"Transform Us" - Part One - An Overview

On February 16, 2008, I will have the privilege of making a presentation at the Archdiocese of San Antonio "Super Youth Spectacular". This year the theme is "Transform Us" and the topic I will speak to is, "Transform Us Into Leaders".

What I plan to do here at the blog is to begin a four or five part series of the main points I'll be covering at the event. For anyone interested in using this material as a lead-up to the event, please feel welcome to do so. I will be offering follow-up workshops after the event in an effort to help parishes keep the fire burning in thier young people and in the adults who lead them.

I am using several verses from Scripture for this presentation, but the main one is from John's Gospel:

(5) Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (6) Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- John 14:5-6

There are numerous examples in the Bible and in Church history that show us what Christian leadership looks like. But the crux of it all is found in those two verses.

To be a Christian leader, especially a Catholic Christian leader, we need to know the way, believe the truth and live the life. Simply put, we need to know Jesus, believe Jesus, and live Jesus.

There is a HUGE difference between "knowing" Jesus and "knowing about" Jesus. Knowing about Jesus simply entails studying the historical person... memorizing facts, Scripture verses, etc. But knowing Jesus means entering into a personal relationship with Him, just as we do with anyone meaningful in our lives. Do you know about your mom or your dad? Yes. Do you know your mom or your dad? If you are in a personal relathionship with them... then yes.

The same could be said as far as the truth. We are called to believe the truth... not just some of it... not just the truth that makes our lives easier, less complicated, and holds us less accountable... we need to believe ALL of the truth that is Jesus. It is the most difficult of truth elements that make us strong, make us leaders. The more we embrace His truth, the more responsibility we take on. The more responsibility we take on, the more accountable we are held. And the more accountable we are held, the stronger we become as leaders, as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Once we can establish these first two elements of relationship, only then can we live Jesus. WWJD? Remember that fad? "What Would Jesus Do?" Great question (and great marketing!). The only way I can know what Jesus would do in any given situation is to first KNOW Him, believe Him, and then I can act like He would.

There are many aspects of the example Jesus gave us for being leaders.

Jesus the Forgiver - In Peter, He shows us a less-than-perfect leader who actually denied knowing Jesus. And then Jesus forgives Peter and appoints/annoints him as the first leader of the Church.

Jesus the Foot Washer - Servant leadership... what an example... not only did Jesus wash the feet of His disciples at the last supper, but remember that Judas was still in the room and Jesus washed his feet as well... the feet that Jesus knew were about to walk Judas to the kiss of betrayal.

Jesus the Healer - So many examples of Jesus healing. But how can I/we heal today? Through the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus is still able to extend healing through us to others. But there is another type of healing that is not as dramatic and eye-catching... the healing of the soul, of memories, of past hurts, of loneliness. By simply "being there" for someone going through a tough time, by crying with that person, by praying for and with that person, Jesus can extend His healing touch.

Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus the Crucified, Jesus the Risen, Jesus the Miracle Worker, Jesus the Teacher, Jesus the Prophet, Jesus the Vine, Jesus the Exorcist, Jesus the Obedient, Jesus the Word of God, Jesus the Lamb of God... Jesus the Son of God.

He gives us so many examples of what it means to be a leader. He shows that being a leader means to be consistent, willing to take a chance, face possible persecution, willing to go against the popular opinions, hold firm in conviction, be willing to serve others, to forgive others, to empower others, honest - even when that honesty might hurt someone's feelings, to love unconditionally.

That's a lot to live up to. Impossible. No way. Ain't gonna happen.

All of these things are possible through Jesus Christ. But as stated above, we first must know Jesus - personally, as Lord and Savior, as friend, as teacher and mentor. We must believe Jesus - especially those teachings that may be difficult to understand, yet things Jesus was adamant about... like the teaching that was confusing and difficult for his very own disciples... from John 6:38 and following... that all who want to have eternal life must eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus... tough to understand and accept without faith, yet Truth nonetheless. And then we can begin to live Jesus. And that, my friends, makes all the difference in the world.

In PART TWO I will explore further, "I am the way..."

Thank you for reading and please feel free to offer your own thoughts and opinions.

Peace in Jesus.