Dear EPA Leaders,

I continue to be grateful for your leadership in your congregation and in the larger church. Your gifts and leadership are leading us forward. As we look to engage more deeply in growing faith and developing vital, sustainable mission congregations, leadership is essential to God’s plans for us. Today I want to consider with you how leaders develop.

Throughout my life of ministry and leadership, invariably people have asked me how I knew something or where I learned to lead. I have become a student of leadership development. Many factors are important to the success of a congregation, ministry or organization; but one is key: leadership.   

Some say, “Leaders are born.” Don’t believe that. Leadership is not biological. It is shaped and honed over time. Some gifted persons rise to become very good leaders. These are generally leaders who failed early and often and became better by learning, taking on new challenges and opening themselves to being coached. These are leaders who are hungry to improve their competency. Leadership is a competency that is learned, practiced and improved.

Read the rest of the letter here.