A Diligent Leader

Everyone in the body of Christ is called to lead something. It may be leading your own family, leading in a church, or ministry.

Being a diligent leader is critical so that all those around you will be able to fulfill their calls with success. While there are many facets of leadership I would like to lift out three characteristics of a good leader for us to think about this month.

Be clear in your vision and God’s call for you and your team. I once watched a very charismatic leader who had new visions too frequently. One month he would excitedly tell his team that he had heard from God, or seen a vision, and the whole team would drop everything, change direction and follow their leader. Then, a few months later the leader would come back to the group with another “vision” that was sometimes the antithesis of the previous vision. Soon the followers were worn out, discouraged and distrustful of their leader. Then people started to leave. Truly “where there is no vision the people perish” but also “a double minded man will not receive anything from the Lord.” People following their leader sense this.

Serve your people by making sure they have the authority and tools to do what you have asked them to do. People also like gifts and recognition. Do you recognize the people you lead with gifts? A gift card, donut day, candy? Anything that is special will do to show you appreciate what they do!

Relate to those you lead! Healthy leaders relate to those that they lead on a personal level. The Apostle Paul serves as an example here. He cherished his relationships with the believers in the places he ministered in. We see that many times, like in Philippians 1:3 he says, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you.” In I Timothy he addresses his disciple Timothy as “a true son in the faith” and in II Timothy as “a beloved son.”

Paul was not shy about sharing his heart when he felt his disciples were being led astray either. Galatians 1:6 “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to different gospel…”

As a healthy leader Paul has established a partnership with this church. It was based on their common experience together. There are times when leaders must face loneliness, but leadership does not happen in isolation. Healthy leaders resist the temptation to push or pull. Healthy leaders are connected to those they lead!