Leading Boldly, Like Esther and Our Pioneers

The world is in need of brave leadership—leaders who are unafraid to step forward with vision and a commitment to change. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is no exception; we need leaders with the insight and capacity to respond effectively to shifting circumstances.

When speaking of change, it’s helpful to distinguish between first- and second-order change. First-order change works within an existing structure and involves doing more or less of something. The outcomes remain the same; only the means of achieving them shift. Second-order change, by contrast, involves seeing the world in a new way and challenging assumptions. Sometimes called transformational or disruptive change, it involves new ways of doing things, shifts in beliefs and goals, new learning and structural change. Brave leadership embraces this second kind of change.

Powerful examples abound. For the purpose of this discussion, however, we will focus on two: the story of Esther and the beginnings of Adventist education. In both, God called leaders who saw the world differently “for such a time as this.”

Esther 4:14 says, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

What traits did Esther possess that made her a brave leader? She showed courage, perseverance and empathy, risking her life to plead with the king on behalf of her people. Working with Mordecai and other Jewish leaders, she developed a strategy to influence the king and reverse the edict against the Jews. She was humble, acknowledged her dependence on God and remained true to her faith and identity.

Our second example takes us to 1862, 18 years after the Great Disappointment. W. H. Ball asked James White, “Is it right and consistent for us who believe with all our hearts in the immediate coming of the Lord, to seek to give our children an education?”

James White responded, “The fact that Christ is very soon coming is no reason why the mind should not be improved. A well-disciplined and informed mind can best receive and cherish the sublime truths of the Second Advent.” Ellen G. White was said to be of the same opinion.

As a result of this continuing dialogue, the General Conference established the School Committee in 1872. That same year, the first Adventist school opened in Battle Creek, Michigan. Today there are more than 8,000 Adventist schools worldwide— the largest Protestant school system in the world. This began with the vision, faith and perseverance of James and Ellen G. White and other early Adventist leaders.

We need more brave, visionary leaders willing to embrace second-order change in our institutions. Like Esther, like James and Ellen G. White, they will be chosen by God “for such a time as this,” initiating change that is timely and relevant to the Great Commission.

By Carol Campbell, Ph.D., Vice President for Education