A note from Keith
3 September 2010
Dear Friends,
DNA is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. In recent times, the term DNA has been widely used with regard to the core values carried by organisations.
A community like Wesley Mission needs people who carry our DNA in their leadership style, in the way they care and in the way they exercise compassionate ministry. The most effective leaders assemble teams around them who don't just carry out instructions and tick off a list when they are achieved. Instead they carry a real understanding of what is best for their organisation day by day. We have been blessed with people who fit this bill… those who have given tremendous service in the past and continue to be totally committed to Wesley Mission.
In recent days, I have spent some time thinking about Christian leadership and, when considering some of the great leaders I have observed, I notice they take time to explain to their team those issues about which they feel deeply, in addition to showing their colleagues how to live out that DNA. Jesus built a ground-up operation and gathered around him disciples who shared with him in a mission that made a real difference.
An enormous amount of energy has gone into reinforcing our values of Christlike Servanthood, Unfailing Integrity and Courageous Commitment. If a value is alive and present in any organisation, it is not there by accident… it is a result of intentional, committed and dedicated effort. As a Christian community, we would add that it is underpinned by grace.
It is one thing to work out what the values are, it is quite another to be able to explain them to each other, but it is yet more significant to be able to see those values lived out every day. We have found people in almost every corner of Wesley Mission who demonstrate to their colleagues and our stakeholders the importance of our values. Yet there are many in our services, church congregations and administrative support who remain unrecognised, spending their lives serving God and others without any desire to seek applause.
One of the greatest gifts we can give to those around us is to be with them in their time of need. When the Russian spiritual writer, Catherine de Hueck Doherty, was asked by a priest about the kind of contribution he would make within a hurting and broken world, she answered simply, 'Your presence, Father.'
Warmly yours
As Superintendent and Friend,
Rev Keith V Garner
Superintendent
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