Recently, I was preaching at an event exploring what it means to be resolute as a leader. It's a word that appears in the Bible from time to time. For example...
Daniel 1:8 "But Daniel resolved (other versions write 'Daniel purposed in his heart')not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."
Luke 9:51 "As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem."
Both these resolute moments came at the start of what then became the most challenging, scary and crazy moments in both Daniel and Jesus’ life.
The dictionary definition of resolute is ‘to be purposeful, determined, and unwavering’.
A resolute leader has conviction and courage to act, even in the face of uncertainty and risk.
I’m convinced that, right now, our resolute leadership matters more than ever.
The truth is, in these uncertain times, it would be so easy to surrender rather than stand. It would be easier to bow to pressure, politics or people rather than hold fast to our convictions. BUT that is not the Jesus way, and it's not the Kyria way.
In fact we have a great cloud of witnesses - men and women - who encourage us to think and be resolute in our faith, and resolute in our leadership.
People like Paul, who resolved to stay faithful to his calling to bring the good news of Jesus to many nations, even in the midst of a life of persecution and suffering.
People like Ruth, who resolved to remain committed to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, even if it meant she may never be married again.
People like Nehemiah, who resolved to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days, despite the constant threats of violence and accusation from his enemies.
People like Deborah, who resolved to lead the charge to war, despite the cultural opposition to women in leadership.
People like John the Baptist, who resolved to speak the truth to power, even though it cost him his head.
People like Mary Magdalene, who resolved to serve the buried Jesus, despite the expectation of a face-off with Roman guards.
And so on! And, of course, people like you and I who have our own resolute stories.
So as we look to Jesus, our greatest example and resolute leader, we humbly remember that He did not shrink back from His mission, despite severe suffering, opposition, and humiliation.
In Jerusalem, Jesus would face arrest, torture, and agonizing death. But with trust in God the Father to help and defend Him before His enemies, Jesus set off firmly and unflinchingly, committed to finish His mission.
God wants us - as people, churches, leaders and followers - to be resolute, 'to be purposeful, determined, and unwavering’.
How?
I want to offer 8 thoughts that spell out “resolute” to help us on our own resolute leadership journey
Remember your mission
Engage your heart
Stretch your life and leadership
Overcome fear
Listen to conviction
Understand the times
Throw off offence
Embody community
1 Pet 4:1 "Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin"
Yes and Amen!
Amy Summerfield
Kyria Network CEO
We have so many exciting things to share with you in the year of 2021!
There is so much "newness" around the corner!
Watch this space for news of new team members, new nations and regions for Kyria! New partnerships, people and projects.
PLUS a brand new look as we launch our rebrand and share new ways in which you can support and help fuel Kyria as continue to champion, empower and release women into spheres of influence!
Watch this space, pray for us and join us! it's going to be a great year!
This month, we have a very exciting partnership to announce.
Kyria Network has co hosted a series of podcasts with Diamonds Scotland. Diamonds exists to support and equip young women to discover their true identity in Christ.
Kyria's very own Chloe, who sits on the Kyria leadership team, is co-hosting a podcast series - “CALLED TO INFLUENCE”.
In an age where ‘influencers’ are everywhere, this podcast series looks at what it means to be a Godly influencer and leader. With themes ranging from our relationship with God to cultivating Godly character, identity and servant heartedness, the podcast unpacks leadership priorities with lessons from Jesus.
While Diamonds exists for younger women, this series has wisdom for any woman wanting to influence and lead for God.
Look out for it mid-February HERE and make sure to share with any younger girls, youth groups or networks it could also bless!
For the next 12 months the Kyria spotlight will be on courageous women who, though largely unknown, defied the times they lived in to change their worlds.
Inspired by the book, and film, 'Hidden Figures' by Margot Lee Shetterly, Kyria wants to focus on women leaders who were massively effective in their context but whose names have been obscured through the midst of time.
We will celebrate their achievements, their grit, their abhorrence of complacency and passivity. We’re rejoicing because they were too stubborn to accept external limitations, and they chose to be deaf to the customs and cultures that told them it couldn’t be done. We are grateful that they stamped on timidity and were wise and brave enough to know that doing what they were made for, was more important than their own fears.
This month's "Hidden Figure" is written by Margaret Ogunbanwo
Margaret Ogunbanwo lives in North Wales UK. She is passionate about untying women's hands, is the founder of "Maggie's: An African Twist to your everyday dish ®️", and author of 2 books, "100 things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me" and "The Melting Pot Cook Book".
Both are available at www.maggiesafricantwist.com or on Amazon. The cookbook is due on Amazon from March 2021. Maggie is wife to Olu Femi and mother to 2 adult children. The approval of God is what she lives for.
This months Hidden Figure is Alimotu Pelewura
Click HEREto view this months Hidden Figure
Reflective Leadership Questions
(work through this individually or in groups)
1) Alimotu was, by any standards, an astonishing leader. Discuss some of her personal limitations and how any one of them might have shaped her life so that she could only just survive.
2) What was it about her that made her able to rise above these obstacles to become a leader who changed the national thinking about women in the marketplace?
3) To varying degrees, we all have impediments to functioning fully in our leadership roles. Talk about some of the barriers that you or others experience, and what it might take to conquer the impediments to lead as you’re called to.
Pray for each other - that we may all have the guts and determination that Alimotu had, to change her personal world, and influence the world for good as an agent of change.
WE NEED YOU HELP!
At the end of March we say a sad goodbye to Martin Hardwidge who has served brilliantly and faithfully as our Treasurer and Board Member.
We are so thankful to Martin for all he has done and look forward to welcome someone new into this role.
If you would be interested in helping to serve us in the role of Treasurer have a look at the job description HERE
If you are interested in the role, but don't feel you want to commit to join the Trustees then that's totally fine and isn't a requirement.
A treasurer and Trustee joint role would be our preference but it is not a necessity.
Do let us know via info@kyrianetwork.com if you are interested, and do be joining us in prayer for the right and successful appointment to this role.
Now Kyria is officially a registered charity that means we can claim Gift Aid!
Donating through Gift Aid means charities and networks like Kyria can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra.
If you have given to Kyria in the past 4 years (even a one-off donation), and you pay tax, then please download and fill in this simple form HERE and send back to info@kyrianetwork.com so we can claim the Gift Aid!
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE RETURN OF THIS FORM!
KYRIA is a network for women leaders to challenge, empower and release.'The name KYRIA comes from 2 John 1:1 where John refers to the 'chosen lady' who leads that church. That word is KYRIA. God is still releasing His chosen female leaders into every sphere of society and the KYRIA network has been birthed for such a time as this.Our aim is to provide an empowering environment to release women to lead in their spheres of influence
