This past August 10–14, it was our time to sit and receive. Our entire missionary team, together with David, had the opportunity to participate in a leadership workshop led by the IBAC team. While much of our time is spent serving, teaching, leading, and investing in others, these days give us the opportunity to pause, learn, and allow others to invest in us. This was an important part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening and equipping the MG Panama team.
The workshop centered on a foundational truth for anyone serving God: our identity as leaders is more important than the position or role we hold. Three truths, in particular, challenged and encouraged us:
1. Who we are comes before what we do.
Biblical leadership begins not with our responsibilities, but with our identity before God. Before asking, “What am I called to do?” we must first consider, “Who am I before God?” Our ministry flows from who we are, and it is godly character—proven and consistent over time—that ultimately sustains our service.
2. Different roles, one calling: caring for God's people.
We explored four biblical pictures of leadership: the Shepherd, who cares for and protects the flock; the Servant-Leader, who leads through humility and credibility; the Priest, who helps God's people remain in communion with God; and the Prophet, who calls God's people back to faithfulness to His covenant. Each of these identities gave us an opportunity to examine our own lives and recognize areas where God is calling us to grow.
3. The flock belongs to God, not to us.
One of the most meaningful reminders was that we are stewards, not owners. The people God has entrusted to us ultimately belong to Him. We are accountable both for how we care for them and to the One who has entrusted them to us. This truth brings humility to our leadership, while also giving us a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility.
We are deeply grateful to the IBAC team for their investment in the lives of our missionaries and for their commitment to strengthening and equipping MG Panama. We thank God for these days of learning, reflection, and renewal—a precious opportunity to step back from our usual responsibilities and simply receive.
Please continue to pray for us—that what we received during these days would move beyond the workshop and become a lived reality in the character, leadership, and ministry of each missionary as we faithfully serve the people God has entrusted to us.
David & Talsidia