Washington D.C. Institute 2017

I recently attended the Washington D.C. Institute for the Dallas Baptist University Ph.D. in Leadership program. It was an enjoyable experience as I was able to study leadership in the context of Washington D.C., Annapolis, Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. We considered great leaders who shaped our country and also examined leadership in light of our faith heritage.

My research on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided a new lens to view the entire D.C. cohort experience through the Civil Rights Movement. Every monument bore some relevance to King’s legacy. Whether the founding of America under the premise of all men being created equal, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery, the Civil War, Civil Rights or modern governance, King either furthered the work of those before him or influenced future generations through his efforts. King’s influence was particularly influential on the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Cathedral, and the monument that bears his name. His civil rights work transformed the museum from a display of despair to that of hope and a bright future. Through his sacrifice and his leadership, his people took on insurmountable odds to victory and rewrote American history for the African-American community. The National Cathedral is forever remembered as the last place he preached before his untimely assassination. Finally, his monument serves as a symbolic beacon of hope for those who need to come and not only remember the hard work of the Civil Rights Movement, but also rediscover his speaking, writing, and lasting legacy to inspire the future generations to lead and to love one another.

After my return home, many people have asked me what I was doing in Washington D.C. When asked this question, I answered that I would never lead or preach the same way again. This experience, along with Ronald Heifetz's book, Leadership Without Easy Answers, challenged me to expect more out of myself and what I'm able to accomplish. I desire to be a leader like the people we studied on the trip. Whether Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, or countless other ordinary men and women who rose to their respective leadership roles that changed the world, I desire to use my influence to make the world a better place and bring glory to God.

Heifetz's book discussed the fact that stability is neither good nor evil. The pursuit of security can cause bureaucratic atrophy and sometimes cripple the organization’s growth. Moving forward, I know that if security is not possible, I can make decisive decisions with the confidence of knowing that most leaders face those challenges every day. Presidents, activists, and ordinary people shaped this great nation by sacrificing their stability. Relying on faith inspired them to reach for loftier goals than individual success and stability.

In the future, I may avoid the safe path in favor of the way that I can produce the best results for God's kingdom. 21st-century metrics are more about cultural influence than money, buildings, or worldly success. As I make future decisions, I will weigh which option is more necessary for the glory of God rather than which option provides the most notoriety and stability. This trip also taught me that I have a greater influence and I must answer that call to exegete my culture and help those around me.