The story of Joshua is a familiar one to most of us — and possibly the closest thing to a “kids going off to college” kind of story in the Bible.

Joshua and the young Israelites are entering a new, unfamiliar land — without the leadership and direction of Moses (the primary leader for most — if not all — of their lives).

God repeatedly tells Joshua (and the Israelites) to be bold and courageous.

Bold and Courageous.

Bold and Courageous.

Bold and Courageous.

It’s a great word for our students — especially the newest members of our communities.

It’s also a good word for the rest of us as well — especially as we enter new lands, new jobs, new relationships, new initiatives, etc.

And that may be why I’ve always like moving around every few years. Moving around made me have to be bold and courageous — as I met new people, assessed needs in a new land, and began to discern with God exactly how to faithfully live and serve in that new place.

But what about those of us who have been in the same place for more than a few years? Does this call to be bold and courageous still apply?

I think so.

But in what way(s)?

I’ve just recently started my 9th year of ministry on BU’s campus. The longest I had stayed on any of the three previous campuses I worked was three and a half years — again, I enjoyed moving around, meeting new people, and doing new things.

And in some ways, I think that made being bold and courageous easier.

I had to be — if I wanted to be faithful, and successful.

I had to push beyond my introverted tendencies and begin to establish new relationships and partnerships.

I had to be willing to bring change to ministry initiatives that were not working or were not present.

I had to be willing to challenge the status quo if that was the direction I sensed God was leading.

But eventually, I would find my way into some new rhythms and routines — and feel the need to move on.

I’ve had to ward off that desire to move on — a couple of times now during my tenure at BU — and I think a part of it has to do with what feels like a lack of need for boldness and courage.

Note, I said feels like.

Because I think the job, the opportunity to faithfully lead and serve students on campus, still calls for boldness and courage.

But how? Where?

That is the question.

And I think the answer is going to be different for each of us.

Where do you need to be bold and courageous in your leadership this year?

Don’t allow yourself to be content with rhythms and routines that have worked in the past.

Don’t allow yourself to be content with your current network of partners and relationships across campus.

Don’t allow yourself to believe that this is as good as it can possibly get.

Don’t put your trust and hope in the status quo.

Find a reason to be bold and courageous this year — and expect God to move in new and powerful ways!