Lessons from Argentina

The definition of what we are trying to do with this network we’re calling “The Brook Network” is “sharing ideas, pursuing wisdom.” There are so many great ideas in the world today regarding Christian life and Christian leadership. And, more than that, there is wisdom from God available to us–if we care to seek it. If we pursue it.

I’ve been in Argentina for the past week and a half meeting with different folks and leading seminars on “renewing spiritual leadership.” I’ve appreciated what I’ve learned in this part of Latin America, and I wanted to share some of it with you. I’ve spoken in different churches: Anglican, Brethren, Pentecostal–a pretty wide range. I’ve had quality time with some key leaders from Latin America and spent time at one of their theological seminaries. Worship and seminars, conversations and consultations.

Say the word “Argentina” and many different things may come to mind. The gauchos, asado (beef barbecue), the tango. It is a very interesting place, to say the least. The Spaniards and Italians who settled here centuries ago developed a culture that is an eclectic blend of European and indigenous cultures. An animated conversation in Argentina results in a form of Spanish spoken with a strong Italian accent. Quite unique.

But what about spiritual life and leadership in this place?

First, there is a vibrant and growing Christian population. You see the joy of Christ in smiling eyes. This cuts across denominational lines. But leaders here are aware of how easily churches are divided from each other and sometimes set against each other. Nothing new there–competition is a pathology of the modern church. Christianity Today recently had an article about the ways the churches of Buenos Aires are intentionally trying to bridge the divides.

Second, they are keenly aware of how counter-culture Christian faith and ethics are in contrast to the power structures of society. As in much of Latin America, there is a long history of systemic corruption in government here. The problem is so pervasive as to make people cynical. And that means cynicism about leaders. Power is the order of the day. The corrupt use of power. The corrupting nature of power. Numerous church leaders told me they believe Christian leaders sometimes follow the patterns of what they see around them. So a renewed commitment to spiritual leadership seems like just the right thing to do, according to many leaders I talked to. If we make leadership about us, and not about God’s purposes, we will pursue our arbitrary agendas instead of what God wants us to do. But seeking the work of the Holy Spirit and longing for a movement more than an institution seems to be a longing of many.

Third, there is a special sensitivity here in the south of South America (the “Southern Cone”) to impositions of leadership norms from America. There are other parts of the world where the latest American export is accepted with little discernment, but in Argentina there is more caution–and appropriately so. They do not care to be a franchise of anybody.

That leads to an authentic commitment to develop the Argentine church and ministry in their own way, which complements principles of spiritual leadership. The themes we are exploring during this year’s study of spiritual leadership transcend culture. They are biblically based and have many historic precedents. They are about the movement of the Spirit of God in the world today–raising up leaders, forming leaders, dispatching leaders–in ways that focus on discipleship as a radical following of Christ.

Fourth, there is the problem of the prosperity gospel. The problem is growing at a rapid pace. Preachers who promise financial gain if people fork over their money to the church undermine the message of the gospel. It is a distraction and an idolatry. A false gospel. A faith-destroyer. It is not unique to Latin America to be sure. But the power-mongering of this false gospel can be nullified if leaders would understand their call as spiritual leadership and be faithful to the kingdom teachings of Jesus. Perhaps it is too late for many leaders to convert. But a younger generation of leaders in many parts of the world are already running hard and fast away from the prosperity gospel.

We will have much to learn from leaders in Latin America in the days to come. Be watching here at The Brook Network for some new resources in Spanish which will start appearing soon.