The Steward Leader Who Kneels By Mark L. Vincent

Are you a steward leader who kneels?

On more than one occasion, when speaking on the subject, I’ve created a picture of how this is lived when someone kneels with raised arms. Faithfulness is one of the foundations for an effective resource-raising program. I’ve often summarized the faithful life of the steward as Generous God, Generous Life.

This posture of the steward leader–whether personally or organizationally assumed–is a posture of:

Giving and Receiving

In front of God, which one it is becomes indistinguishable. In this posture, I can receive from God, and I can share from what is currently in my possession.

Supplication

From here, I plead my case to God. I no longer make demands.

Penitence

I know I am flawed. I am well aware of the shadows of my life. My sin is ever before me. So is the great grace of God.

Submission

There is an authority higher than me.

Humility

Here, my worldview takes shape. I admit I do not possess unlimited knowledge. I know I cannot control everything. I need assistance.

Worship

This is more than generosity to God, who is generous to me. I am offering myself–past, present, and future to the one who made me.

Covenant

Kneeling before God is one-half of a covenantal embrace. God has always stood in this circle, arms outstretched, waiting for me to enter this embrace.

From here, I know what it means when God says,

“Obey my voice and I will be your God and you shall be my people. And walk in all the ways I have commanded you that it may be well with you.” ~Jeremiah 7:23

Freedom

Here, I have laid my burdens down. I am no longer shackled to them.

Beyond these facets by which we better understand the kneeling posture, we are learning that the steward leader leads from this posture. It is from here they invite others to support the mission. From here, they assume responsibility for the organization that invites them to serve. And from here, they witness God’s great grace to the world.

From the one who kneels.

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Mark L. Vincent is CEO of Design Group International, an organizational development company he co-founded in 2001 to help organizations and their leaders transform for a vibrant future.