Being a Multidirectional Leader

“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage” (Matthew 20:25-28).

If we follow in the way of Jesus, we will have to renew our minds about leadership…constantly. Culture tells us that leadership comes with position. Jesus tells us that regardless of our position, we have the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to lead like He did. How did He lead? He was a servant. He led through influence and invitation. Even though He had all the power and authority, He still practiced restraint by leading a different way.

Leading in the mission doesn’t require a title. Even with the title of Global VP, I do not have the authority to tell any national ministry what to do. That doesn’t mean I am irrelevant or powerless. Our organization values interdependence and collaboration. I need to work with every Regional VP, Strategy VP, Capacity VP, and every other member of the Global Executive Team for us to be successful in our part in the Great Commission. It is not one way, either. They need me, too—even the President needs all of us to get the job done. 

We need to hone particular skills to effectively lead with influence like Jesus. Here are things you can do to lead those around you, above you, under your leadership, or your peers: 

1. Build Trust: We need to be reliable partners in the ministry. We must do what we say we will do, treat one another with love and respect, and have the crucial conversations that help us preserve the unity Christ has given us.

2. Listen: What are the other person's priorities, successes, and challenges? If you disagree about an opportunity, problem, or solution, try to understand their perspective. Curiosity can lead to empathy and insight. Before you try to influence them, make sure you understand them. 

3. Identify Common Ground: We share the same mission. We have shared commitments of strategic intent, mindsets, and behaviors that guide us. Start with things you agree on. Imagine yourself sitting on the same side of a table, facing the presenting issue together. It may sound silly, but sometimes I start a conversation with that image so that we are both in a posture of teamwork as we move forward.

4. Be open to new solutions: When it comes to problems, I rarely start with no idea of what should be done. I spend long walks praying about issues and asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Instead of assuming that God is giving me the solution others need, I remind myself that He created us to need one another. Frequently, the solution is one that we come up with together. It is not my way or their way. It is God’s way; He used our interdependence to get us to that approach. 

5. Start small: We are people who want to change the world. World-changing ideas are big ideas, right? Sometimes, they are, but big ideas can start with small experiments. Asking someone to try something new that requires few resources and low commitment can be just the way to get started. You can learn from these experiments and improve on them. Before you know it, the small start has become a fruitful collaboration. 

Take a moment to ask the Lord to show you how you are doing in leading by influence. 

Who are the people you need to engage to accomplish the mission? 

Which of the skills listed can you practice with them today?

Together with you,
Cheryl

A few years ago, I attended a Zoom meeting while babysitting my nephews. At one point, I noticed they were getting into mischief, so I turned off my camera, supposedly muted the microphone, and yelled to get their attention. However, as I heard laughter on the other side of the screen, I realized the microphone wasn’t muted. Everyone had witnessed my “family authority moment.” Although I felt embarrassed then, this episode reminded me of what it means to juggle multiple roles at once—a challenge that also applies to leadership.

As leaders, we often face the challenge of managing different audiences and responsibilities. In my case, this means taking on various roles simultaneously. In a typical week, I might lead Digital Strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean, guiding countries toward digital maturity, and collaborating in roundtable discussions with other strategies to help countries bridge missional gaps. At the same time, I might work with my Global Digital Strategies VP team to support national teams in fulfilling the Great Commission. I’ll also come alongside Carril’s leadership in Panama by creating content and mobilizing digital missionaries while training churches and organizations on resources for the digital mission.

This multi-directional leadership requires adaptability, balance, and focus—qualities I find perfectly modeled in the leadership of Jesus, as I recently learned in UNILID’s Leadership Master’s program: S3 Leadership—Servant, Steward, and Shepherd. This approach helps organize multiple tasks and provides a clear framework for leading with purpose and grace.

• Servant: Jesus taught that to lead is to serve. This involves being present and willing to put others’ needs before yours.

• Stewardship: Being diligent and faithful in every task, regardless of the immediate impact.

• Shepherd: Caring for people, whether they are your leaders, your peers, or those under your leadership.

When I apply this model, it allows me to manage diverse roles—from influencing those who lead me to collaborating with peers, guiding others, and being helpful to those outside my direct circle. Servant, caring, and diligent leadership impacts the work, strengthens relationships, and advances the mission we pursue together.