to build the kind of church structures demanded of them by the government to continue serving.