In
Exodus 4: 10-12 we find:
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord,
I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
In 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul spoke of himself
in these terms relating to his privilege of being a leader in God's work:
For I am the least of the apostles, that
am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
He added in 1 Timothy 1: 12, 13:
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who
hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
We also find the experience of Gideon,
who is presented in the Biblical record as a rather unlikely candidate for his station in life; but through the direction of God, he was enabled
to do a wonderful work in the time he lived in. See Judges chapters 6 and
7 in the Bible for details relating to Gideon's experience.
Some have been considered more gifted with
leadership skills than others, and there have been others who have excused themselves from even considering taking on this work because they felt that they didn't possess the needed gifts and talents.
Whether this is the case or not, through
consecration to the Lord, and implicit trust in His ability to give direction and training, more faithful leaders can come forth to be a blessing to many.
Potential for Leaders
Leaders are needed today in God's cause,
and He is calling for men and women to fill
positions of responsibility and trust. We cannot sit back and hope that
one day the Lord
will work a special miracle and raise up people who have had no previous
training or
experience along this line. Although it may happen just before Jesus comes,
and in a
special time of need, nevertheless, we have been given the commission to
prepare people
to labor with Him in directing His cause on to a glorious finish.
In this study we will be looking at qualities
which, if put into action, will prepare people
to become successful leaders. In examining these things you will probably
notice the need
for some abilities that you feel you may not now possess. But don't become
discouraged;
ask God to assist you in developing these essential areas. He is looking
at what we can
become with His help, and waiting to assist you as soon as you realize your
need.
The potential for someone to become a successful
leader under God's direction, is
unlimited.
Leadership Development
Leadership skills are needed in many areas
of life. Leadership experience needs to begin
in your own life. Beyond that it reaches out to your family, then to the
church, and on
into the world.
God's plan for leadership is designed so
that at every step along the way to progress
everyone can advance and benefit from it.
You might compare a leader in an organization,
as an example, to the wheels on a car...
the front tires guide the direction the vehicle takes, but they would be
of no use were it
not for all the other parts that make the car function. One part is not
more important
than any of the others. All are to work together to make things move forward
successfully.
Would you like to know more about good leadership skills?
Use this link to go to the Leadership
Check List
How you can become a better leader
in God's service
1. Be available
The definition of the word available concerns
itself with a person being accessible or easy
to reach. When we consider this, there are a couple of ways it can be applied
to leadership.
First, a leader should be able to be easily reached when someone needs to
talk with him,
such as by telephone or letter. It is very difficult to resolve problems
and communicate
needs when you can't speak with the person in charge.
Secondly, a leader needs to be easily communicated
with. That is to say, when someone
needs to speak with him, that he has developed a personality that is easily
approached.
Some people are difficult to speak to. They may be moody or express an attitude
that
causes those they work with to retreat instead of coming forward.
2. Exercise Endurance
The successful leader will stay with the
work and the people, and not entertain thoughts
of giving up when problems are not easily resolved. It is usually when we
keep working
faithfully onward that we see fruits in our labors. Endurance, in the end,
will be found
to have been worthy of all the effort required to keep things on the right
path.
3. Keep the lines of communication open
If you hope to keep lines of communication
open, it is essential that you associate with
people... To talk with them and share ideas and thoughts, as well as difficulties
and trials.
If you stay away from those you serve, the potential for benefiting them
may not be fully
reached.
4. Practice Endearance
Perhaps when you first looked at this word,
it appeared to be something we talked about
earlier. But, this is en-dear-ance. It means that you love the people you
seek to guide and
bless. even if they don't appreciate you as much as you do them. They become
dear to
you. If we are following the example of Jesus, we will strive to assist
others to draw
together; to unite in a common bond that will lead to eternal life.
The Apostle Paul also wrote:
...I will very gladly spend
and be spent for you;
though the more abundantly I love you,
the less I be loved.
2 Corinthians 12:15
5. Be Trustworthy
Leadership is a trust more than it is a
position. God has entrusted you with His most
precious possession: people. It is a leaders responsibility to build upon
the foundation
that God has mapped out for its continuing development and progress.
Along with that, you also need to realize
that people look to leaders to be an example
of Christian maturity, and who are worthy of their respect.
6. Demonstrate what you believe
As mentioned above, a leader in any work
needs to be an example to others. In our
world, Christian values and standards are often attacked. As representatives
of God,
we need to uplift Christian principles in our daily life for all to see.
The Apostle Paul said:
Be ye followers of me,
even as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
7. Practice giving and sharing
A good leader is one who is willing to
freely give of himself, and of the things he
possesses, for the good of others. We often enjoy the blessings of God and
rejoice
that we have been benefactors of His grace and love; but it will mean far
more to
us and to those we serve if we share what has been placed within our hands
and
not try to keep it only for ourselves.
8. Make Experiences
There is no substitute for experience.
What a leader needs most, is a daily, living,
experience with God. That is, to know Him and have the assurance that He
is indeed
working with us, and we with Him. This experience will continue to grow
as we study,
pray, and exercise the abilities and talents He has entrusted to us.
