Introduce yourself: who are you, what do you do, and why is it important?
I’m John and I’m the National Field Director at the Christian Medical Fellowship (www.cmf.org.uk) in the UK. I’m a paediatrician by training and combine that with my work with CMF. I head up our fieldwork with students, nurses and doctors to unite and equip them to live and speak for Jesus Christ in healthcare. My passion is leadership development in areas such as parenting and children, apologetics, global healthcare, advocacy and the day in day out work in healthcare. Medicine is at the interface of questions such as ‘what does it mean to be human’ and seeing Christians discipled in this area is key as we compassionately care for others and share the gospel with them.
What’s your most valuable skill?
I’m a starter and talent spotter. Starting programmes, training cohorts and inspiring people with the big picture vision is my passion. A bit like a number 10 on the football pitch, I get a kick out of helping others understand why they are on this planet.
Describe a tool, technique or practice that makes a difference to your work.
What we call High Impact volunteering. It’s harnessing a set of principles that govern how we recruit, select, equip and lead volunteer leaders. I truly believe that when you look after your leaders, when you envision and equip them, then the work looks after itself.
What advice do you most need to hear?
You try and do too much too fast and you’re on your way to burnout…again.
Suggest an endearing and humorous question for question number five – and answer it.
“What musical genre would you enjoy performing if you were a global superstar?” I have to admit, whatever Michael Bublé sings.
One last thing – suggest one or two people you know whose answers you’d like to read, and who you think would enjoy answering.
Tim Cross
Steve Smith