by Jane McKee
I’m just going to start by saying how fun it is for me to start blogging with the rest of my family. They are all well acquainted with my mini-rants (which typically occur when I am frustrated with something my students are doing/not doing), but regardless of the situation, I will have an opinion and am not afraid to share it. That being said, here’s a little something on my favorite topic—one that I associate with practically everything that I do—Leadership.
For my entire life, I can remember being held to a higher standard, not only by myself but also by others. Perhaps it has been the environment in which I was raised, my family’s values, or even the experiences that I have come to see as normal, but nonetheless, it is this standard which is the norm for me. In fact, I know no other way to live.
From an early age, I was in the spotlight- singing on stage from age 3, joining my father as a head church greeter as we founded a new Methodist congregation in Florence, KY (also age 3), accompanying my parents to various church functions which they were leading, bossing around an older brother and cousin (who were both a foot taller I might add), always being an outspoken member of my Sunday school classes and at my Christian elementary school. I realize it is partially my personality that thrust me into the spotlight, but I have taken it as something more than that. Because of my family, I have always been watched by others. While in ministry, you are called to live an impeccable life. You are aware that other parents and children are looking to your example at all times, and even if you only fall slightly short of what their expectations are, you are considered a failure. As an MK (ministry kid), this can be a rather daunting task, but I believe that all my siblings and I have taken it in stride because we are in ministry as much as our parents always have been. Although I must admit I have thought it amusing that a few people I have met along the way have expected me to “crack” at some point and go crazy. (There have even been bets made on it!) At age 24, I’m past the peak time of crisis for most MK/PKs and as I look back on my experiences, it is a wonder that I made it through so many of them unscathed.
I would say the only thing that has consistently caused me to remain steadfast in my beliefs and actions has been the fact that part of my personal ministry that the Father has always called me to has been to set that example in daily life for others to follow. I am a girl who tells stories- lots of them- as a means to convey my opinions and experiences, and without those real life stories to illustrate what I believe and why, I lose part of the depth of the presentation. So for me, just as ministry is a way of life, so is leadership.
I have found that my own drive to set an example for others has also transitioned into my love of pioneering projects. I would take this even to the level of my collegiate experience with Campus Crusade for Christ. Very few members had heard of Messianic believers and even fewer had met one. Even so, I was welcomed with open arms as another student who brought a unique perspective. However, I was always aware that I was an ambassador to all I came in contact with as to what being a Messianic truly entailed. Not that my actions were scrutinized, but I was often asked to give an account of my practices as a means for others to better understand my perspective (be it attending church or my take on a verse/chapter/book during Bible study). Regardless of my title in the organization, I was called to be a Messianic leader at Vanderbilt. It only came about later that I was the only choice for President according to the local staff—as they ask students to serve rather than holding elections. As President, you are the “facegirl” for the group—with both administration and students. Once again, I was placed in the position where others were watching me, only now it was in an official capacity rather than unofficial.
Likewise, I have been put in many other similar situations, although not all have had to do with my faith, where I have had to set the example for others. The fact is, my Messianic beliefs follow me no matter what group I lead or what task I set out to accomplish. My central core and ethics are defined by the truth in the Torah. I choose to walk in love and diplomatically deal with crises rather than listening to Lashon Hara and giving credence to false accusations. I act as an exhorter to those who have no hope in their current circumstances. And, I always remember to teach my students as I go so that they can emulate the practices themselves. So many are unaware of the Biblical origins of my actions, yet this does not stop their impact ringing true in their hearts as “what is right.”
I believe it’s finally time for me to “make a point,” so here goes—I realized long ago that my leadership philosophy was to “lead by example.” Likewise, we are all called to set the example for others. Messianic leaders are called to “have their house in order” to hold a position in the congregation or community. The understanding of this is the higher standard which we are to set—not only to prove that it can be done, but also because if one person in your household is a leader, every member of your household is also called to be a leader whether they are aware of this fact or not.
With humility, I submit my own family to this standard as one we not only are aware of, but strive to live up to daily. Even this blog is an example of the oneness of mind which we are blessed to have. It is quite unique to have an entire family in ministry, as so many leaders today keep even their wives in the background, not to mention their children. It is the opposite with the McHueys—as the proclaimed spokesperson of the children I can say on behalf of all of us that both of our parents are the first ones to put us in the spotlight rather than keeping us on the sidelines. In fact, they are more willing to put us forward before themselves. I believe this act has been the making of us (amongst others) because we are aware of the scrutiny that exists on leaders in addition to being able to constantly refine the unique talents that the Father has given all of us. It continues to amaze me that every event we put on as a family has us working effortlessly in tandem because we have been able to develop in complement to one another rather than in competition.
I want to leave you all with this—because there are so few Messianics at this stage, we are all called to be leaders (whether or not you are in ministry) because in so many cases, you are the only one or one of few that the average church-goer will meet. Because of this, choose your actions and words carefully. Walk in love, as Yeshua asked us to, and be aware of the example that you set. Ministry and leadership are not just actions, but a way of life, and one we are all called to live.
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