Years ago I sat in a group listening to Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel. As he told his story I was incredibly captured. He spoke of the Calvary Chapel strategy of straight biblical teaching which captured masses. But then, almost in passing, he related what I think is the wonder of his leadership. He and his wife lived in Huntington Beach CA. On a regular basis the two of them would drive to the beach and, in brokenness for the “kids” would ask, “Who is going to reach these kids?”
Take note, his vision was born out of brokenness. Also take note that the vision nowhere had him as the center. The vision was not about him. It was about others. And he was willing to give his life “for others.”
Vision isn’t captivating when it centers on the leader. It is captivating when it is compelled by a need, seen or unseen, to which the leader moves and for which the leader lays down his or her life. When the vision is about the leader, the followers will know and they will not be passionate, not be sacrificial, not be in step.
Chuck Smith captured masses with biblical teaching and began a movement. But at the core was a brokenness for a generation playing their lives away and missing “life more abundant.” When brokenness for others is at the core of the vision God is at work!