By definition, a catalyst is “a substance that increases the rate of chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.”

When a leader serves as a catalyst amazing developments can occur. Over the next few weeks we will examine the characteristics of a catalyst with the intent of improving our ability as leaders.

The characteristic this week is one of helping others.

In their book, The Starfish and the Spider, Brafman and Beckstrom researched several areas concerning leadership and the qualities of a catalyst.

Consistent with each was their desire to help others. Reading through the examples provided, connecting the idea to a spiritual catalyst seemed a natural result.

Spiritual catalysts are able to effect powerful influence because they desire to help others.

Catalysts help others see their potential in the Lord’s kingdom.

Catalysts help others implement plans to reach their potential.

Catalysts help others connect with people who can assist them reach their potential.

The need for catalysts is significant in the development of the Lord’s kingdom. Next week we will consider another characteristic.

David appears to be questioning his own despair and why his soul is disturbed within him. The response is one with great application to leadership today: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

Two thoughts surround David’s emphasis in this Psalm.

The first is the hope that is only found in God. When leaders place hope in their own abilities, or the abilities of others, disappointment results when they are let down. When their hope is placed in possessions, discouragement is left with when those possessions deteriorate or they are stolen. Therefore, the only source of hope that will never disappoint or discourage us is God.

The second is the expression of help that comes from God’s presence. Scripture reminds us of the omnipresence of God. We are comforted by knowing that He is in all places at the same time. There is no place where God is not. His control over all things and presence in all places provides comfort and confidence.

Leaders must always lead with hope in God and the help of His presence.

One of the most critical areas in leadership involves an understanding of confidentiality. While there is an application to all Christians, leaders must know how to keep something in confidence.

While several thoughts stand out when thinking about confidentiality and the benefit to leadership, leaders should always remember that confidentiality is about a sacred trust. Followers need to know they can place their feelings, even their very lives, into the hands of someone they trust.

1) When leaders keep confidentiality, relationships are built with resilience of character.

2) The ability to keep something in confidence makes leaders approachable.

3) The value of keeping a confidence strengthens the bond of relationships.

4) Confidentiality is a privilege that provides guidelines for developing greater leadership.

5) Keeping a confidence grows a more Christlike character.

Confidentiality is critical for leaders. They must guard what has been placed into their sacred trust. When they do, the resulting development of character builds a leadership worth following.

Have we ever considered the answer to this question? This is a common question asked when…

…principles have been compromised and the consequences are greater than expected.

…plans are not implemented and the impending results end in failure.

…guidelines are not recognized and chaos emerges within the organization.

…tragedy strikes and no steps were taken to prepare for the event or outcome.

The list could go on, but the point is the same. When we find ourselves at a place we did not intend, desire, or plan for, we wonder “how did I get here?”

The question is legitimate. However, knowing how we get where we are is the not the question we should ask and answer.

The question we need to ask and answer is: what are we going to do now to move forward?

We are not taking anything away from the benefit of learning from the journey. How we got here is important, but it is more important to know what we do from this point.

As spiritual leaders, we need to help guide those who find themselves in difficult circumstances to a better place of hope.

“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Wangari Maathai

This quote is part of a lecture given by Mr. Maathai upon receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

Within it there is a plea for leaders to provide the type of leadership that gives hope, the type of hope achieved only through higher morality.

The only way this higher morality can really be long lasting is through understanding, faith, and a practice that respects the authority of God and His word.

Without the proper respect for God and the influence of His word, what purpose would there be for achieving a higher morality?

However, on the basis of both, all of humanity has a reason to change.

This is the summation of our leadership. Twelve years have passed since this thought was expressed and it is just as needed today.

These two words can often represent a very thin line when determining various practices facing leadership.

There is a difference in practices that make someone uncomfortable versus something being unscriptural.

The challenge for leaders is to recognize the difference, but how?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is biblical or not. While it may seem obvious, the foundation needed is knowing the book!

Seek wisdom through prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools and too often neglected. I am not talking about prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seeking God’s help on decisions.

Ask the right questions. What does the Bible say about this matter? Is this practice tradition? Should this be continued? How will it effect the church? When and how should this be discussed with the church?

Be patient. No decision should be made in one meeting. Study, pray, and ask the right questions. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

Following a few guidelines will help leaders make the right decision on matters that are unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

Few areas are more challenging than to consider what happens when leadership fails. The main reason is because it is accompanied by a loss of trust and respect.

The task before leaders is learning what to do to regain trust and respect when it has been lost.

We begin with considering three negatives: 1) do not try to ignore or deny the failure, 2) do not attempt to cover the failure up, and 3) never blame someone else for the failure (this only worsens the situation).

Instead, there are four positives needed: 1) admit the failure (chances are the followers already know about the failure), 2) be specific about the failure (a general statement does not speak to an understanding and consequence of the failure), 3) ask for forgiveness (saying this is essential to regaining trust and respect is an understatement), and 4) give a step by step plan for overcoming the failure (it is one thing to express the failure, but another to know how to deal with and overcome the failure).

Additional areas could be considered, but a simple upfront approach is where the healing begins.

What a powerful word! The idea is one of standing firmly, the quality of determination. Leaders will always face and endure attacks from opposition. At the same time, leaders will need to be tenacious. When leaders have tenacity in relationship to the truth, spiritual development will always result.

Think for a moment about the nature and application of this word to leadership.

When talking about how to face challenges, leaders hold tenacity.

When working through personal problems, leaders demonstrate tenacity.

When establishing the direction ahead, leaders portray tenacity.

When developing the plans for the future, leaders lead with tenacity.

When needing to achieve the goals set before the group, leaders carry tenacity.

When seeking guidance to make tough decisions, leaders exemplify tenacity.

Developing a persistent character of tenacity to pursue a solution until it is successful takes time. Leaders who possess tenacity lead with perseverance and lay a foundation for success.

Tenacity is a powerful word and one that deserves our time as leaders to develop as we lead others to spiritual growth.

How should we define “spiritual leadership?” Realizing there are numerous possibilities to answering this question, perhaps the best approach is to consider a biblical response.

Here are 10 scriptural ways to help define spiritual leaders. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.

2) Rely on the blood of Christ.

3) Work to accomplish the will of God.

4) Encourage the fainthearted.

5) Admonish the unruly.

6) Strengthen the weak.

7) Seek first the kingdom of God.

8) Pray without ceasing.

9) Search the scriptures daily.

10) Trust fully in the working of God.

These are only 10 suggestions, but require a lifetime to develop in leadership. God’s word challenges us to grow into the spiritual leader He wants and needs us to be for the sake of the saved and lost.

Think Souls.

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” Douglas MacArthur

Three words stand out in the first thought expressed by MacArthur: confidence, courage, and compassion. Each of these qualities are a vital part of developing the type of leaders needed within the church.

The last thought expressed is the one most powerful in establishing true spiritual leadership. One word stands out concerning the thought of aligning one’s actions with intent: integrity.

If leaders today will demonstrate the type of qualities identified and the integrity to stand behind those qualities, their leadership will always stand strong and point others to the God who brought them to this position.

Few areas of leadership take greater priority than developing the type of character that possesses and demonstrates the integrity behind these qualities.