by Kim Moser
lead. /led/.
To cause a person to go with one by holding them by the hand while moving forward; to be in charge or command of, to be an example for others to follow.
If you are a leader, God has called you to an immense work. You are responsible for directing people, and those same people are looking to you as an example and holding you accountable for your actions. Let this reality both humble and fuel you.
Thankfully, Christ has modeled leadership for you. His example can aid you as you pursue biblical leadership in your life and ministry.
Here are six attitudes you, as a biblical leader, should exhibit as you move forward in serving God:
1. Be a Servant.
Help others while serving alongside them. Christ gave of Himself while He was leading people, and in doing so showed His followers that true leadership isn’t about having power over people. Remember that foot washing is focused on the feet of the one being served. It is a humble position that cannot be concerned about on-lookers or self.
Have a sincere heart both for those you are ministering to as well as those ministering alongside you.
2. Be a Visionary.
Discerning where you want to end up while you are still at the start line is a valuable leadership trait. Maybe your “vision” for the ministry you lead has already been established for you by others in the church. Praise God for their ability to see the big picture and for their faith in you to lead others toward that end. Visionary leadership is essential for both quantitative as well as qualitative progress. Innovation and foresight allow for growth, development and progress.
Balance your ministry’s vision with a plan for each “next” step. Remember that God often only gives us light for the next step.
Be open to listening to the ideas of others.
Stay in alignment with your church or organization’s vision and with the Word of God. Stay connected and in communication with pastors, church leadership or those over you.
3. Be a Teacher.
To lead others the skills of a teacher are required to develop those being led. Jesus was a model teacher and challenged his followers to understand the work into which he was enlisting them. If you are not a teacher, you do well to recognize and admit it, but now you need to enlist the giftedness of others to come alongside you in giving those you lead the instruction they need to best serve.
Know your Bible. Before a difficult situation arises, study what the Bible has to say on “major” issues.
Remain teachable as well. If questioned with something you cannot confidently answer, you can confidently say, “I do not know, but I know where to find it.” And dive into God’s Word. Through study and prayer pursue the answer.
4. Be an Equipper.
Similar to teaching, one who equips provides those she leads with resources necessary or helpful to accomplishing what needs to happen. In order to equip, the leader needs to possess visionary skills of discernment in order to perceive what will be needed.
Research resources. Stay abreast of new technologies.
Offer encouragement through follow-up, reminders, and check-ins/check-ups.
Entrust others who are capable: delegate.
Instruct and equip someone else to lead in your absence. Keep someone aware of the details should you become unable to lead
5. Be Compassionate.
Second chances are needed for both those you lead as well as yourself. Recognizing this early and reminding yourself often will allow you to appreciate those who follow your lead as well as afford you room to both fail and succeed graciously. Offering those you lead motivation and edification will fuel them and create an environment where God’s will can be realized.
Be a good communicator. Communicate with integrity; be consistent in what you tell each person.
Invite accountability both within those you lead as well as between yourself and at least one other person who can pray for and challenge you.
6. Be Prayerful.
This facet of leadership could have come first, and yet it is an overarching umbrella under which we do all aspects of life and biblical leadership. Enlist prayer partners for you and the ministry you have been privileged to lead. Pray first; before planning, directing, instructing, acting, teaching and talking. Prayer reduces mental clutter and invites God’s presence and perspective to the work He has set before you.
Leadership is a great privilege. It comes with responsibility, accountability, and great joy as you, with God’s help, propel others toward realizing God’s purposes. And remember, along the way, have some fun!