In a recent episode of Clearly Christian, Dr. Cy Smith talks with Dr. Denver Daniel, President of Open Door Christian Schools. The discussion revolves around the vital themes of leadership, stewardship, and passion in Christian education. Interestingly, this show provides valuable insights for leaders within and beyond the educational sphere.
You can catch this episode here at clearlychristianeducation.com
Chalkboard Point #1: Passion is critical for effective leadership
Passion: The Heartbeat of Leadership
The episode kicked off with a focus on passion, which Dr. Smith emphasized as the driving force behind effective leadership. He referenced Albert Moeller’s belief that passion is “the greatest cause of attraction among followers.” Passion, according to Moeller, is contagious—it cannot be faked or manufactured. Dr. Smith adds, “Our passion rises out of our conviction. Those beliefs... lead us to action and drive our behavior.”
When asked about passion in his own leadership, Dr. Denver Daniel expressed how deeply it fuels his role at Open Door. His love for the students and his commitment to imparting a biblical worldview are what sustain his passion after 30 years of service. As he explained, “Passion matters a lot. It will allow us to pursue, persist, and promote Christ.”
Chalkboard Point #2: Leadership as stewardship increases passion and removes pressure.
Stewardship: Leadership with Purpose and Accountability
Switching to the topic of stewardship, Dr. Smith highlighted the importance of viewing leadership as a form of stewardship, where leaders are entrusted not just with people but with time, resources, and God’s truth. “Understanding leadership as stewardship increases passion and removes pressure,” he noted.
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Dr. Daniel, whose favorite topic is stewardship, echoed this sentiment, describing it as a foundational aspect of his leadership. He explained, “We are stewards of God’s glory... everything that He gives us is for His glory.” For Dr. Daniel, stewardship is not a burden but an opportunity to reflect God’s image and bring Him glory through every action.
He also emphasized that Christian leaders are called to be stewards not just of their resources but of their influence. “I want to use the whole of my life to honor Christ and give Him glory,” he said, underscoring the gravity of stewardship.
One of Dr. Daniel’s key points was that Christian leaders need to model stewardship and passion for their students. He believes that students, and administrators will only grasp the value of stewardship if it is modeled for them through leadership. “You’re not going to be a steward if you don’t feel like you’re modeling dependence upon Him,” he explained.
Tune in to this episode, if you’re interested in what it means to lead with passion, steward resources wisely, and maintain congruency in Christian education.
If you agree with me that the only way we're going to turn things around in this country, in your home and church and otherwise, is to increase the number of people who live and operate every day with a biblical worldview, then listen to this and other episodes of the Clearly Christian podcast.
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