5. Leadership
Team leadership and devoted partners.5.1 Plurality and unity: the leadership team
Eph. 4:16, 1 Cor. 12:25, Ps. 133, Acts 18:26-27
KKI is called to function in team leadership. We believe that planning and decision making are not to be exercised exclusively by the primary leader in isolation, but rather should involve many participants working together and, where appropriate, should involve the whole team or family, including the children. The corporate wisdom of the leadership team is necessary. We aim to pursue full agreement by the leadership team whenever possible, seeking unity in our understanding of the will of God.
5.2 Servant leadership emphasis
Matt. 20:26-28, John 13:14-17, Luke 17:7-10, Phil.2:3-8
A leader's greatness is measured by how extensively and humbly he serves the children, young people and adults for whom he/she is responsible. Servant leadership is also ambitious for others to succeed, and is quick to promote and release others into their full potential. We need to model this value as a way of life to those we work with and to make room for their leadership wherever possible. Hopefully, they in turn will choose to be Christ-like servants in their leadership style.
5.3 Seeking God in decision making
Matt. 4:4, John. 10:27, Is. 55:6, Prov. 3:5-6, John 5:19-20
We are committed to seeking and depending upon the counsel of the Lord. Human reason cannot take the place of divine revelation. Wherever possible, we delight to ask God what He wants us to do together with the children and young people and those with whom we are associated. Not only is there wisdom in this method, but we are then able to move in faith, knowing it was God’s idea and not just our own. This emphasis is key to following the leading of God in our lives in the potentially demanding times which lie ahead.
5.4 Relationship supported structures
Phil. 1: 3-8
We are a relationally based movement. We emphasize openness, humility and communication. This is part of the reason why our leadership gatherings are so important. These are key times of connecting and deepening our understanding, love and personal commitment. We are only as strong as our relationships with God and with one another.
5.5 Accountability, safety and liability
1 John. 1:7, Luke 16: Matt. 4:6, Ps. 34:7
True relationship involves responsible accountability. Each person in KKI should understand clearly our leadership infrastructure: whom they answer to and for what, as well as whom they are responsible for. This brings protection from error and freedom to move out, knowing one’s actions are understood and supported. Because of the trust given us by church leaders, community leaders and parents to invest in their children, we are committed to the highest standards of safety. When, in respect for the Lord and in honoring one another, we do the possible and trust God to protect us, we believe that He will do so. Medical and liability insurance, where available, are part of the possible.
5.6 Safeguarding the children and avoiding the appearance of evil
Eph. 5:3-4, Matt. 18:6, 1 Cor. 10:32-33, 1 John. 2:10, 1 Peter 5:8
Great wisdom and care should be taken by all KKI leaders, regardless of their age and gender, to avoid personal interaction with a young person or child in ways that could lead to evil or be interpreted by others to be of a questionable nature. It is much better to be extra careful than to be very sorry. (Please note that special instruction on this area is a part of KKI training).
5.7 Balanced leadership style
Ps. 16: 11, Rom. 2:4, Ps. 37: 4, Ps. 34: 8, Ecc. 3:1-8, Ps. 23:6
Our leaders should be committed to developing a balance between hard work and play. Friendliness and approachability should be balanced with dignity, which warrants respect. A key to maintaining balance is plurality and diversity of leadership, which involves various personalities and an openness to receive observations and feedback from others, including the young people.
5.8 Effective leadership training, release and recognition
1 Tim. 4:15-16, Acts 13:2-3, 1 Tim. 3:1-13
For each category of responsibility in KKI there is a corresponding training process. We are committed to doing our part to make sure that each leader is properly trained. We want to be alert to give our leaders opportunities to make progress in pursuing their vision. We pay particular attention to character development above gifting, abilities and expertise. KKI recognizes rather than appoints leadership. Gradual release as opposed to abrupt announcement of appointment is desired. This process should be carefully worked out in cooperation with the appropriate KKI and YWAM leadership.
5.9 Promoting of fresh vision and creativity
Is. 42:9, Prov. 29:18, Is. 42:8-9
Each individual is so unique that they warrant personal creative ways to be reached and nurtured. New strategies will always be needed. We encourage innovation and creativity while emphasizing sensitivity to existing programs. New initiatives or modifications to existing efforts should be pursued in cooperation with all appropriate spheres of relationships.
5.10 Godly counsel
John. 14:16-17, Prov.15:22, Prov. 16:1, Prov. 13:20
We acknowledge that everyone associated with KKI is ultimately accountable to God. For this reason we encourage each person to seek guidance directly from God. Our role as leaders is to give advice on Biblically related principles and to share our prayer backed opinion when asked. We must be very careful not to control and manipulate those with whom we are associated. Our role is to serve their development. Children and young people who are encouraged in this way are more apt to continue in their pursuit of God’s will in their lives. Respect for the Lord and humility of heart can help guard us from selfish ambition and the exploitation of those who are in our care.
5.11 Broadly structured with decentralized operating locations
KKI is linked by a common purpose, Biblical principles and values, and relationship networks which embrace YWAM, local churches, families, communities, schools and other organizations. This frees us to trust and cooperate with each other with limited controls. Decisions are best carried out by those who are closest to the situation in question. We work to avoid impersonal bureaucratic functions. In addition to the international and field coordination services, KKI is working to develop regional, national and local coordination centers, each with its own board of directors and advisory committees. Personal accountability is linked as closely as possible to leaders and associates in the areas in which we live.
5.12 The importance of networking / interdependency
John. 17:20-23
We understand that KKI cannot meet the needs of the children, youth and families of the world by itself. We are only one small part of a much bigger grouping of ministries committed to serving these people. We desperately need these other persons and ministries, and hopefully we can contribute something that can strengthen them as well. Only as we network in a spirit of humility and unity for Jesus’ sake, can His purposes for the emerging generations be accomplished. We are committed, as God leads us, to pursuing relationship and cooperating with persons, organizations, programs
and strategies that serve this calling.
5.13 Partnership amongst KKI/YWAM, local churches, families, associated ministries, and cooperative community services
Eph. 4:3, Eph. 5:21
A strong priority emphasis in the linking of all of the above has been a foundational value and strategy of KKI. The partnering of the planted aspect of the church, which emphasizes the nurturing of the believer, and the mobile aspect of the church, emphasizing evangelism and world missions, brings healthy balance and fruitfulness. When both the in-depth training capability of the family and supportive infrastructure of business associations are added, the combination becomes a dynamic partnership. One aspect is not more important than another. They are all vital aspects of God’s provision for the glorifying of His name and establishing of His kingdom on earth. It is important to invest in relationships among the various representatives and to define and honor the responsibility which each partner agrees to carry. This is an ongoing process, which requires mutual love, humility, ongoing grace, and regular communication, but the resulting partnerships is well worth the effort.
5.14 Interdenominational co-operation
1 John. 3:23-24
The primary purpose of KKI is to serve the development of today’s children, youth and families in their relationship with God and to enhance their capacity to complete the Great Commission. We welcome the opportunity to work together with any church or organization that acknowledges Jesus Christ as their Lord and desires to make Him known to all people.
5.15 International scope
Rev. 5:9, Gal. 3:28
We exist to serve the purpose of God for the people of all nations. We should not elevate the interests of any language group, culture or nationality above another. Unity and cooperation among different parts of the KKI network makes us an international ministry family. Much effort should be made to strengthen and maintain this emphasis. Leadership for KKI is made up of individuals from various regions of the world. We want to further recognize and promote leadership from developing nations. We are truly international in purpose and identity.
