Adding value has become a catch phrase and a popular concept connected to the vision statements of several organizations. Leaders recognize that people are drawn to the idea of receiving something that adds value to their life.

From a leadership perspective, its serves us well to consider exactly what it is that adds value to the people we attempt to reach on a regular basis. The dichotomy between what we value versus someone else develops an interesting challenge.

What areas might be considered that add value to any person in any culture or generation? The answer may possibly be as subjective as what someone determines as valuable.

However, let’s consider a few possibilities.

Physically: Regardless of our nationality, we all have physical needs. When we provide for someone’s felt needs, we add value.

Emotionally: A bit more challenging, but high on the list today. When we demonstrate emotional intelligence toward others it adds value to their life.

Spiritually: Without a doubt, this is the most significant of the three. The greatest value we can add to someone’s life involves the spiritual connection with God.

I enjoy reading new material, especially when it focuses on passion. Most agree that passion is the difference maker to success.

Darren Hardy’s book, The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster, talks about “Four Passion Switches.” These switches are below with a snippet of what they reference.

Be passionate about what you do: This one is the most common. People talk about their passion for what they do, but maintaining this level of passion 100 percent of the time is challenging.

Be passionate about why you do it: The mission and vision that drives what a leader does adds another level to passion and when we understand why, passion increases.

Be passionate about how you do it: This switch represents going above and beyond, not just settling for good enough or the status quo. How speaks to the importance of quality.

Be passionate about who you do it for: Hardy refers to this as the “means-to-an-end” switch. Knowing who benefits: family, community, country, etc. drives passion upwards.

I am excited to read more and encourage you to find ways to increase your passion as a leader.

These three words play a vital role in the development of leadership, especially with regards to spiritual leadership.

Lou Holtz expressed it this way: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

The thought raises several questions: (1) What are we capable of doing? (2) What are we doing? (3) How well are we doing it?

Scripture indicates we all have abilities. God intends the church to utilize our abilities to function as He designed the church (Eph. 4:11-16).

Before motivation, think about our attitude. It’s like the “chicken or the egg” scenario. Does attitude determine motivation, or does motivation determine attitude? Either way, the choice of attitude is critical. We choose our attitude and if misguided, motivation suffers.

What really motivates us when we examine the leadership situation in the church today? Are we comfortable leaving it up to anyone who will lead?

It is time to step up. If we don’t, the future of church may rest in the hands of those who are incapable, misguided, and unmotivated. Where will that leave the church?

Few ideas are more significant than the need for survival. For some, the need to find a meal for the day is a matter of survival. For some, getting through the day with their life is a matter of survival.

Leadership survival is an area of great need within the church of the twenty-first century.

Leaders struggle to survive the challenges to their leadership in matters of faith and practice.

Leaders need to survive the false accusations to their character by dissenters.

Leaders must develop survival skills against the forces of division among change agents.

Survival is a priority when it comes to leadership.

Sadly, the survival of leadership involves “being shot at from both sides.” Satan is crafty at using those within and without to attack leadership.

How many times have we heard the idea “it’s lonely at the top.” While spiritual leadership is not about being “at the top,” there are a number of areas that qualify for the loneliness involved as a leader in the Lord’s church.

Perhaps this is why so few are willing to accept this vitally needed role.

Have you ever observed people at the mall, grocery store, bank, airport, or just driving down the highway. Who are they? Where do they live? Where are they going? Are they married? Do they have children…grandchildren? Do they believe in God?

The list of questions is endless. The number of people who live and travel everywhere is incredible, really more mind boggling.

The only way to know anything about them is to get involved in their lives. The challenge is taking that step. How can we lead someone to the Savior without this connection?

More than likely, we need to overcome some of our inhibition to take this step.

We need to overcome fear!

What are we afraid of the most? Rejection? Failure? Making a mistake?

The application of this thought is true whether talking to a stranger at an airport or a neighbor across the street.

Leading anyone to Christ involves the first step to move past our fear and connect to their lives. As challenging as the step may seem, the emotional connection of genuine love makes the difference.

Think Souls! Love People!