
Christian Leadership: Integrity
Integrity is best learned by imagining the end result. Integrity is being a person that lives the high standards for self and others. People with integrity live each day by making right choices that do good over harm. John Wesley, the foundation of the Methodist movement, encouraged Christians to “do all the good you can in all the ways you can.”
If this is your work and life each day, you are living with integrity inspired by Jesus Christ.
When you find people who live with strong integrity, it is best to learn from them. They know something about life that you need to know.
Rev. Wally Chappell lived a life of service and integrity. As a young man, he used his mind to study engineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He felt a call to serve others in the church and felt the need to study theology. He attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
His integrity included living in his true-self with a true understanding of God’s work in the world around him. At the end of his life, he wrote these words:
“My Legacy” by Rev. Wallace Chappell
The Sunday School teacher asked, “What legacy do you leave your family? Sons? Their wives and your great-grandchildren?” Here are some of my thoughts on the matter.
With respect to BEING:
- An example of a man of transparent integrity: true blue; real. What you see is what you get. The opposite of phony. I see this as God’s design for humanity.
- An example of a man of love: love of kin, love of ‘The Great Mystery’ of life, and
love for commitment to the well-being of everyone; while holding all in warm regard; a love not necessarily connected to liking people. I see this as Jesus’ understanding of love. - An example of one who looks steadily in the eyes of all I meet, communicating openness and acceptance. I understand this to be ‘The Way’ of Jesus and his followers and may be labeled ‘utmost hospitality.’
- An example of a man who lives the call to silence: at moments each day to cease the rush, to turn off the mental chatter, to learn to ‘hear’ the ‘voice’ of ‘The Mystery’ that speaks in our thoughts; and to hear so clearly, so discernibly, that the ‘Great Yes’ of faith wells up within: ‘Yes’ to ‘The Mystery,’ ‘Yes’ to grace, and ‘Yes’ to fulfillment and an abundant life. I believe this will not happen in the notice and speed of modern life unless we attend the silences and heed the messages of the ‘Still Small Voice.’
So, my legacy is: if we do observe the silences, religion will again make sense, and ‘The Other” will communicate with us in ways that produce love, compassion, justice, kindness, and hospitality. This I see as ‘spiritual’ life.
- An example of a man who follows 1 through 4 above so diligently and consistently that a new care for the earth, its people, and its resources is established and maintained; soon; since our window of survival seems to me to be steadily closing. This is the life of a caretaker of God’s creation.
With respect to DOING:
That I leave as a pastor, churchman, servant, preacher, husband, daddy, grandfather, engineer, kinsman, educator, citizen and friend.
With respect to GROWING:
That I hope to leave as one who is going on toward a perfection that will never be completed in this life, a perfection measured by ‘Holy Mystery’ alone, which will continue to re-visit me, and nudge me on, as long as sentences and faith remain.
This is my legacy.
Join us every Thursday as we explore practices that connect us with our Creator God. God’s greatest desire is to BE with us. Spiritual practices keep us in the flow of the Holy Spirit and God’s presence. We are thrilled you are here and @Practice with us. This simple moment can be a retreat from daily life and a space for you to BE with God in your every day activities.
Meredith and Steven Bell share many things in common and share many differences. They met 24 years ago in Dallas, Texas while studying theology. With each having a science degree already, they both decided a theology degree was the next right step. For the past 24 years, they have served communities in ministry together in a number of different ways. The relationships they have built along the way with friends, colleagues and churches is a blessing to their lives. The biggest blessing is being parents to two amazing young women. From diapers to driver’s licenses, they have parented, laughed, sacrificed, loved, prayed, cried, and grown together. Their differences simply make life interesting. Growing up in different states, listening to different music, enjoying different hobbies and just seeing the world around them differently keeps conversations lively! You can find Steven at First Methodist Church of Shreveport most days unless he is looking for waterfowl with his dog, Sam. You can find Meredith writing grants for non-profits and coaching people in ministry. More than anything, you can find the Bells living grateful lives. We are grateful to live in Shreveport and even more grateful to join with others to spread hope, love, and faith in the community!






















