As someone who is still processing what it looks like to be a leader in ministry spaces that aren’t always the most welcoming, Nicole Martin has changed her definition of “excellence” multiple times over the years. Yet in the last few years, this journey has invited her to ask tough questions of herself, over and over, that have reshaped her definition of excellence: “Am I leading in the way that pleases God, not me? Am I willing to possibly suffer, get down on my knees, and serve others if that’s what my leadership requires?”

Guest Bio:

Nicole Massie Martin, PhD, holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is the chief impact officer at Christianity Today and founder and executive director of Soulfire International Ministries. She is an accomplished writer and author, serves on various boards and councils, and leads the Grow Ministry at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Maryland.

Notes & Quotes:

“I think everyone has to do their own work of seeking God through the Word, of asking the Holy Spirit for revelation. And what you’ll find is that the gospel is full of examples of ways that God builds our identity in him beyond the confines of the world.”
“But redemptive leadership says actually who you are and who Christ has called you to be is represented by your lows. The cross becomes the core of our identity.”
“The world says power makes you who you are. That needs to be crucified. The world says perfection makes you who you are. That needs to be crucified. When we crucify the things that the world says make us great, then we get to become who God calls us to be—people shaped according to the cross. People who are dependent on Christ.”
“The depth of your integrity shows up in how you handle your low moments. And we don’t learn that from a generation. We learned that from Jesus, who says, ‘I am Lord. Not because I came in riding on a horse. I am Lord because I died on the cross. Because I literally went to the depths for you. And if you want to be like me, then you’ve got to take on what I take on.’”

Links Mentioned:

FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Learn more about Martin’s work with Christianity Today.
Get your copy of Martin’s book, Made to Lead, on Amazon.
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