LEADERSHIP FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS:  I Corinthians 11:1: “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (ESV).  “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV).   I have written Leadership Challenges since 2013 and rarely related them to personal or individual leadership examples.  With the announcement yesterday that our pastor at Central, Chris Osborne, will be leaving at the end of January to take a teaching position at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, it is time for an exception.  He will be mentoring and teaching young pastors as Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministries.  As we look at his 33 years at Central, God has been preparing him for this time as he has led our church and mentored so many young pastors who have come through the Central College Ministry who now serve as pastors of churches themselves. Being a pastor in today’s world and culture is demanding, difficult and a huge responsibility and calling.  It takes pastors like Chris with real world, real life, experience to prepare and mentor young men for what they are facing in the call of God on their lives.  God has prepared for him “for such a time as this.”

One of the most profound leadership verses in all of Scripture is I Corinthians 11:1 where Paul told the Corinthians, well before the Gospels and New Testament had been written, to “follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”  Leadership is character and the character of Christ in a person’s life must be his leadership.  Chris has exemplified this at Central.  It does not mean that we follow him or any other person.  It means that we follow his example of following Christ. This is exactly what Paul was saying.  “You see me following the example or image of Christ and that is what I want you to follow.”  How does this apply to you and me?  It applies in every area of our lives:  personal, family, work, church, and community.  As you walk in these five areas each day, do you lead and build your character in Christ?  In your home and family and at work, those whom you lead should see you following the example of Christ in all you do and say.  You have been placed in whatever position you have “for such a time as this.”  Only you can do what God has called you to do in the time and place you live.  We are accountable to Him as He leads us through His Word and the Holy Spirit.  It is very hard for me to see Chris leave, but this is why I am personally at peace to see my dear friend and pastor be obedient “for such a time as this.”