Leaders Lead

Oxfam came up with these caricatures of G8 leaders, a criticism of the lack of response to the economic crisis in Africa. These Group of Eight conferences have become lightning rods for discontent over many issues.

The good news yesterday was the agreement on addressing climate change. It seemed as though the divide between the U.S. and the European nations couldn't be bridged. The announcement gives a sense that progress has been made. Now the participating countries will need to honour their commitments.

There is a phrase which is something of a truism: "leaders lead." Sometimes those in positions of political responsibility must exhibit bold thought and action.

Surely the same is true for the church. Last weekend Bay of Quinte conference met and mused over the future of our greying and shrinking denomination. The encouragement was not to lose heart and to believe that the Holy Spirit is still at work in our midst.

My sense is that each congregation must ask God for direction and raise up its own leaders who are willing to be bold and innovative. This is not a time to be timid. Leaders lead.