Fellowship Fall 1984

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

When he was an infant, Gordon MacDonald survived two close brushes with death-a near-drowning and being close to a fatal plane crash. His mother viewed these as providential sparings of his life. From his earliest days, she often told him, "God is raising you for something special."

His reaction? "Throughout childhood and even my somewhat rebellious adolescence, I had an awareness that God had this stake in my life and was going to claim it one of these days. It made me very aware that my life is not my own. Every decision I made had some sort of spiritual implication. God wasn't going to let me run free."

God didn't, and Gordon eventually entered seminary, accepted his first pastorate in tiny St. Francis, Kansas, and now, some twenty years later, serves Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. He is also chairman of the board of World Vision. LEADERSHIP interviewed him about what distinguishes spiritual leaders.

Looking back, all the indicators seemed to point you toward spiritual leadership. Did it come naturally? Or has it been a struggle?

There was a day when I would have been jealous for leadership; today I find it sobering. I have passed the point of aspiring to leadership. It is a privilege to be a leader, but the price is great.

Anyone with a leadership responsibility has to watch every word he or she says, and you learn you can't go through life without a few critics, some well deserved. Occasionally you have a rough time knowing who's a genuine friend, and there are serious time limitations on pursuing healthy friendships. There's pressure on your spotlighted children and marriage, and at times most leaders, I suspect, ask, "Who needs all this?"

On the other hand, everything I've been privileged to be part of has been ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.