Vibrant Community of Servant Leaders
Not long ago, I had the privilege of being with some of the alumni from A3 in South Asia. What a privilege it was sharing with them and hearing their stories.
After sharing briefly about the heart of A3 for our alumni—seeing a vibrant community of servant leaders… leading the Church across Asia—we then broke into small groups. Little did I know the treat I was in for.
These two men had no one they could confide in prior to A3. But, over the two year process, they became great friends. And today, they shared their appreciation. They said...
“We now have a friend with whom we can share everything. Before A3 we were lonely and didn’t feel like we could share openly. Today, I share everything with him and he shares everything with me. We know each others’ junk! And, we encourage one another and help each other.”
As they shared with me, they poured out their hearts. I was so deeply touched by their sharing that I too felt compelled to share my junk with them that day!
Key Paradigm Shift: from Isolation to Community
Typically, Asian leaders are not given permission to be open with anyone or show weakness, as there are no safe places to share. But through the A3 learning community, they create a safe place.
Seeing the community fostered through the A3 process is powerful to watch. Isolated leaders now know they have a community to lean on during their darkest hours and to help them through the challenges of their lives. Now, they spur each other on and strengthen one another’s walk in Christ. They foster an environment of grace and confession that spills over into their churches which ignites mission throughout the city.
What a powerful picture of how God is building a vibrant community of servant leaders to lead the Church across Asia!
Join me in praying for leaders’ like these! They face pressures like you and I have never seen and they are reflecting Jesus in the midst of a hostile environment.
And, join me in finding someone you can be real with: someone to share your heart and pain and help each other in the journey of life and mission!
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
— Proverbs 27:17
Joe Handley, President
@jwhandley
More Information
- A3 leader development participants experience several paradigm shifts. Leaders who were isolated are now connected and living in community. Here are some others...
