Leadership

LEADERSHIP

A. INTRODUCTION

Everything rises or falls on leadership.

A leader is a servant chosen and anointed by God. She receives direction from above in total humility and is full of love and humility all the time. Mark 10:43

A leader should understand the burden, roles, and responsibility of the people he/she is leading.

If we love people, we are leading, they will be in our hearts. Exodus 28:29

People we lead are important and precious before God, for he fights for them. Isaiah 43:3-7

B. DEFINITION

Leadership is the capacity and will to rally (mobilize) men and women to a common purpose, and the character which inspires confidence- Marshal Montgomery.

C. PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP

1. Influence.

Leadership is not mandated or awarded. You need the influence to lead. Numbers 14:7-8; John 10:2-4

2. Vision. Prov. 29:18; 31:15 &25

A leader knows where to go and plans how to get there. He sees the invisible. Only him who can see the invisible can do the impossible.

3. Trust. Luke 16:10

Trust is the foundation of leadership. A leader must be trusted to be followed.

4. Connection.

Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. Move people first with emotion before you can move them to action. To connect with people in a group, connect with them as individuals. PRov.27:17-19.

5. Empowerment. 1 Tim.2:20-21

Only secure leaders give power to others. Only empowered people can reach their potential. The greatest things happen when we give others the credit. 2 Timothy 2:2

6. Reproduction. 2 Timothy 2:2

It takes a leader to raise up a leader. Every great leader is mentored by another leader. The more leaders there are the greater the chances of success.

7. Priorities.

Leaders understand that activity is not an accomplishment. Always begin with what is required of you. Focus on areas of greatest return. Luke 10:38-42.

8. Sacrifice.

One’s sacrifice always brings success. It's an ongoing process. Greater leadership requires greater sacrifice. Luke 6:38

9. Timing. Eccl.3:1

It is important to understand when to do certain things or make certain choices. When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go.

The wrong action at the wrong time leads to disaster.

The right action at the wrong time leads to resistance.

The wrong action at the right time is a mistake.

The right action at the right time results in success.

10. Explosive Growth.

To add, lead followers, to multiply lead leaders.

One on one discipleship of leaders brings explosive growth.

D. LEADERSHIP STYLES. EPH. 4:11-12

1. The Directing Leader. A visionary who focuses on results, not details.

2. The Strategic Leader. Likes to analyze information and evaluate different scenarios. Likes to develop and shape plans. Thessalonians 3:11

3. The Team Building Leader. Concerned with people, relationships, and inclusion of all.

4. The Operational Leader. He develops processes to implement the vision. He builds systems to monitor results

NB:

Surround yourself with leaders who have other leadership styles. They will compliment you. They will see things in a way that you do not see. Proverbs 15:22

Lead from your strength, not your weakness. Romans 8:6-8

Applying the wrong leadership in a situation has consequences. Your leadership could be resisted, damage your credibility, create unwanted conflict, and could make the ministry stagnate. I Samuel 8:1-5; I Kings 12:1,7, 10-11.

E. LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES

All leaders will have challenges. Every leader should be wise, be fair, and be decisive in order to face the challenges of leadership.

Some of the challenges include:

1. Different opinions/perspectives. Not everyone will agree with you all the time. Expect challenges to your decisions. Be ready to convince people about your decision with reason and scripture, not emotion. It is easy to win battles but lose the purpose and souls.

2. Distraction from your vision. Don’t lose sight of your long term vision in your attempt to meet short-term goals. Keep your priorities straight. Be flexible but never abandon your principles.

F. LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS. 1 Cor. 12:7,11

What are Spiritual Gifts?

1. Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry.

2. They are different from gifts and talents and are given for the common good.

3. They are given as the Holy Spirit determines and as needed.

4. They fall into three categories:

a. Ministry Gifts: A Call into an office.

b. Practical Gifts: For ministry to others.

c. Charismatic Gifts: For spiritual manifestation and power.

21 SPECIFIC GIFTS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE

MINISTRY. EPH 4:11 PRACTICAL ROMANS 12:7-8 CHARISMATIC. I COR. 12:8-10

1. Apostle

2. Prophet

3. Evangelist

4. Pastor

5. Teacher Service

Encouragement

Giving

Leadership

Mercy

Helps

Administration Wisdom

Knowledge

Discernment

Prophecy

Tongues

Interpretation

Faith

Healing

Miracles

Why are spiritual gifts given?

1. To fulfill God’s purpose and plan