Leadership habits of a personal mentor

By Mrs. Jayashree Palit

I have selected my pastor Reverend Keith Pasgon, Pastor of Andheri English Congregation, Andheri West, Mumbai, India. My first contact with RK, as he is affectionately called by many, was on the telephone when I called him to ask whether he would baptize me. I had been disappointed and hurt by the attitude of the Pastor at another Church and I was expecting to be fobbed off with some excuse or the other. Conversion is a bone of contention with the powers that be. Those who marry into the Christian faith are accepted more easily. There is also a long rope for the poor and needy as their motivations are easier to understand. No one can quite place a fifty-year lady and her desperate need to be baptized. But I was in for a surprise. The love and acceptance in his voice overwhelmed me. He understood my predicament in stepping out in faith and accepting the Lord. Instead of viewing me with suspicion, he welcomed me like the Father had welcomed the prodigal son. He understood the obstacles and oppositions to be faced. When we met for a discussion on the basic tenets of the faith, I could see that God had given him the wisdom to read a person’s heart. “You are ready “, he said. His words strengthened my resolve. It was not easy. I was aware that this decision might cost me my family, job, friends, everything. Throughout this period RK was a picture of truth, faith, love, patience, and total acceptance. When I expressed fears that I may not be able to come to Church he smiled gently and said ” We will see”. I was shocked by his nonchalance. Didn’t he see how embarrassing it would be for him to baptize a virtual stranger and never have her showing up again. Little did I know then, what I know now. He had faith. I have been attending Church regularly from 22 and November 2009. What the Lord has ordained cannot be changed. Praise be to God. What I notice about RK is his complete reliance on the Lord. That is the secret of his calm demeanor and unruffled composure. In every situation, he patiently waits on the Lord. He never rushes to do anything neither is he interested in using force or persuasion. My carnal instincts often get exasperated. I want him to take action. I want him to fire the disobedient. Only then do I realize that he would have to fire me first! In my self-righteousness, I miss his grace and patience. He waits for the Lord to direct his steps. He trusts the Lord to convict and change those he has called. Like the Lord, RK is a thorough gentleman. He will plead, he will keep on bringing the word of God to his flock. But he will respect each person’s choice. In my carnality, I often miss this godly attitude behind his attitude. This is an important lesson I have learnt from him. He models a godly behavior that is consistent and unwavering. He is humble and unassuming. You could pass him on the streets and just note a sweet portly man with a walrus moustache. You would never know his key role in shaping God ‘s kingdom. He never tries to control and dominate. His loving presence and gentle directions are enough to ensure the smooth functioning of the Church. He knows whom to trust, where to delegate, and what to overlook. He has no desire for materialistic possessions and yet he enjoys the good things of life with great zest. He is comfortable with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. His heart is for the weak, oppressed, and marginalized. I could see it in the way he took time out for the two Parsi sisters. His leadership style is one of servanthood and has really influenced me. Last, but not least, he is an encourager. This is his gift and he uses it wisely. He speaks little but what he has to say is of great value. Somehow he can build up and edify the weakest soul. Eversince I have come in contact with him I have learnt to accept myself as a child of God whom the Lord can use. RK gave me many opportunities to speak, pray, and serve. Today I feel that he knew where I was headed and trusted me to the Lord. Truly men like Reverend Keith are salt and light in a dark world. Men like him make me believe that Jesus is working through his people to reach lost souls like me. Today I am called to do the same for others. RK, however, takes no credit for any of his achievements which are many. “Give God the glory” that is all I hear him saying. Truly God deserves the glory for creating men and women, like Reverend Keith.