Saturday’s Missive

Brief. About a new job and the nature of leadership.

The news is out. We’re moving across town. I have a new job and we’ll be living in community again. Life together has its challenges, but it’s been good to us over the years. I’m excited for this new opportunity.

Founded in 1987 in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond Hill is an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery. Our Mission is to seek God’s healing of Metropolitan Richmond through prayer, hospitality, racial reconciliation, and spiritual development.

I’ll be in a position of leadership, so I’m obsessed with what it means to lead. Again.

Leadership is some sticky stuff. It’s not an easy venture. It’s not “telling people what to do.” Leadership is listening, modeling, guiding, and working alongside others who also have ideas and wisdom to share. It is taking responsibility for the vision and health of a community of people laboring together toward a common purpose.

Ubi caritas et amor Deus ibi est.

When asked, I like to say that I lead from the midst or from behind. Those are my preferences. I understand my job as providing the scaffolding to help others succeed. If they are doing well, then I am doing my job.

This is not simple work. This is not easy work. But it’s the right work for me in this moment.

You can learn more about Richmond Hill and our ministries here.

You can learn about the history of the place here.

Y’all be excellent to each other.