How much do you trust leaders

Sister Alvear · #1 05-09-2009, 01:31 PM

Lately some of our people have said to me that they trust few Americans that claim God called them to Brazil.
I always feel so uncomfortable discussing this subject because I am American but they don't seem to think so.
Why or what has caused a lot of distrust in foreign lands concerning American leadership?

Digging4Truth · #2 05-09-2009, 03:57 PM

Personally... if I were to be totally honest... I struggle with trusting leadership.

I have been working in churches for nigh onto 3 decades and I have seen a lot and been through a lot.

I don't think I am cynical. I just don't trust someone just because they bear a title. The result has been a short list of leaders who I truly trust but that list is a list of people who encourage me by their integrity and who call me to a higher place by the lives they live.

I am wary of people who are "called" to be the big honcho of something. If someone came to you and felt called to learn from your & your husband and to serve the people of Brazil in humility then few would have trouble with trust as long as their walk equaled their words.

When God calls us... I have found... that he seldom calls us to be something. He most often calls to begin the long journey that will lead, some day, to us being that something.

Americans are a microwave society. We are those who stand in front of the microwave yelling "Hurry up... I don't have all minute". God isn't a speed converter. He is a slow methodic builder who makes us whole, new and changed from the inside out and he gets in now hurries.

Perhaps it is that tendency within us that causes us to miss the mark about 127 times before we finally reach that calling that we thought was immediate but was, instead, far into our future.

I think these are some of the things that make people wary of some "callings".

*AQuietPlace* · #3 05-09-2009, 05:00 PM

They probably don't trust them because too many Americans go to foreign countries and attempt to Americanize the people. I think if you're going to go to a country, you need to accept and embrace that country for what it is. Lead people to God, but don't attempt to lead them to become American in their ways.

I've also, unfortunately heard many stories of arrogant American missionaries who treat the 'natives' like they are far beneath them. They are often rude to them and treat them like they are their servants.

Cindy · #4 05-09-2009, 05:07 PM

I don't have any trouble with church leadership, but I do have trouble with our government leadership. I do agree with AQuietPlace about some Americans that travel to foreign countries.

You have been there so long Sister Alvear you are probably considered one of their own.

RandyWayne · #5 05-09-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

They probably don't trust them because too many Americans go to foreign countries and attempt to Americanize the people. I think if you're going to go to a country, you need to accept and embrace that country for what it is. Lead people to God, but don't attempt to lead them to become American in their ways.

I've also, unfortunately heard many stories of arrogant American missionaries who treat the 'natives' like they are far beneath them. They are often rude to them and treat them like they are their servants.

This is like the story I've already mentioned here of my wife going to Brazil as a teen and the Brazilian group serving wine for lunch, which caused the American youth leader to make a donkey's rear of himself and publicly announce that none of HIS members were to partake in it.

Cindy · #6 05-09-2009, 05:13 PM

But I am weary of people being negative about leadership, and I think why give someone that much power over you when you are Holy Ghost filled. We walk this journey alone, and only by the grace of God. We are going to have to deal with all kinds of people and situations in our walk. But God will lead us and guide us through them all.

Cindy · #7 05-09-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

This is like the story I've already mentioned here of my wife going to Brazil as a teen and the Brazilian group serving wine for lunch, which caused the American youth leader to make a donkey's rear of himself and publicly announce that none of HIS members were to partake in it.

Why? Because he stood up for his values? And refused to partake of alcohol? Perhaps if they had been in a country where drugs were offered after a meal, do you think it would be okay for christians?

RandyWayne · #8 05-09-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy

Why? Because he stood up for his values? And refused to partake of alcohol?

Because he very publicly insulted the entire group they were visiting because of a non-scriptural, tradition. And was a bad example for his kids (the ones he was in charge of) to boot.

Cindy · #9 05-09-2009, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Because he very publicly insulted the entire group they were visiting because of a non-scriptural, tradition. And was a bad example for his kids (the ones he was in charge of) to boot.

I disagree, unless he was very loud and rude about it. To refuse to stand up for your values to me is not insulting to anyone except yourself. Do you think because he was in another country he should have accepted and gone against what he stood for at home? Then he would have shown himself hypocritical to his youth group.

*AQuietPlace* · #10 05-09-2009, 05:25 PM

I think if you're in another country, and their culture collides with your personal beliefs, you can very quietly and politely find a way to decline. No need to insult them.