I read an article recently in the Harvard Business Review, one of my favorite sources for leadership tips outside of a Christian context. The article is called Why Diverse Teams are Smarter. It makes good use of research to establish why teams that involve people from diverse perspectives end up making better decisions than more homogenous teams. I think that’s even more true within the church, and our leadership teams should reflect the diverse reality of the kingdom of God.
Diversity is biblical
Consider: In just two verses, the Apostle Paul brings down barriers of ethnicity, economics and gender:
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28
The diversity inherent in the body of Christ is not a liability: it is an asset
From this diversity, we are stronger. It may not be easy to get along or see eye-to-eye, but the resulting wisdom that comes from making the effort pays great dividends.
Consider the Jew/Gentile divides in the early church throughout the book of Acts. It stretched the leadership, they grew through the experience, and they came up with better decisions because of the different perspectives provided. They had to reflect and figure out what was truly core to the gospel versus practices that were culturally informed.
Diversity is a key factor in making disciples
It enriches us to deal cross-culturally and cross-generationally, and effort required is worth it. Every generation has to figure this out. Is this Christianity? Or is this just the culture within which I was raised? What’s my own frame of reference versus what’s truly God’s kingdom? These same questions need to be asked every generation, as well as across culture.
Resources:
Guide for Discipling- Take the next step closer to Jesus and bring others along on the journey. Each section of this discipleship study is packed with scripture and questions designed to inspire thoughtful reflection on your relationship with God and how it spreads into daily life. Click here for a FREE Overview.
The Leadership Difference- Church leadership skills go beyond seminary training. This book bridges the gap by focusing on the key skills needed to be an effective leader. Anyone in a position of leadership, whether they’re leading a church, a team, or a small group, needs these skills and strategies that result in lightening the own load, developing the skills of others, and getting the job done effectively.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash