John is a Director/Trustee of OPAL Trust, and is responsible for developing literature sales around the world, working closely with authors and publishers.
Good leadership is important and always makes a difference. We have all seen what good leadership can do, and the positive way that it impacts the lives of individuals. How often have we heard it said, “If only there was better leadership, what a difference it would make”? Everything rises and falls on godly leadership. This article is about being a good leader, and while I acknowledge that there are excellent Bible college courses and regional workshops available, I have focused on literature as a tool to equip Christian leaders.
Those in leadership positions cannot simply rely upon an intuitive sense of what leadership is. Along with personal experience and formal education, literature is helpful in developing leadership skills. Over the years I have read numerous books on this important subject, and every one - well written or not - can offer some insights. John Maxwell, in his book Leadership Gold, states: ‘If you want to lead, learn - and if you want to continue to lead, continue to learn’.
The role of a leader is not about status or personal achievement, but it is about helping other people become aware of their individual potential in the service of the Master. To do this we need to discover what God’s Word has to say, along with making use of the helpful literature available. It has been my experience recently in Africa to witness a willingness on the part of younger leaders to accept this. They are so thankful to receive books which help them understand the principles of godly leadership. Let me share some of the quotes and ideas that come from books available from OPAL Trust. One of the objectives of OPAL Trust is to make literature available which will help develop those in leadership positions in the majority world.
Good leaders read the Bible and helpful books to be equipped and effective in the ministry to which God has called them
Without question, Scripture is the number one ‘textbook’, giving access to knowledge on making wise decisions in leadership. Not only can we learn from the Lord Jesus Himself, who was the greatest leader who has ever lived (Matt. 20:25-28), but many of the leaders portrayed in the Old and New Testaments applied principles of godly leadership that can be of help to us. In Leader’s Resource Kit by David Kadalie, this African brother points out several ways in which the Lord Jesus exemplified characteristics of a true leader:
• He was visionary
(Matt. 24:14,34)
• He was able to persevere
(Luke 9:51; John 19:30)
• He was a man of prayer
(John 8:28)
• He was anointed
(Luke 4:1,14,18)
• He exercised humility and grace
(John 13:1-17)
• He was a team builder
(John 20:21)
Good leaders have a genuine love for others
In his book Leading with Love, Alexander Strauch shows how Jesus lived His life for others. He writes that one simply cannot understand leadership - whether as a Sunday school teacher, youth worker, deacon, elder, missionary or evangelist - without grasping the new commandment to “love one another”. While this commandment applies to every believer, it particularly applies to leaders. Every function of Christian leadership - teaching, organising, planning, visiting, praying, mentoring and counselling - is to be shaped by the new commandment.
Good leaders have a servant heart
Christian leadership is also about having a servant heart. In the book The 5 Pillars of Leadership, Paul J. Meyer states that leaders who have a servant heart are givers rather than takers; they remember the words of Jesus recorded in Luke 22:27: “I am among you as One who serves”. In Learning to Lead, Wee Hian states that there is a striking contrast between worldly leadership and spiritual leadership. It would be rare to find mention of love and servanthood in a secular book on leadership. Jesus has established for all time the foundation of spiritual leadership - to love and serve. This is non-negotiable and is what the local church needs.
Good leaders have an ability to inspire willing action in others
I once read a simple definition of leadership: ‘Leadership is the ability to inspire willing action in others’. At that time I knew a man who described himself as a strong leader, but, in fact, he was a bully. He only got results through threats and playing on people’s insecurities. Good leadership is not about intimidating but inspiring - a good leader generates a willingness on the part of those they lead, and helps them develop their God-given potential. John Maxwell, in his book Developing the Leaders Around You, says that those you lead will be much more secure and motivated when you practise BEST leadership:
• B elieve in them
• E ncourage them
• S hare with them
• T rust in them
A leader without people skills soon has no followers; they may follow initially because they admire the talents and abilities of the leader, but they will not follow for long. Excellent people skills involve a genuine concern for others and the ability to understand people. A good leader knows that in order to influence others he must demonstrate a genuine concern for their lives.
Good leaders equip and mentor other leaders
In Developing the Leaders Around You, John Maxwell states that it takes a leader with vision to see the future leader within the person. When questioned about his masterpiece David, Michelangelo answered that the sculpture had always existed within the stone; he had simply chiselled away the rock around it. Leaders must have the same kind of vision when viewing other potential leaders. Maxwell goes on to say that some of the qualities to look for in a person include servanthood, loyalty, integrity, discipline, gratitude and growth potential.
Good leaders set out on a deliberate discipleship, mentoring and development strategy. Succession is one of the most important responsibilities of effective leadership. The leader must know when to step down and pass on the baton through honest and extensive self-evaluation. This is a combination of knowing God’s plan, understanding your gifting for the current challenges and determining the level of satisfaction you receive from those you lead.
Barnabas’ greatest contribution was to introduce Paul:
• He believed in Paul before anyone else did.
• He endorsed Paul’s leadership to other leaders.
• He empowered Paul to reach his potential.
Good leaders disciple others. The best model is Paul and the way he nurtured his young protégé Timothy. Not everyone saw the potential in this young man, but Paul did, and he empowered him to fulfil a ministry for which God had gifted him.
Suggested titles that will help equip good leaders
Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch
Leading with Love, Alexander Strauch
Leadership Gold, John Maxwell
Developing the Leaders Around You, John Maxwell
Relational Leadership, Walter Wright
Leader’s Resource Kit, David Kadalie
The Essentials for Effective Christian Leadership Development, Robert A. Orr
Equipping good leaders globally
Recently, an African brother told me that while visiting another African country he noticed the leadership was weak and struggling in nearly every local church at which he spoke. Many church leaders in the majority world are first-generation believers and find they are ill-equipped as they face challenges. Leadership books provide a rich and valuable resource that can be so helpful in equipping leaders to be effective in the service of God. In the poorer countries of the world, where such books would be a help, they are not always available or affordable, or leaders are simply unaware of the help they can give. OPAL Trust, along with other literature ministries, sees this need and seeks to provide literature that will allow those with leadership responsibilities to understand their God-given role, inspire confidence and earn respect. OPAL Trust will be very happy to make available at low cost, to those in Christian service, books that will help leaders be better equipped in their service for the Master.
‘Christlike leadership is needed both in the church and society in Africa and around the world’ (Tokunboh Adeyemo, Africa Bible Commentary).
For more information, please visit: www.opaltrust.org.