“Leadership is hard and traumatic. Deal with it.”
I formed that sentiment in year 11 of my now 21-year journey in vocational ministry. I’ve had the privilege of serving as an associate pastor, lead pastor, teaching pastor, chaplain, and professor. I’ve served at large denominational churches, storefront churches, and one of the largest churches in the United States. Regardless of the context of the size, here’s what I’ve learned: Leadership is learning.
Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t just come from books or classrooms, although I’m a firm believer in books and classrooms. Formal education is valuable. Don’t let the skeptics and pundits deceive you. However, the invaluable lessons often come from unplanned conversations, decisions forged in crisis, and the beautiful mess of human relationships. These moments often remind me how much formation happens in motion.
As President of Manna University, I find myself leading while still learning. It seems as if every day in office, I learn about faith, good leadership, bad leadership, people, and the work God is doing in places I never expected.
This space is born out of that tension.
Leading While Learning is a place for reflection, not press releases or fundraising (although there’s always exciting news at Manna U, and we’d love your support).
This is a space where I’ll share:
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- Leadership lessons from the road, the classroom, and the Conference Room
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- Stories from conversations with students, faculty, and partners
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- My reflections on spiritual formation, calling, and biblical higher education
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- Insights from the Bible that continue to shape how I lead and learn
This is an invitation to think biblically, Christianly, and deeply about what it means to lead faithfully in a world gone mad and in need of King Jesus.
Some weeks will reflect on global travel and partnerships. I’m not bragging, but a good chunk of my job is to be on the road connecting with amazing people as I represent Manna U. This is my way of taking you with me. Other posts will focus on the behind-the-scenes stuff around leadership formation, education, or the quiet work God does beneath the surface. My commitment to you is consistency, clarity, and 100% “Carlo.”
At Manna University, we exist to advance the Kingdom of God through biblical higher education – everywhere. My hope is that our students, faculty, partners, and friends will find this space encouraging, challenging, honest, and formative.
“Leadership is hard and traumatic. Deal with it.”
When I wrote those words, I had just wrapped up my PhD dissertation on leadership fatigue. I had no idea that I would spend the next decade learning what those words actually mean.
I’m not writing as someone who has arrived. I’m a rookie in the world of university presidents. I’m still a student (literally working on another doctorate). Like most of you, I am a follower of Jesus, forever being formed by our great Teacher and Lord.
Whether you’re a current or potential student discerning your calling, a leader navigating the latest challenge, or a friend walking alongside Manna U, I hope these reflections serve you well.
Lead on!
Dr. Carlo A. Serrano, President