Our world craves good leaders. We are looking for them in politics, business, education – everywhere…. even in ministry. We long for people who will effectively lead while facing the overwhelming challenges of our day. The problem however, doesn’t seem to be the shortage of willing leaders, rather a shortage of capable godly leaders.

Through the Healthy Leadership series I would like to take a more in-depth look at aspects of healthy leadership. I pray these ideas will encourage and shape you as you lead!

Without a clear understanding of your role or task you are destined to fail as a leader.

It sounds harsh but it’s true. Leaders must understand their role if they want to be effective. While making decisions, setting agendas, and vision casting for the future are all essential aspects of leading, there’s more. Here are five questions (with suggested actions steps) that godly leaders are encouraged to consider in order to lead their ministries well.

1. Are you seeking God’s agenda first?

Often leaders set an agenda and ask God to join them in their efforts, for Him to bless it. However, that’s not what Godly leaders do. Godly leaders seek God’s will for their program or ministry first and then set forth a plan to achieve it. It sounds simple but many leaders fail to put this truth into practice. They are busy, task oriented, and driven and often don’t take the time to seek God’s will first above all else.

In what ways have you sought God’s agenda for your ministry? Take 60 minutes of solitude sometime this month and specifically ask God to reveal/affirm His agenda for your ministry.

2. Are you leading others into their own encounter with God?

God is always at work. There was never a time, whether teaching on the mountaintop or picking wheat along the roadway, that Jesus was not modeling interaction with the Father. A godly leader is aware of his/her ongoing opportunity to point others to God through their words, actions, and responses. What a gift it is when a leader helps lead another into an encounter with God!

Have you ever experienced God through the encouragement or actions of a leader? What did they do that stirred your heart to encounter God? Is there a way to incorporate those moments into your daily leadership this week?

3. Is your leadership one of servanthood?

Jesus led by example; He came to serve others, not to be served Himself (Matt. 20:26). The godly leader recognizes that he is first and foremost a servant. Jesus modeled the true servant style of leadership when He bent down and washed the feet of His disciples, teaching them that the true sign of a leader is his willingness to first serve others. [1]

What are three practical ways you can serve those you lead this week? Be bold and embrace this opportunity to share God’s love.

4. Are others following you because of who you are or because of the position you hold?

It is easy for leaders to become guilty of pleading, forcing, or threatening their staff into action. But these motives are not aspects of godly character and leadership. Godly leaders influence more than they direct, and they inspire more than they instruct. They recognize that they are serving something—and Someone—larger than themselves and their own objectives. It is character that should compel others to follow, not position. [2]

Make a commitment this year to read a book that addresses godly character in leadership. For example Bill Thrall’s: “The Ascent of a Leader”

5. Are you willing to acknowledge your helplessness?

All true godly leadership has its roots in desperation. Jesus said of his own ministry, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). One task that godly leaders must embrace is the reality that they too are the “sick” and need the Lord. We all need Jesus, and your leadership style should reflect that truth.

How well do you respect and welcome the input of others? Make a plan – identify one area of weakness and invite someone to help you with it.

As an organization we are full of great godly leaders. What a gift from God! However, leadership is always a work in progress. We will never arrive. May you be encouraged as you lead and embrace your task as a godly leader.

Growth Point

Godly leadership is more than just decision making; it’s leading through obedience, servanthood, perspective, and humility before God.

Scripture Point

Reflect on the meaning of Matthew 20:26 for your life and leadership.

Action Point

Commit to reminding yourself of the above principles and following through on the suggested action points.

 

[1] http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-leader.html

[2] https://michaelhyatt.com/characteristics-of-spiritual-leaders.html

http://www.lifeway.com/Article/spiritual-leadership-task-focus-agenda