By Mark A. Taylor
We talk often in CHRISTIAN STANDARD about Christian leaders. But who is a leader? In simplest terms, a leader is someone others follow, which means most local churches have a score of leaders not listed as such. (It often also means some called “leader” don”t qualify for the label, but that”s another editorial!)
We”re looking for leaders to name in a recognition Standard Publishing is cosponsoring with Milligan College and Youth in Ministry. The Leaders in Christian Service campaign and Student Servant-Leadership Recognition demonstrate what a leader is.
Sometimes an example is the best way to understand what a word means. That”s especially true when it comes to Christian leaders. When you look at the lives and accomplishments of those named Leaders in Christian Service, you can”t question that these award-winners deserve the title.
Standard and Milligan College have worked together on this project for several years. Time after time we”re thrilled at the stories of those named. These are people others are following in many areas of endeavor: medicine, law, education, business, ministry. Their distinctive, however, is the example of Christian service they offer; each is a model challenging all of us to spend more energy in the service of others.
Readers of Christian Standard know the leaders who should be recognized this year. Now is the time to nominate them. The criteria are simple:
“¢ Excellence in Christian character
“¢ Strong Christian example shown by their leadership
“¢ Evidence of Christian service in the church and the community.
You can find more details in our news story in this week’s issue and at www.milligan.edu/nacc/lcs/.
This year, for the first time, a parallel recognition, sponsored by Youth in Ministry, is open to teenagers who also demonstrate the above qualities. For more information about the student program, go to www.youthinministry.org and click on the “Student Servant-Leadership Recognition” link.
Those named in both categories will be recognized during this summer”s North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati.
They will be notified late in April.
Nominations must be received by April 1. Find nomination forms for each recognition at the above Web sites. Do it this week!
Nurturing leaders is central to the mission of this magazine. Nothing encourages leaders more than to see the lives and hear the stories of other outstanding leaders. As you nominate Christian leaders for these recognitions, you will not only help recognize their service; you”ll also help us challenge many others to Christian service that makes a difference.
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