Genesis Moment!

Trust steadily, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly! These six words were the cornerstone of our mission statement as we ventured nervously, gingerly and expectantly into South Phoenix, Arizona at the beginning of that long, hot riotous summer. The acreage was purchased, a “future facility” sign planted and architectural drawings in their final stages. Where to begin?

“Beg, Borrow and Steal” became our operative philosophy, the “steal” part committed unknowingly, bathed in grace and forgiveness. We borrowed a large office trailer from the Salt River Project and placed it at the rear edge of the property so as not to interfere with construction. We begged the use of an underused gymnasium at a nearby Presbyterian Church. The “steal part” will stay unsaid, except to say that we began to steal children away from drug dealers and other negative influences rampant in the community.

Sunday School, worship, group activities and athletic leagues began almost immediately with no paid staff except me, myself and I. Volunteers were depended upon heavily, some of them teens borrowed (or stolen depending upon whose perspective) from the Phoenix Citadel Corps (sister church – they really did come of their own volition). Me, myself and I (including Doris) knocked on every single door in that vast community, inviting parent and child alike to Sunday School, which was to prove our salvation during the following summer when a delegation from the Black Panther Party (Chicago Chapter) came calling (more on this later).

Another of our first tasks was to plan a groundbreaking ceremony for early in September, with the Territorial Commander, Lt. Commissioner Billy Parkins, officiating. In order to draw a large crowd we advertised a ping pong ball drop, some of them colored balls representing various prizes. I asked the pilot to be sure and gage the wind before dropping to ensure that the balls would land on our acreage. He swears that he did, but the balls mysteriously drifted eastward onto the property of adjoining private residences, thereby sending one thousand eager and enthusiastic attendees trampling over gardens, breaking down fences and anything else that got in the way, seeking said coveted prizes.

Understandably, this was the genesis moment of our continuing advocacy, that good leadership is defined by risk-taking, which will inevitably result in failure some of the time. In other words, as leaders we should encourage risk-taking and allow for failure.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this particular TC shared our leadership philosophy. Fortunately, TC’s retire or farewell, usually in quick succession. Our redemption was yet to come, temporarily at least. Interestingly enough, that TC was to become our soldier, in his retirement years, when we became Corps Officers at the Santa Ana Corps. We had some good laughs together when reminiscing about that day.

As an aside, I was reminded of this vivid memory recently during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, a big event where I live part of the time. Let me paraphrase a front-page article in our local newspaper, The Desert Sun:

“In a strange ending to this year’s festival, hundreds of residents awoke to find thousands of tiny political fliers, endorsing Barack Obama, scattered like snow across their lawns, pools and backyards…the plane missed its target. Instead, flyers drifted over a two-mile radius area…some 18 neighborhoods plus various businesses were showered…”I don’t think they calculated the wind currents,” the Police Department spokesman said…”You can’t believe the phone calls I’ve received on this, it’s unreal.”

Oh yes I can! And contrary to rumor, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright was not in the plane. Hillary’s people are mum on the subject. Now back to the subject at hand. Peter was my kind of risk-taking leader. I love the advice he gives in 1 Peter, 5, Message paraphrase:

“I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way…So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.”

Good advice for all leaders. I especially like that phrase, “Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously” – taking some risks for the right reasons and letting the promotions take care of themselves. They will in God’s good way and time. And that’s a promise!

“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs.”

JN