If you search the internet for books about leadership, you find more than 250,000 results. There are books urging us to be assertive so everyone knows we are in charge. Others teach how we can convince others to follow us. And some explain servant leadership and how to lead as Jesus did. The Bible is the ultimate book on leadership. From the very beginning we see a holy God using imperfect and incapable people to lead. We learn in God’s word that His purpose was fulfilled in mighty ways when human beings relied fully on His strength and not their own.
Countless women in WMU history heard God calling them to action. They chose to trust who He is, obey His call, and depend on His power. Leaders like Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, Fannie Heck, Kathleen Mallory, and many more did not seek power or control. They were first and foremost followers of Christ. There is no step-by-step guide that magically transforms ordinary people into leaders. Truly great leaders are those who have chosen to be followers. They set their own priorities aside to pursue the kingdom of God.
This year the WMU Foundation will celebrate women, past, present, and future, who exemplify great leadership through the SHE leads campaign. As we celebrate these Christ followers, we invite you to pray for and support the next generation of missions leaders.
What is SHE leads?
SHE leads is the WMU Foundation’s celebration of great missions leaders, past, present, and future. For more than 20 years, we’ve supported female missions leaders around the word by granting over $2.5 million from the Second Century Fund for WMU women’s leadership development. You can support the next generation of missions leaders by making a gift to the Second Century Fund. Give online here or mail your gift to WMU Foundation SCF, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.
data-animation-override>
“I was not a born leader, but I was called. The mentors I had in WMU made the most difference to me, and now we have to reach out to the young women who come behind us.”
SHE leads in action: In January, let’s say thank you to someone who has been important in your missions journey—a WMU leader, a mentor, someone who helped you understand God’s plan more in depth. Also, encourage someone who is coming behind you in the same way—possibly someone you are discipling or mentoring.
Find more information about SHE Leads and the Second Century Fund, follow us on social media:
Facebook.com/WMUFoundation
Twitter: @wmufoundation
Instagram.com/WMUFoundation
This article first appeared in the January 2017 issue of Missions Mosaic.