"Strength in Vulnerability: A Lesson in Leadership and Humility"

“But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  - Matthew 3:15

"The most important among you is the one who serves others.  Those who try to lift themselves up will be brought down, but those who humble themselves will be lifted."  - Matthew 23:11-12:

I have been moved to change my actions or perspective many times because of someone else's humility. One particularly impactful moment happened during my internship when I worked alongside a mentor whose actions in the face of adversity reshaped my understanding of leadership and vulnerability. This mentor was a seasoned leader, yet they never sought to dominate the conversation or assert themselves above others in moments of tension or difficulty. Instead, they opened up the space for others to contribute, listening intently to each person's voice, even when it meant admitting uncertainty or lack of knowledge. I recall a specific instance when we were navigating a particularly challenging situation, and rather than asserting control or offering immediate solutions, my mentor paused, acknowledged the complexity of the problem, and invited the team to share their perspectives.

This act of humility in leadership was incredibly striking to me because, like many, I had often equated leadership with authority, decisiveness, and the ability always to have an answer. I had internalized the idea that leaders needed to be infallible and any sign of weakness or uncertainty was something to be avoided. However, seeing my mentor embody humility in such a powerful and graceful way shattered that belief. Instead of diminishing their authority, their humility amplified their strength and deepened the team's trust. It was a profound realization for me: vulnerability, far from being a weakness, was a source of connection and strength, a doorway to collaboration and growth.

Over time, this experience shifted my perspective on leadership, particularly in ministry. I began to understand that leadership is not about having all the answers or carrying the burden of expertise. It's about creating an environment where others feel seen, heard, and valued, and all voices—especially those often marginalized—are welcomed and respected. This way, I recognized humility as the key to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and supportive community. I became more comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback, and showing my vulnerabilities rather than attempting to maintain an image of perfection.

I began to see humility as an invitation to growth. It allowed me to acknowledge my limitations and recognize the depth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom in others—wisdom that I had been too proud to embrace in the past fully. Humility created a culture of mutual learning and support, where individuals could thrive without the pressure of competing for validation or the fear of judgment. It also helped me reframe how I viewed my struggles. When I embraced humility, I was able to approach my growth with compassion, understanding that it was okay to be in the process and that my value wasn't tied to being perfect.

Witnessing my mentor's humility inspired me to adopt a more open and inclusive leadership style rooted in empathy, mutual respect, and collaboration. This shift in perspective reinforced my belief that leadership in ministry should be grounded in love and care, not in asserting authority or control. It also ripple effect on how I approached my relationships within the communities I serve, helping me create spaces where people could bring their whole selves, acknowledging their strengths and vulnerabilities.

I learned that to lead with integrity truly, one must show up with humility and remember that leadership is not about the leader but the collective, the community, and the shared journey toward healing and transformation.