What Does the Bible Have to Say About Effective Leadership (Part 4)

In the fourth installment we are going to look at " An Effective Leader Provides Direction." We are just getting ready to launch another year of NW Passage. This has been one of the most beneficial things we've done for Whipple Creek and for the individuals. The 9 month process has helped each person learn more of who God is, who they are and what God wants to do in and through them. 

We challenge with questions and statements. One of the things we look at is Christian leadership in the Church. Here is our fourth statement. Do you agree?

The Effective Leader Provides Direction

The effective leader is the sort of person who, guided by faith, uses goals and strategies to chart a course of action. Effective leaders help their people find methods to accomplish the vision, which they believe God has given to them. Jethro illustrated this principle in Exodus 18:14-23 when he advised his son-in-law, Moses to delegate some of his authority to others and focus on the sorts of issues that only he could address (and boy am I learning this one!). 

Jethro recognized the need and then outlined a strategy that would allow Moses to be faithful to his God-given responsibilities. The capacity to offer this sort of guidance is a skill that must be developed. If wise action is to be linked to good vision, then strategy must be developed.

NEXT UP: Part 5: The Effective Leader Confronts with Authority.

For more information, check out NW Passage or VantagePoint3 or send me an email.

 

In His Grip,

 

Brett

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Effective Leadership (Part 3)

Each year our leadership team leads a group of emerging leaders/influencers through a real cool 9 month process called Northwest Passage. I'm proud to say, leaders have emerged from that process who are now leading other leaders through the same process (duplication, I love it!)

One of the things we always address is "What does the Bible say about leadership?" So, here is the 3rd thing (out of 10) the Bible says about effective leadership (that is a leaders who leads Christianly) that comes from what we are studying and reading (thanks VantagePoint3).

Do you agree?

The effective Christian leader proclaims truth.

Effective leaders are the sort of people who communicate biblical truth in such a way that the hearer's head (the mind), the heart (the emotions, the seat of will), and hand (actions) are all challenged to a deeper conformity to Christ.

Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 with these words:

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable: convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching."

Why would Paul make such a strong statement? Perhaps Timothy was having some doubts about how his teaching was being received by his congregation. He may have been getting some criticism. He may have been feeling a little insecure about things. Whatever the reason, Paul took this opportunity to remind him that one of his primary tasks as a leader was to communicate truth persistently (the Greek word has the sense of being busy at one's job, like fisherman who takes to the sea every day regardless of the weather), whether it seemed popular that particular day or not.

In this regard, St. Francis Assisi urged, "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." When we express biblical truth faithfully day in and day out, we point the way to that consistent Word and Work all of us need to keep in sight if we are to continue drawing closer and closer to God in Jesus.

NEXT: The Effective Leader Provides Direction