Leadership, the AA Way

Unity Dividends

"AA leaders at one point considered removing the name of God from the 12 steps," explained my class instructor. "In a vote, the majority chose to change the language, but many disagreed. In the spirit of unity, they decided to keep it the way it was." In the spirit of unity, I mused in class, twiddling my pencil. I wrote in my notebook, "How often do I sacrifice my own agenda in the 'spirit of unity'" Over the coming months, I began to listen to the way I asserted myself in my team. Was I willing to listen with an open heart, allowing the possibility that my mind could be changed? Was I willing to sacrifice my own ideas for the greater good of the ministry or the church? Unity in ministry sets us apart as Christians. It speaks to our desire to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). A group of leaders who listen to one another's burdens, love each other in their weaknesses, and submit to one another is a powerful testimony of what it means to be like Jesus.

The Tissue variable

I stepped up to teach a large-group Bible study last week in a full sob. My heart was heavy. The burdens of those I love and counsel seemed much bigger than I could handle. Special music at the beginning of class evoked surprising emotion, and I didn't suppress my tears. My introduction question went from a smooth tie-in to the biblical narrative to "does anyone have a tissue?"

I felt exposed and raw. And it felt right. Leadership doesn't always look like strength. But if it's real, it is powerful.

Nicole Unice is a writer and speaker who serves in family and student ministry at Hope Church in Richmond, Virginia.

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