responsibility signI was reading some quotes from Peter Drucker the other day. Drucker was an Austrian-born American management consultant, educator, and author, whose wisdom helped lay the corporate business foundation as we know it today.

I remember reading his book, The Effective Executive many years ago, and being amazed with his insight. Later I picked up a copy of his book, Managing the Non-Profit Organization: Principles and Practices. I learned a lot. For instance, Drucker talked about the “product” of a nonprofit organization. See if it applies to your organization or church.

[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]The ‘non-profit’ institution neither supplies goods or services nor controls. Its ‘product’ is neither a pair of shoes nor an effective regulation. Its product is a changed human being. The non-profit institutions are human-change agents. Their ‘product’ is a cured patient, a child that learns, a young man or woman grown into a self-respecting adult; a changed human life altogether.[/blockquote]

That is powerful. What is the purpose…the product…of our Christian radio or television ministry? What about our online efforts? I believe the goal should be that changed life.

There is debate about whether Drucker was a Christian, though some, like Rick Warren, believe the business guru was a believer. At any rate, Drucker shared words of wisdom in the management and corporate realm that many value. He died in 2005.

Another one of Peter Drucker’s quotes:

[blockquote author=”” link=”” target=”_blank”]Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.[/blockquote]

I have seen quite a few leaders get in trouble because they didn’t understand that truth. They think that their position gives them a lot of privileges and power. Soon they are bending rules, spending ministry money for themselves, and generally not being accountable. They consider themselves above the rules because of the rank they have achieved. Dangerous. Certainly in the corporate world. But in the faith-based realm, devastating.

In The Message, Eugene Peterson shares Paul’s warning to the Corinthians about thinking too highly of your position or your possessions.

[blockquote author=”1 Corinthians 4:7-8 MSG” link=”” target=”_blank”]For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God?[/blockquote]

Is the focus of your ministry a changed life…changed by the power of the Lord Jesus? And do you serve in leadership with a humble heart…knowing that every ability, every gift you have is from above, from the Father of lights? (James 1:17)

Privilege? Power? Or humble responsibility?