By Chad Hershberger

This post is part of our Leadership of the Disciples series. 

There’s a wipe off board in my office. For those of us in outdoor ministries, Fall is the creative time for us. We are evaluating the summer and dreaming big for the future. We are planning and thinking of endless possibilities.

On the wipe-off board, I often write down categories of my work and places at our site. I take time to dream big and write down all the items I think we should try to improve or new things that I’d like to accomplish. I ask myself the question, “How can I improve camp?”

I often find myself thinking about my own life. Where are areas that I’d like to improve in my physical, spiritual, emotional, and social health? I answered the question, “How can I improve my life?”

Bartholomew, one of Jesus’ disciples who was also called Nathaniel, was recognized by Christ as man of imagination and vision. And in this committee of Jesus’ close followers, I bet it was good to have someone with those gifts. Being able to look ahead, see something that could be in the future and be creative and use your imagination are key to leaders who want a thriving organization.

Bartholomew is best remembered for his question, “Can there be any good thing

come out of Nazareth?” It is said that you always knew where you stood with him, and he was trustworthy. Sounds like a leader Jesus needed. Sounds like a leader we should have in our organizations, too. If that person is not you, perhaps you should find someone to help you out in that area!