Whatever you do," said Ralph Waldo Emerson, "you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them."1
Anyone in leadership, even if only for a day (or two), knows how true these words are. It is not by chance that the phrase "having the courage of our convictions" has become a cliche (at least in English). A pastor can become miserable and ineffective if he does not stand for what he believes best. Of course we must listen, sincerely and completely, to those whom we are leading; and we must be willing to modify our positions if need be. But it is our prerogative as leaders—indeed, it is simply good leadership—to stand firm. At times, that stance will require courage because no matter our position, no matter our course of action, we can be sure—someone will oppose us.
By nature, many pastors avoid conflict. Many are natural peacemakers. The pastoral role calls us to be referees, experts in the art of conciliation and constructive compromise. Besides, we want to be liked. We shun division and live to create an atmosphere of love and trust in our congregations. No wonder, then, that we sometimes find it hard to take a stand. Yet taking a stand for a well-conceived course of action is often just what a congregation needs, especially if contrasted against a wishy-washy, anything-you-say, leadership style. To hold firm takes courage, especially when we face the opposition of powerful, influential members whom we ourselves might even admire.
"There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right."2 The moment we embark on our course of action, having left the harbor of traditional theory and practice, forging out into the high seas toward some new and noble destination—not only does fear cause us to think that we are not doing right, but "difficulties" (perhaps the very condition of the seas along the course we have plotted) have a seductive prowess that can, at times, seem to side with our critics. It takes courage, born of divine conviction, to not turn back, but to stay the course, winning the awful battle against self-doubt and the desire to please and be popular.
"To map out a course of action and follow it to the end requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs."3 I've never fought in a military battle, but what will keep me fighting and advancing when everything in me says "stop" or "retreat" is the courage that comes from believing that my position is correct.
Sometimes, we have courageously stayed the course; we have fought and fought hard, and yet nothing gets us over the final hump. It is then—when we are emotionally and physically expended, when it seems impossible to continue—that we must muster the courage of a soldier.
We are all aware of the risks and pitfalls expressed here. We are also aware of the great wisdom required whenever we exercise Christian leadership. But we are all also instinctively aware of the immense rewards and advantages that lie hidden in the great struggle to stand firm and win the day with quiet, unassailable courage.
1 Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Courage."
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
