Leaders induction where we induct our student leadership is, without a doubt, one of the most important events in our College calendar. We gather to induct a group of students into leadership – into positions that have authority and influence. As the plethora of books and lectures on the subject state, leadership is, about influence.
True leadership occurs when others willingly go on the journey that leaders have set before them when they have been inspired to take that first step on the unknown path and encouraged when the going gets tough and it becomes all too easy to give up. True leaders are the inspirers and the encouragers. They start by having a clear purpose and vision, providing inspiration. And they ensure success by getting alongside those they have inspired – to spur all on to the goal.
In other words, leadership is about relationship and service. We only have to look to the greatest leader in history, the person who still, millennia on, is inspiring and encouraging and exhorting His followers to be greater – Jesus. No one can say that his journey was easy, or painless – but he willingly sacrificed himself and he gave up his rightful status as King of Kings and Lord of lords to serve us, to save us. True leadership, leadership that lasts, is servant leadership.
In Mark 9:35, Jesus speaks of servant leadership. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
And in Mark 10:42-45 Jesus said, “You know that those who considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to be great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Eugene Habecker, as quoted in John Maxwell’s 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, states that “The true leaders serve. Serves people. Serves their best interests, and in so doing will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern rather than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.”
As we induct students from Year 6 and Year 12 into positions of responsibility. We will be inducting our College and Primary Captains, Primary and Secondary Prefects and Sports Captains, and Primary and Secondary House Captains. And these positions don’t come lightly – there is a weight and duty that comes with them. There are expectations that are placed upon them. It is important to respect and honour the roles, responsibilities and authority of each of them. And it is also essential that we honour and respect the leadership that our entire Senior team of Year 12 holds.
One of the core tenants of Christian education is to develop young leaders of character who will influence their world for God and for good. Mr De Vries and Mrs Schwarz have spent a lot of time already this year working with the Student Leadership Team, refining their vision and mentoring in leadership, and I am incredibly excited by their unity and desire to serve our community that is so evident already in their ideas and vision, some of which are already in action. I believe that we truly have a team that demonstrate real servant leadership and it is an honour to be able to induct them today.
Mr Richard Schwarz
Head of Secondary School
Find out more about our student leadership program
Freshwater Christian College is a private independent Christian school located centrally in Cairns, Queensland. With a Kindergarten, Primary School and High School all on one campus, our College offers convenience with a village feel community. Our safe and nurturing community has a passion to raise future leaders who love God and pursue their God-given talents. Join us for a College tour to experience our community for yourself. Book a Principal’s Tour today.
