BY ADRIAN DE VISSER
When I look at the challenges facing the church today, I am convinced that the future of leadership does not rest on structures or strategies alone. It rests on the inner life of leaders; their spirituality, their character, and their ability to live in authentic community. This is where A3 has made such a profound difference in my nation.
Spirituality: The Foundation of Leadership
Spirituality is not an optional extra in leadership—it is the foundation. Without a deep, abiding relationship with God, leaders can be easily swayed by pressure, ambition, or pride. A3 has reminded us again and again that ministry flows out of intimacy with Christ. Leaders in my country who were once running on empty have found renewal by returning to the basics: prayer, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a fresh love for Jesus. That shift has been transformative, not just for individuals, but for entire congregations.
Community: Breaking Isolation
Too many leaders carry their burdens alone. Isolation has destroyed more pastors and leaders than external opposition ever could. A3 creates space for leaders to journey together. We now see pastors from different denominations, traditions, and regions sitting around one table, sharing life honestly and praying for each other. This kind of community is revolutionary in my nation. It has broken down walls of suspicion and competition, replacing them with friendship and trust.
Leaders are no longer alone: they are part of a family.
Character Over Charisma
The temptation in leadership is to celebrate charisma. A gifted communicator or a dynamic personality can easily draw attention. But charisma without character is dangerous. A3 has helped leaders in my country rediscover that who we are matters more than what we can do. Character, shaped by humility, integrity, and Christlikeness, is what sustains a leader for the long run. This emphasis has raised up healthier leaders who lead not by force of personality, but by the authenticity of their lives.
A New Kind of Leadership Emerging
The combination of spirituality, community, character, and charisma is producing something beautiful in my nation. Churches are experiencing renewal. Leaders are choosing collaboration over competition. The body of Christ is becoming more united. This is not theory. It is happening on the ground because of the way A3 has invested in leaders.
A3 has shown us that leadership is not about building our own kingdoms, but about becoming more like Christ. And as leaders here have embraced this, the church in my nation is being transformed—one life, one community, one movement at a time.
Adrian De Visser
Rev. Dr. Adrian De Visser is the founder of Kithu Sevana, a church multiplication movement across Sri Lanka. Adrian has been the National Director of A3/Sri Lanka since 1999, and currently serves as A3’s Pastor/Shepherd for the Movement. Before this, as VP for Partnership Development, Adrian helped launch the A3 leader development program in 10 countries and contributed meaningfully to nearly every A3 country. Rev. De Visser authored “Journey of Grace: Finding Emotional Healing in a Broken World” plus a chapter called Blasphemy of Worship in Eastern Voices, Volume 1 as well as writing six books in his national language Sinhala.
Image credit: header photo courtesy of Simon Wilkes on Unsplash