9. Delegate responsibility
One man cannot carry everything alone.
It will be essential that you find ways to share
your work with others who have shown leadership qualities and a responsible
character.
Even Jesus found that He could not be in
every place at once while on this earth, so He
chose for Himself twelve disciples to help Him in the work. As this was
done, He
continued to oversee their labors and assist them as needs arose.
10. Keep your goals discernible
Keep the goals you're seeking to reach
clear and understandable. People need to know
what they're working toward, and why. Spell out the details of what is being
planned,
and put your plans and outlines somewhere they can readily be seen, reviewed,
and
updated, on a regular basis. What is not seen, or understood clearly, is
often forgotten.
11. Anticipate good results
People need to know that something is expected
of them when they are given a work to
do. Too often we assume that because a project has been placed in someone's
hands, that
they will automatically respond and complete the assignment acceptably.
But, this hasn't
always been the case. Don't assume anything. Strive to make the instructions
clear, and
answer any questions that may be asked. Assist your co-workers to become
successful
producers, and let them know you sincerely appreciate their cooperation.
12. Develop efficient work methods
Methods are ways of doing things efficiently.
It takes time to develop them, but much
time is saved in the long run if you concentrate attention on such planning
in the
beginning, rather than trying to figure out why things aren't working well
later on.
13. Keep things moving forward
It is the responsibility of a leader to
ensure that co-workers not only start a work,
but implement and finish it. To do this requires a constant attention to
detail, and
oftentimes frequent reminders.
14. Assist where help is needed
Always do your best to roll up your sleeves
and be willing to help when it is needed.
This doesn't mean that you do the work for the person who has an assignment,
but that
you assist in giving instruction and guidance, and labor together whenever
necessary.
15. Build respect
There aren't many people who do not like
to be respected. We all desire others to think
well of us and our opinions and ideas. If we can begin to realize how valuable
each person
is in the sight of the Lord (keeping in mind the infinite price paid to
secure our future life
and happiness), and treat each other accordingly, respect will not only
grow, but flourish.
16. Keep people working together
United we stand, divided we fall. Do your
best to prevent divisions from arising.
People don't always agree when the time comes for putting plans into action,
and
this is usually true when people are considering different ways of doing
their work.
It is the responsibility of a leader to assist with any problems among the
workers,
and strive to see that they are resolved, so things can continue running
as smoothly
as possible.
17. Work to build confidence
When problems arise, your ability to build
confidence will be tested. There will always
be those who seek to test your position and your patience. It is at that
point where you
must, in a Christian way, clarify again the objectives and encourage co-operation.
Another area of consideration regarding
confidence comes when you see people doing a
good job... commend them for their accomplishment and help. When people
see that their
work is appreciated, and that you deal fairly with them, their confidence
is strengthened
and renewed. This can help bring forth continuing assistance in the future
when more
things need to be done.
18. Develop plans
Take the time to make plans, both long
and short range types. Work together with others
both in making, as well as initiating them. Look carefully at what you hope
to accomplish,
research your subject well, weigh the pros and cons that may affect its
success, consider
the costs, and also estimate the number of people needed to complete what
is to be
implemented.
Create a written, detailed, outline that
can be used in the project. All of these things
will more than pay for themselves, and the time spent, when you've reached
your
goals.
19. Consider different ideas
Unfortunately, not all thoughts and ideas
presented for a project can be accepted
immediately. People often view things in a different light, or from different
perspectives. Don't be afraid of opposing thoughts because they may end
up
becoming a road to progress. Opposition often gives you a springboard for
new ideas or ways of accomplishing your goals. It is always good to pray,
and ask the Lord for guidance and counsel, when opposition arises. When
God's people unite, with the purpose of determining the Lord's will in a
given matter, He often sends just the right answer to keep things going
forward.
20. Co-direct the work
As leaders, the work of directing is often
placed in human hands. Leaders, however,
are only to be co-directors, because the Lord is the actual Head of the
church and His
work. We answer ultimately to Him.
But, it is important that you show others
what is needed and assist them in accomplishing
their tasks. One thing to keep in mind is that you don't push or pull people
around in the
work. Everyone needs to be shown what is to be done, and be encouraged to
go forward,
but not to be forced to continue.
If someone is not willing to help, and
there seems no available way to assist him in
participating, it would probably be better to relieve him of his responsibility
in that area.
God's plan is not to force people to do things; neither should you try to
make others feel
guilty for not helping. If a matter is handled wisely, someone who has (perhaps
because
of his own unwillingness to cooperate) been relieved of his duty, may come
back and
volunteer to do the same work, even better, at a later time.
On the other hand, if you try to push someone
into doing something, they may back
away, and because of the trouble that was caused, determine never to take
part in the
work again. Such experiences can and should be avoided if at all possible.
21. Develop good organizational skills
The better organized you, your plans, and
your work are, the more smoothly things
usually can move ahead. Keep the thought of being organized a priority in
all that
you do in life.
22. Use all available resources
Planning and implementing projects can
involve a variety of people. In the church
there are many people with talents and abilities which may never have been
called
upon, or utilized, before. When people are asked to participate together
they may
come forth with new ways of doing things that are very good. Encourage even
those who always sit quietly by and say little or nothing. They are often
the silent
majority of thinkers who possess great ideas.
