• CARRIES THE VISION OF THE MINISTRY

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

A great leader is in sync with God’s heartbeat. He follows Jesus’ example and only does the will of the Father. (Matt 12:50) Great leadership requires a good portion of time on one’s face before God, seeking His divine revelation, will, strategy, and timing. While a great leader may not be the most skilled minister on the team, he is mature in his ability to discern the voice of the Lord, knowing when to move, how to move, where to go, what to do, and how to “rally the troops” with him. A great leader knows that APART FROM HIM, he can do NOTHING of eternal value! (John 15:5)

• PROVIDES PASTORAL OVERSIGHT FOR THE TEAM

Ezekial 34:2 “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?”

A great leader understands that his/her role is to serve God’s people in the church (or just in their ministry team) as a shepherd, mentor, counselor, director, etc. If you take time to read all of Ezekial chapter 34, you will find the description of a shepherd is one who protects the flock, feeds them, seeks out the lost, and guides them along God’s paths. A great leader also takes time to train those who need skill, understanding, wisdom, knowledge, etc. A great leader does not attempt to reproduce himself in others (making mini-me’s). A great leader is developing each team member to function at his greatest potential for God’s glory!

• DEVELOPS LEADERS AROUND HIM

I Chronicles 25: 6-8  All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288.  Young and old alike, teacher as well as student…

 

A great leader literally seeks to “work himself out of a job”! He understands that the longevity and legacy of the ministry is more important than his specific leadership season. He seeks to consistently draw leadership qualities out of those who serve on the team, and give them opportunities to flourish in their particular ministry giftings. Even when a “leader in training” makes mistakes, the director graciously comes alongside, provides encouragement, and gives instruction for improvement. A great leader knows that the success of the ministry is in how well it functions WITHOUT his presence!

• IS A TRANSPARENT SERVANT

Philippians 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A great leader…a truly great leader…is humble enough to admit his own tendency toward sin and error (in other words, he is human). He is never afraid or too proud to admit when he has made a mistake. He does not justify or make excuses for his errors, but humbly admits them and takes appropriate steps towards correction. At the prompting of the Lord, he even shares some of his personal struggles (and lessons learned therein) as a means of walking in honesty, humility, and transparency among those he serves.

A great leader realizes that his position of leadership requires that he live as an example of Matt. 23:11. God raises up leaders to serve His people, and to serve His will! The culture of Hollywood portrays a picture of leaders and celebrities that are served by others around them. God’s kingdom operates in totally opposite fashion! A great leader will foster servant qualities in his ministry team by his own example!

• LIVES A CONSECRATED, SURRENDERED LIFE IN A STATE OF REPENTANCE

 

 Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Exodus 28:41 After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.

 

A great leader is a beautiful example of a true, Godly disciple. He understands that he must consistently deny his own will, agenda, ideas, etc. (personally and corporately) in favor of God’s ways, will, and purposes. He experientially knows that he must daily crucify his flesh (carnal desires, worldly attitudes, unholy affections) in order to radiate the presence and glory of God! This requires living a consecrated, holy life, completely abandoned and surrendered to God, in order for the anointing and power of God to be manifest through him. Without the power of God conforming him into the image of Christ, his leadership will only gain the favor of men…

Isaiah 66:2 “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”

DONATE HERE