Piloting Faith: What difference do you want to make?

A Word for the Day...

When you start flying, you begin a journey of counting hours and achieving certifications. You work your way through the ranks - student pilot, private pilot, instrument pilot, commercial pilot, First Officer, Captain. With each advancement, you prove that you can not only fly the plane with excellence, but you are increasingly comfortable with your own leadership.

When you reach “Captain,“ you understand what it means to be “in command” (which almost never means micromanaging or controlling). You set the tone for the crew and passengers. You hold the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the flight. You make your crew better because of your leadership.

“Becoming a captain is a huge change,” says Captain Lee Kinnebrew, director of Training and Standardization at Southwest Airlines. “For years, whenever you encountered a problem or an issue, you looked to your left and saw your captain. Once you upgrade, you look to your left, and you see your own reflection. It’s very humbling.”

When we think about the lives of the Saints, the people both famous in history and/or invaluable in our own lives, I bet every one of them was brave enough to see their own reflections when they looked left. They didn’t need to justify or explain themselves. They took responsibility for their contributions to the world. That’s not to say that they didn’t struggle with all of the fears that hold most of us back. But they had a sense of their own potential that pushed them past the fear and toward action.

As we navigate this week, let's be like them. Consider what tone you set, the difference you want to make, and how you inspire others to grow. If you need help, just read the Gospels. You will find some great examples there.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Blessing for the Week

Blessed are you who turn with passion, with strength, and with hope, for you will be filled with the God who is coming to life in you.

- Jan Richardson, Sacred Journeys