Ethos and Leadership: Debriefing Origins Part Four
As I continue to reflect on my experience at Origins last month, I want to turn specifically to the leadership lessons that I learned. The principal focus of the leadership talk was ethos. Erwin Raphael McManus carries the title “Lead Pastor and Cultural Architectâ€. As Cultural Architect at Mosaic, Erwin’s main responsibility involves setting the tone and establishing the ethos of Mosaic. In fact, his nickname at Mosaic is Ethos.
What is ethos?
Here is a definition:
The character, sentiment, or disposition of a community or people, considered as a natural endowment; the spirit which actuates manners and customs; also, the characteristic tone or genius of an institution or social organization.
Why ethos?
It is simple — every community has one. The question becomes this: Does my community of faith reflect the heart of God? This is not a question merely of intent but of reality. Pastors and teachers have the opportunity to dream and shape the ethos of their communities of faith.
How do we shape ethos?
1) Teaching/Preaching
This involves proclaiming the Scriptures as an invitation to the life that God created us to live.
2) Lifestyle
Our preaching and teaching has to be backed up with a life in the real world that embodies the ethos that we seek to create. Leaders lead. We must live lives that will lead others to embrace the heart of God.
Let me close with one of the most profound quotations that I heard regarding biblical leadership. Erwin was talking about how Mosaic operates and different sorts of leadership gifts. In the midst of this conversation, he delivered this gem:
“The leader with the most structural power must be most gracious.â€
This gets to the heart of a lifestyle that backs up our proclamation of the word. Let this one sink in for a bit.
Reflection:
1) What is the default ethos of my community of faith?
2) How must I change to allow God to shape an ethos that reflects His heart and character?
3) Does my life reflect the ethos that I proclaim publicly?
© 2006 Brian D. Russell
[...] Men and women who serve as missional leaders work to shape and create a mission-centered ethos within their communities. Ethos is shaped through language, environment, and actions. [...]