Christian faith and leadership development in university ministry

Personal Faith Beliefs

I hold the belief that my Christian faith and personal beliefs have a contribution towards the mission of a Christian University to grow and develop leaders that are Christ-centered. I am always motivated by the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to go out and impact lives. This gives me the desire to remain true to my beliefs and love our Lord with all my heart and my neighbor just as I love myself. My opinion is that leadership ought to be both transactional and relational in both form and action. Meeting such a high standard demands that I subscribe to the belief that leadership privileges and opportunities should be grounded on the foundational aspects of spiritual formation (Gyerston).

Furthermore, I have often subscribed an integrated paradigm on living, serving and learning. The core of the paradigm is being committed to growing into a whole individual with an inquisitive mind, a loving heart, an arm stretched out to pursue sacrificial, effective and noble causes. The foundational ideas that informed my view on leadership were planted a few years ago. The lessons I learned and continue to learn in different places and settings have fueled my passion for contributing meaningfully to the mission of Jesus Christ, and to an extent, be beneficial to the mission of a Christian University (Gyertson).

I had always thought that leadership involved doing and not being or thinking. In spite of this limited view, I began to spot patterns among those who had dedicated their lives to doing the work of God. They had an integrated profile that involved more than two moving parts; this opened my mind to new ideas and new ways of thinking about leadership, heightening my contribution to the mission of Christ as well as that of a Christian University. Jesus Christ is the epitome of perfection and truth. His followers therefore have a clearer revelation of truths that stand the test of time. To define reality, an effective leader has to comprehend the ultimate truths and realities of life (Gyertson).

As I grow in faith, it is becoming even clearer that as I hold the torch of learning and education in one hand, I should also welcome the unending unconditional love of our Lord as was demonstrated during crucifixion. To fully understand Christ as the ultimate Truth, I have put in an effort to understand Him as the life and the way in every facet of my life, including my service to other people, my learning endeavors and the way I live. My actions in leadership gain a deeper and more fulfilling meaning when they are directed towards changing minds and hearts to convince people to adopt new spiritual ways of thinking, accept Christ or just be of more service to their fellow man. I have also gotten to fully embrace the transforming and saving works on the cross that allows me to learn of the love of Christ and pushes me to give more of myself to others. Given the brave model Jesus laid out of leadership, it is my belief that effective leadership should be anchored on truths and great teachings (Gyertson).