Chance Leadership
Pictured: Mary and John together at Hotel Colorado where the term “teddy bears” originated. Former American President Theodore Roosevelt used to stay here for his hunting trips. One trip he caught nothing and the hotel staff gave him a stuffed bear to console him (which they called "teddy bear.")
Dear Friends,
“Their leader will be one of their own;
Their ruler will arise from among them.
I will bring him near and he will come close to me—
For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me.”
(Jeremiah 30:21)
Leaders are chiseled and shaped by chance. I became a leader because of chances gifted to me. First, many people took risky chances on me. Second, people gave me real chances to achieve. Third, people gave me a redeeming second chance. In All Nations, raising up leaders from among every people group is in our core mission statement. How do we do it? We have a value in All Nations, “we take a chance on people!”
I think of all the people who took a risky chance on me. I remember as a 17-year-old flunking out of college at an elite university but the dean of the college—an elderly stately gentleman—took a chance on this life-unravelling student and re-admitted me back into the university. The road back to college was bumpy but it was during this time, I found Jesus. Or more accurately, Jesus found me. During this time, a seasoned leader took me under her wings and for the next seven years, met with me weekly, sometimes daily, to disciple me. She took a chance on the least likely. And over the years, I began to serve as a student leader.
I think of all the people who gave me a chance. I think of how Floyd McClung used to call out my leadership gifting when I was just a young mom overwhelmed with raising my children. Years later, when Floyd asked me to lead All Nations, I remember thinking “Why me? There are so many others more gifted, competent, and experienced.” He gave me an undeserved chance.
Then I think of all the people who gave me a second chance to “fail forward.” When I was expelled from college, my dad called me from overseas. Most Chinese fathers would give their children a thorough scolding. But he just calmly insisted, “I know you can do it. I believe in you.” Over the years when I’ve failed or fallen apart, many friends and colleagues have given me a chance to repent, learn from my mistakes, and “fail forward.” I’m forever grateful.
Chance leadership led by the Holy Spirit is a priority in our lives and in All Nations. Let us consider again: Do we take a chance on people even when it’s risky? Do we give emerging leaders, who may seem a bit rough around the edges, a real chance to take on stretch assignments? Do we give people a second or third chance when they fail us?
Jesus took a chance on Peter and later gave him a redeeming second chance after Peter denied Him. Jesus says the same words to us to develop leaders as He did Peter, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Feed my lambs. Take care of my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.” (Luke 22:32; John 21:15,16,17,19)
Blessings,
Mary Ho
All Nations International, Inc. | International Executive Leader
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