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