Leadership is not an easy thing and many who try to lead fail to adequately lead their people to the right place. I have listed 15 of the most practical lessons I have learned in my years as a spiritual leader often through trails. Wisdom tells us that we can learn from the experience of others.
1) The intimidated leadership will fail. Great leadership is understanding what a leader really is…. Leaders, lead. Like all great Pastors, or even military Generals, leaders lead their people, and the people will follow.
2) A leadership problem occurs when we seek to not to be a leader, but a friend. We all want to be liked. As a leader, being liked must come secondary to meeting the needs of those under you. A dangerous event occurs when leaders show favouritism to certain people. We can love everyone, but love them equally.
3) Complaining to the group. Your group does not benefit from hearing your complaints. If you are upset about something, seek to resolve it or deal with it. A wise thing is to have a close friend who is an equal of yours but is not under your leadership.
4) Thin Skin. As a leader, your qualities must include the ability to stay above the fray. Don’t take things personally. Don’t allow discouragement to prevent you from leading. Don’t allow comments of people to keep you up at night. Love those who persecute you, and don’t avoid problems, they will continue and grow worse if ignored.
5) Appreciating your People. Value those who you lead. Appreciate the previous leaders show them honour. Remember, we are all at different levels and at different places in our spiritual lives, and everyone has issues in their lives that are causing them great stress.
6) Don’t ever allow people to push you into wrong decisions – Don’t be intimidated by “bully’s” in the church who want you to flow their ways.
7) Remember the GNS Principle (God’s not Stupid) All our Time, effort, sin, motives and desires are seen and measured by the Lord. He is fully aware of everything. He’s not stupid. He will honour those who honour Him. Therefore, never “wing it” with church or any spiritual activity -be spiritually prepared for the spiritual task.
8) Leaders can never start out with low expectations. When we have been hurt so many times, the tendency is too lower our expectations to prevent being hurt again. However, God who created the universe is able to do great things, so expect great things.
9) Stop thinking that Godliness is busyness. Being a busy person, even in a church is not the sign of godliness. Don’t feel guilty to relax.
10) Don’t thinking problems will go away if left alone. They won’t, they only get worse, always nip them in bud. Deal with problems as they arise, immediately or as soon as possible.
11) Understanding that not all that glitters is Gold – Not all “nice” people are Christians. Not everyone who sounds or talk like a Christian is a true believer. Its often the trails in a persons life and how they respond that reveals the truth.
12) Picking your fights. As stated in #10 we need to deal with problems as they arise, yet not everything needs you to make a big deal over it. This requires wisdom and advice form older mature leaders who can see where this road will lead you. And never, never make decisions on the spur of the moment, walk away, pray and seek the Lord.
13) The truth lies somewhere in the middle. No one is 100% guilty and the other person 0%. It is important to ignore gossip and accusations and calmly listen to both sides. Discernment and compassion will make the truth appear.
14) Leadership is communication. The lack of communication is 99% of all troubles. People will talk, and accuse and be bitter when there is a lack of communication. As much as possible talk and explain the situation. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov 15:1)
15) Fully understand the power of prayer. Time in prayer, the persistence of prayer and faith in prayer. Without prayer, nothing above will work you are a plane that has turned off your motor and is slowly falling to the ground, running on human energy and doomed to fail
FIVE CORE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL LEADERS
1) Spiritual leaders always seeking to build other leaders to share the work Exodus 18:21
2) Spiritual leaders entrust others to share ministry so that they can use their gifts – 2 Timothy 2:2
3) Spiritual leaders see others as the Lord see them – 1 Samuel 16:7
4) Spiritual leaders are spiritual people themselves – 1 Timothy 3
5) Spiritual leaders are humble and have dealt with the ego and realize how unworthy they are to hold this position.
Foundation of Creating Success as a Leader
Pray for “all people” – 1Timothy 2:1 -PRAY
Trained in the words of the faith – 1Timothy 4:6 -STAY in the WORD!
Good doctrine 1 Timothy 4:6 – Learn who God is
Train yourself for godliness – 1 Timothy 4:7 – Train yourself to be a Leader
Growing in Christ while Dealing with the Stress of Leadership
1 Timothy 4:12-16