When I decided to write about leadership, two questions immediately came to mind: “What makes a good leader?” and, “Are leaders born or are they developed?”
I firmly believe that God has a specific purpose for our lives, which means that from birth, some are destined to lead. However, I am also of the opinion that when the principles of leadership are developed, even those who do not naturally possess the charisma and confidence to lead can learn how to competently and effectively guide others with success.
One of the places this is put to the test is in the local church. Lead pastors and those tasked with the responsibility to find, appoint and develop leaders quickly learn that not everyone was born to lead. God, however, has proven that when a man or woman makes themselves available, He can use them to accomplish great things. As a matter of fact, Jesus said that His Holy Spirit will empower us to do greater works than He did during His earthly ministry.
While it is important that a leader be willing to serve, a leader must also be committed to being developed. Dr. John Maxwell has said that “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.” Just as we are encouraged to commit to regular exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle to help our body be fit; we are encouraged to dedicate time each day to being the best leader for God and His kingdom.
Simply put, the life of the leader begins with submission to God as outlined in Romans 12:1, 2:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Not only do we come from God, we are obligated to present ourselves back to God. This helps put us in position for Him to do more with us than can ever be imagined.
Below are six principles I have shared with the leaders of World Deliverance Christian Center (WDCC) where I am the Senior Pastor. These principles can actually be used in any environment where leaders are present:
It is important that a leader understand the vision of the person chosen to lead the church, organization, company, autonomous group, etc. This allows you to help mold and develop others to carry out that vision. Any time there is more than one vision you wind-up with di-vision. Help those on your team understand and focus on the larger purpose. This also allows the work to continue when the leader cannot be present.
2. Leaders Work To Build A Team You Can Depend On, Not Debate With
The absolute first (and probably greatest) quality a leader should have is trustworthiness. Trust is the primary characteristic that both the seventy elders chosen to assist Moses and the seven men (who were the first deacons) chosen to assist the apostles had to possess. You should be able to trust that the people with whom you are closely working are focused on helping you fulfill the vision. It is fine to if there is a discussion to help bring clarity to the vision or task at hand. This helps ensure that the best ideas are executed. There should not, however, be any dissension, because someone just has to play the “devil’s advocate”. As a side note, the Devil does not need any advocate’s. He knows how to speak very well for himself.
3. Leaders Must Go Above And Beyond The Normal Call Of Duty
I recently saw a commercial from a pharmaceutical company which said “Parents can’t take sick days.” Just as a parent is always mom or dad, leaders are always leaders. Leadership is not limited to office hours or when worship services are being held. Many look to the leader for their cues on acceptable behavior, commitment, sacrifice and service offered to others. This is especially true for those who are new to the church, company, group, etc. Leaders determine how high the bar is raised. The lowest common denominator should not be our standard.
4. At Some Point We Must Move From Saying “We’re Gonna’” To Saying “We’ve Done…”
As a leader, it is important to not only support the vision, but to have small, attainable steps in place to help fulfill the vision. Pastor Andy Stanley has said that these steps should be easy, obvious and strategic. It is very important to dream, but it is just as important to determine a date by which the dream will be accomplished. This allows the dream to become a goal. The completion of an assignment, project or goal not only offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment, it also is way to help measure progress. This is how you know that you are moving upward and forward.
5. Leaders Must Fight To Regain, Retain And Maintain Respect For Leadership
As listed above, a leader is always a leader. Leadership is not about having a title, it is, instead, the fulfillment of the responsibilities of an office. The actions of the person in any particular office help shape the perception others have about what the title represents.
Proverbs 29:2 When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans. (The Message).
I live in the Chicago area. People take professional football very seriously here. For years, almost every man who has the title of “quarterback” for our city’s beloved football team has been viewed with doubt and dismay because of those who were in the office before them. I know, that example seems trivial, but you get my point. Leaders must earn respect which, in-turn, builds credibility for the office. Not every decision you make will be perfect, and some may not work at all. Credibility will allow you room and time to try again without unnecessary pressure.
6. Leaders Cannot Help Anyone Remain In The Dirt!
Leaders, who are vision minded, team-building, sacrificing, action-oriented and desire others to appreciate the value their office provides, are in place to help elevate others. God has intentionally placed you in position to be a beacon light. You can help show others the love, joy, peace and hope that God’s Spirit has provided.
I encourage the leaders of WDCC to spend at least 30 minutes a day focusing on their ministry. Try it, you may be surprised at the ideas and plans for execution that you and your ministry team will be able to generate.
Your Turn
Please share if this was helpful. Have you ever used any of the principles above and if so, what has been your experience with them? What are some principles that you have found to work for you?