I am writing this post from Chicago, where I have just begun the Doctor of Ministry program at the Trinity Evangelical Divinty School (TEDs). TEDs is home to Don Carson, and our own Peter O’Brien has been a regular visiting lecturer.

I have been considering such a program for over a year now, and the reason is very simple: I want to learn as much as I can about how to lead and build a local church, under God. Prayer and Bible reading must always be the basis and primary method, but there are so many other tools that can assist.

Indeed, this endeavour would not be possible without the theological education I have received. To do so would have the great risk of mere pragmatism. But this foundation has equipped me to think theologically about all kinds of things. Like many others, it was only several years after College that I saw the full value of such a theological foundation.

Now, I find myself seeking to serve the Lord Jesus, and bring him glory by building his kingdom. Almost daily I am confronted with issues that I feel inadequate to deal with. There are many examples.

How does one work out an appropriate staffing mix, and manage all that is involved in having others on the team and in a way that the church is moving forward? How does one run a Parish Council meeting? How does one implement change? I am now in the middle of my first subject: staffing. Already there has been much stimulating and valuable input from one who has been in the trenches, servant hearted and is also a reformed evangelical. He has a unique ability to discern generic principles from his extensive experience and observation of others.

Why have I travelled so far? Well first, there are few courses of this nature available in Australia. Second, I was looking for somewhere with a reformed evangelical foundation. Thirdly, being outside my immediate context has just made me think about things I take for granted. Being in a different culture (yes, even the USA) forces you to think critically about your own culture.

While some may haggle over the definition of ‘leadership’, every leader in action has to grapple with questions such as these – and many others. Indeed in my own Mission Area, I was initially struck with the questions of this nature from almost every rector.

Where do you turn to wrestle with questions such as these - or do you just go with your gut?