LEADERSHIP – There was a press conference today after the PM session of the General Conference of the Church dedicated to the introduction of three newly sustained members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  A reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune mentioned that President Hinckley had once told her that he had a problem with the adulation with which some church members felt and expressed with regard to the General Authorities.  She then asked the new apostles how they proposed to deal with that.

            Among the cogent comments made by the new leaders was this statement, which rung a strong chord with me:  “You lead by serving.  You don’t serve by leading.”  What a subtle but powerful insight on the subject of attitude!  Like a good poem, it suggests things that you sense are real, but which you can’t quite put into words.

            I have seen essays on the difference between administration and ministering in the church.  That subject, to me, vibrates on a similar wave length as the above concept.

            Another comparison which resonates in a similar fashion with me is the relationship between leadership and discipleship.  (See my blog on DISCIPLINE which follows.

            DISCIPLINE – Early in my teaching career I learned the real meaning and importance of the word discipline.  The word derives from 'disciple;' which means 'follower.'  It is only logical that if you expect people to 'follow,' you have to be going somewhere that is of interest and value to your potential disciples.  

I saw examples all around that affirmed this observation.  Real classroom discipline, for example, is the natural result of classroom leadership; not political control – although the latter might be sometimes called for in establishing sufficient focus so that true discipline can develop.