Neotenal Leadership
The word neoteny ne•ot•e•ny, noun, meaning “the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adults of a species” is normally used in scientific terms of organisms or animals that mature physically without losing some or all of their younger physical traits.
In recent years, the terms has been borrowed by social scienctists to refer to certain human psychological traits. Bennis and Thomas, in their book GEEKS AND GEEZERS use the term to refer to elders who keep their edge by staying youthful in their thinking and attitudes. They contend, in particular, that older leaders who remain effective leaders do so not solely because of all their many years of past experience, but rather by keeping an open mind and eagerness to embrace new experiences.
We could learn a thing or two from neotenal organisms. There are ways we should mature and then there are others ways we should stay young. To more effectively lead our families, our business, our churches, we need to add to our years of wisdom and experience a youthful eagerness to embrace new experiences.
After all, as Scripture declares, “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22).
God's Concerns Are All-Embracing
“God’s concerns are all –embracing—not only the ‘sacred’ but the ‘secular,' not only religion but nature, not only His covenant people but all people, not only justification but social justice in every community, not only His gospel but His law.”
Likewise, we should all strive to achieve a balanced and open-minded approach to life.
Dad, Are You There?
Christian podcaster and influencer, Allie Beth Stuckey, recalls an interview with Christian music superstar, Matthew West:
Christian singer Matthew West shared a powerful story about taking his daughter to camp. During an exercise, the daughters were blindfolded and the dads were told to guide them through the woods after repeating three instructions: I will never leave you. You can ask me anything. And only listen for my voice.
At first, he could guide her easily. Then the counselors signaled for him to remove his hand. He was no longer allowed to speak unless his daughter remembered she could ask him anything. Eventually, they got off track on their hike and a counselor quietly led her into a ditch without her realizing it.
After standing there blindfolded and confused, she finally asked, “Dad, are you there?”
Matthew said he teared up as he answered, “Yeah. I’m here.”
She continues:
This moment reminded him how often we forget the same truths about God: that He never leaves us, we can ask Him anything, and we need to listen for His voice.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, NIV).
"You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him" (Deuteronomy 13:4, ESV).