Unity and Multiplication

The Power of Collaboration and Mentorship

It was a warm afternoon, and I found myself engaged in a game of basketball with my son Peter. Eager to impart some knowledge about the game, I shared an important lesson with him about leadership and personal growth, inspired by the legacy of our family.

Generational Collaboration as the Launchpad for Young Leaders

I began to tell him how to become a great basketball player, but he paid no attention and instead wanted to defeat me. So I said, “Sit down with me, my son.”

I told him how my great-grandfather Peter was a man of principle who served the community. Peter had a son named Norman, who launched off Peter’s shoulders and frequently assisted others. Norman had a son named Graham — your grandfather — who stepped off Norman’s shoulders and has assisted many people throughout his life. I share my life with Graham, including my challenges and achievements. By listening and learning from him, I launch off his shoulders.

I told Peter: “If you learn from me and go with me through your challenges, you will stand on my shoulders and ride the momentum of all these men who came before you.” He said, “Daddy, I’d want to stand on your shoulders.” So I leaned down, and he climbed up. As I stood up, he stood as tall as a giant. I glanced up and said, “This is where you belong.” He glanced down and remarked, “Daddy, here is where I belong.”

The older and younger belong together; they make the journey together and are united. Unity builds power and drives momentum from generation to generation.

Family on Mission: Global Unity Leads to Local Multiplication

About 7 years ago, some older leaders who had been catalysing unity in our city planned a gathering of significant young leaders from across Western Australia. The initial meeting was simply to assemble around a table in unity so that relationships could catalyse change in our city. We went around the table, each sharing what we were enthusiastic about. Our vision evolved from what “I” can achieve to what “we” can do together.

Unity groups had formed across Western Australia, bringing together leaders from churches, schools, corporations, and charities to pray and serve their communities. We dreamed together: how might this collection of leaders help not just their local community but also a community in another nation simultaneously?

Twelve churches in Mandurah came together immediately to help twelve churches in another nation that care for children in great poverty. This simple narrative spread like wildfire. The impact extended beyond the immediate beneficiaries as leaders returned with fresh inspiration to serve their own communities, perpetuating a cycle of empathy and service.

The journey of unity and collaboration took us to Thailand, where leaders from Western Australia joined hands with counterparts in Thailand, fostering a deep sense of togetherness. One Thai leader stated: “When we were around the table and hearing one another’s emotions, the barriers fell down and we felt like we were family.”

The Three-Legged Race

Nick, a unity group leader, shared a significant story at one of our gatherings. He said that in a relay race, each runner passes the baton and then leaves the next person to try to achieve it on their own. But there is another kind of race — a three-legged race. A runner connects one of their legs to another runner on their squad and then runs side by side. It’s a slower race, but everyone runs together.

“This is how we can connect the generations and serve our communities together,” he said. After he spoke, there was a frenzy of discourse as each leader passionately stated how we needed to work together.

We have a generation seeking this kind of genuineness. Authenticity, vulnerability, and humility foster trust — and trust is the foundation for unity and collaboration.

Every journey of unity begins with a single step — a step towards inclusivity, empathy, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow. Let’s step into leadership with authenticity and humility, for through unity, we can catalyse the change our communities and the world are seeking.