In a few short weeks, the citizens of our nation will decide
who will lead us over the next four years. This will include the election of a
President, along with national and local elected leaders.
We also find ourselves, as the church, in an “election
season” as well. Each year at this time, the committee on Nominations and
Church Leadership works to insure that committed and capable leaders who take
our mission and ministry seriously guide Centenary into the new year.
I have always valued the leadership training I learned as a
church member before I entered the ministry. Whether it was as a Sunday School
teacher, youth advisor, or simply picking up issei seniors in the church van, I learned very important
leadership lessons along the way.
I always like to point out that two nationally known and
respected political leaders got their first taste of leadership in a United
Methodist church, before they went into politics: U.S. Senator Daniel K.
Inouye, and former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Congressman Norman Y.
Mineta. The late congressman Robert T. was also active in a local United
Methodist congregation throughout his political career.
Now, this is not to say that being a leader in the church
will automatically translate into a position as a U.S Senator or Congressman!
However, it does point to the important role that the church plays in
developing people into leaders, and how that benefits our society and larger
world on various levels.
I hope you will be receptive to being a leader at Centenary
when you are approached for a certain task. Like the biblical leaders who
responded to God’s call as leaders, such as Moses, Esther, Ruth, Jesus and
Paul, we follow their example in leading people to know the fullness of God and
the Gospel of Jesus.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa
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