23. Develop more resources
As mentioned above, give people the opportunity
to grow and learn more so they can
have a chance to utilize their skills and talents. Design projects that
all can participate
in. Everyone is not gifted to do the same things, so let your plans involve
a variety of
projects to utilize the greatest number of people.
24. Handle carefully people who seem
to possess difficult character traits
People are not problems,
People have problems
Help these struggling ones in the same
way that Jesus would if He here with us today.
Ask yourself:
What would Jesus do
in this situation?
Try to keep in mind to act the same as
you would want someone else to act, were
the tables reversed and you were the one with the problem.
Consider the person's background and experience.They
may also have problems
associated with their culture or early home environment.
Try to remain objective. Sometimes in having
to work with these people, it is
forgotten that they too need a chance to receive counsel and kind personal
assistance.
Do your best to find out what their real
problem is, and then help them wherever
you can.
25. Work toward successful meetings
A wise leader will do his best to direct
a meeting in such a way that the intended
purpose for which it was called will be reached. Keeping things on an orderly
course should be one of the main objectives. Don't allow controverted issues
to
result in confusion.
When meetings are held often differing
ideas arise, as well as methods of working.
Sometimes these differences can stir up conflicting emotions and the people
begin to
present their opinions all at the same time. Keep the reins steady so that
the meeting
can progress in an orderly way.
In this area also, it is important to be
tactful. Make notes on the various thoughts that
have been presented and weigh each one carefully before deciding on its
final value.
26. Share Decision-making
Make decisions based on what is found to
be the best course to pursue, and proceed
from there. Obviously, everyone's views may not be implemented (especially
when
a conflict of opinion arises), but nevertheless, every thought on the subject
should
be considered, and the participants encouraged to share their thoughts respectfully.
27. Inspire cooperation
When people are asked to participate in
a project, possibly one that they may not have
much knowledge or experience with, there is a tendency at times for them
to become
nervous or fearful for various reasons. They may seek to pull away and find
things that
are less stressful to involve themselves with. The work of a leader in this
type of situation
is to inspire confidence and encourage participation wherever possible.
Sometimes only
a few words of assurance will be needed, and at other times you might want
to consider
setting up a training program to assist the people in learning how to do
the needed
work and answer any questions they might have regarding it. In either case
you will
be imparting to them a positive reinforcement toward reaching the desired
goals.
28. Make changes and improvements where
needed
If it is seen that changes might produce
better results, or enable you to make more
progress, don't hesitate to act. Take time to plan any considered developments
carefully, and involve as many as are interested in the plans to assist
wherever
possible. Some people resist changes, but if proposed improvements are in
harmony with the truth, can be a benefit and blessing to the cause, and
there's
no other justifiable reason not to begin, don't delay putting them into
action.
29. Remember that old ideas are often
difficult to change
If something has been done a certain way
for many years, and you find, upon
examining existing methods, that there are some things which need changing
in
order to make progress, you may be surprised to find that it can be difficult
to
alter a course that has always been traveled. There is no set way to tell
you how
to begin infusing new inspiration and thinking into the minds of the people,
but
the best suggestion is that you move slowly and prayerfully, seeking God's
direction at every point. Don't give up. Keep in mind that even the Lord
sometimes has problems with us in this area too. Be patient. The wheels
of progress often turn slowly. Keep going.
30. Leave the results with God
Remember that we are all co-laborers together
with God. The work and its future
rests in His hands. Leaders are called upon to faithfully do their best,
but they must
leave the final results with the Lord.
Developing more Christian leadership
skills
Study to shew thyself approved
unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15
1. Study carefully how Jesus worked with
His disciples and the people.
2. Read Christian books and articles relating
to good leadership development and keep
notes so you can refer to them in the future
3. Study other sources of information on
leadership. Glean from them the best information
that is in harmony with the truth, and principles of God, and apply them
as needed in your
work.
4. Speak with other successful leaders.
Their experiences may play a role in assisting you
in God's work. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Leaders are just people,
like the rest of
us, and are usually willing to share what they have learned throughout their
years of
experience.
5. Learn from your mistakes. One of the
best places to obtain more help relating to
leadership is from your own mistakes. More often than not, good can come
as a result
if you let your mistakes teach you lessons that need to be learned, but
not repeated.
A closing thought
Leading people is not an easy work.
There are many personalities and characters to
interact with, decisions to make, things to plan, and do.
Often it will seem like efforts to keep
things on the right road have been put forth in vain.
But, in spite of such feelings, continue on, and be transformed by the grace
of Christ.
All who allow this to be done can become excellent leaders and a great blessing
for God.
With these thoughts in mind we come to
the close of this Leadership Training study.
May it serve to broaden your understanding of ways in which to become more
efficient
servants for God. We have attempted to give you some helpful guidelines
to consider and
apply to your life which can lead to success and blessings for many who
need what God
has given you to use for Him. We hope it has been helpful. Write and let us know.
We appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for visiting Visda Point. We hope
you'll visit us
again soon. | 
