A Shepherd’s Heart: Leading from Identity, Not Just Competence
- 8 hours ago
- 1 min read
On 28 February 2026, around 60 BEC and ministry leaders gathered for “A Shepherd’s Heart Formation” led by Derek Chong, a missionary and certified Leadership & Life Coach.
Derek began the session by inviting us to enter the present moment. Participants were encouraged to examine their emotions and reflect on a simple yet powerful question: “Who is the God closest to us today?”
Quoting Ron Rolheiser, he shared this beautiful reflection:
"Before we were born, God kissed us. And throughout our whole life we are looking for that kiss.”
What a beautiful image! At the deepest level, every longing in us is a longing for divine intimacy — to be loved, known, and held by God.
As shepherds, current and potential, we were reminded that leadership in the Church begins not with competence, but with identity. When we allow ourselves to be loved by God, allow His Word to define who we are, and permit Him to train us, cleanse us, and stretch us, something within us shifts.
We move from serving as “hired hands” to shepherding with a heart that reflects His own:
To say “yes” to His plan.
To love without condition.
To serve not out of obligation, but out of communion.
May this formation continue to shape our parish as we discern together in the upcoming parish elections, not merely who will lead, but how we are called to love and serve one another.
