FALL 2024 21 Tim Tebow is a frequent speaker on the topic of leaders, but he explained something ironic about leadership at this year’s Ford Village DFW Leadership Series dinner at DBU in April. He doesn’t actually love speaking on leadership. The reason is because he feels the term “leader” is often misconstrued. Some consider leadership simply a synonym for influence, and those in the limelight do not always use their influence for good. “THE BEST TYPE OF LEADERSHIP POINTS PEOPLE TO THE MVP, JESUS CHRIST. HE SERVES THE MVPS— THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE.” Tebow challenged his audience with the need for more leadership that points people to the Lord. This is the kind of leadership that lasts, he explained regarding his approach. Tebow is a natural leader and two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and former professional baseball player. The four-time New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and football analyst also founded the Tim Tebow Foundation, whose stated mission is to “bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”Tebow has been outspoken regarding his devout faith in Jesus Christ throughout his career and is a highly respected individual both inside and outside of a stadium. He is a living example of how the unique concept of avodah plays out in everyday life. A leader after God’s own heart Tebow was invited to share his remarkable story and issue a challenge to young leaders to be bold for Christ at work, in worship, and through service. It is this fundamental belief that undergirds another company Tebow heads called The Tebow Group. The unique combination of talent management firm, purposeful investing firm, technology accelerator and creative agency supports some of the most vulnerable people groups in the entire world. “They are the real MVPs,” he has said about his mission statement for The Tebow Group. Although God has blessed Tebow in his entrepreneurial efforts, he refuses to point to financial gain as a measure of success. “My goal,” he has said, “is not to make money but to make money matter.” When money matters, it accomplishes what God intends and changes lives for eternity. The event was hosted by Ford Village, a living-learning community on the DBU campus that serves as the home of the Pedersen Residential College. Ford Village is designed to house students from a variety of academic pursuits who share a common purpose—to develop the knowledge, character, and application of Christ-centered servant leadership principles into each of their professional endeavors. This year’s historic event with Tim Tebow began as a dream of Director of Ford Village Christopher Holloway. He considered Tebow the ideal speaker to inspire his residents and the greater DBU Family. However, the DFW Leadership Series event was only in DBU HOSTS TIM TEBOW FOR DFW LEADERSHIP SERIES EVENT
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