Amy Carmichael knew the importance of discipling her team, to ensure the success of her work of rescuing Indian children from slavery. She developed a holiness movement for her key team members called the Sisters of Common Life. They met every Saturday to encourage one another, and they developed a vow and a rule of life to ensure they continued to grow in holiness and in grace throughout their working lives.
Vow of the Sisters of Common Life
My Vow: Whatsoever Thou sayest unto me, by thy grace I will do it.
My Constraint: Thy love, of Christ, my Lord.
My Confidence: Thou are able to keep that which I have committed unto Thee.
My Joy: To do Thy will, O God.
My Discipline: That which I would not choose, but which Thy love appoints.
My Prayer: Conform my will to Thine.
My Motto: Love to live. Live to love.
My Portion: The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance.
As a spiritual leader, what are you doing to promote a holiness movement within your team? Are the core volunteers and staff members who are following you also growing in grace and holiness? Can you learn anything from Amy Carmichael’s example?
Click for more information on the One Rock biography Amy Carmichael: A Life Well Placed, available from Amazon, and other book sellers.
Joanna has a passion for mentoring female leaders to become mentors for a new generation. She is a founding director of One Rock, a board member of Renovare UK, a lecturer with Westminster Theological College, and is studying for a doctorate with Asbury Theological Seminary. She has written a biographies on Hudson Taylor and Amy Carmichael.