As a catalyst, leaders incite forward and positive movement. For a leader to benefit in developing the characteristics of a catalyst, there must be a genuine interest in others.

Genuine interest is much easier said than done. As well, there are individuals we are more genuinely interested in than others.

Leaders are familiar with people who can be emotionally draining. The time and energy demands can be challenging.

Having a genuine interest in others requires a few key components.

Genuine interest requires the ability to listen. Far too often the tendency is to think about a response, rather than listening to the words, body language and tone of voice.

Genuine interest requires eye contact. Especially when there is disinterest, it is hard not to look at the clock / watch, make eye contact with someone else, or even worse, struggle to stay awake.

Genuine interest requires appropriate questions. Asking appropriate questions, i.e. who, why, how, when, and what, helps identify interest in the lives of others.

A few key components makes a spiritual catalyst more effective in their leadership and it increases a movement in the right direction.

One of the most critical areas of leadership involves an understanding and practice 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, 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 influence.

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.

The lessons learned while watching old Andy Griffith episodes can be helpful. One specific episode was titled Keeper of the Flame. Andy began to doubt Opie’s denial of involvement in burning down another man’s barn based on circumstantial evidence. However, he learned a great lesson about the need to trust his son, even though Opie would not reveal “all” the information.

Opie did not give any information to his father because he had sworn an oath to his club that had made him “keeper of the flame,” a small candle used during their secret club meetings.

Three lessons stood out as important. The first is that leaders must learn not to judge according to appearance or circumstantial evidence, a biblical concept taught by Jesus.

A second lesson is leaders should trust those who have established character, even though they withhold information because of confidentiality.

The third lesson is be careful about allowing others to influence decisions when the evidence is only circumstantial.

In the end, Andy makes Opie the “keeper of the flashlight” to prevent possible misunderstandings in the future. Leaders can use these lessons to prevent the same.

“You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.” Colin Powell

One of the most frustrating challenges in relationships involves both sides of today’s thought.

The challenge is even more complicated from a leadership perspective. On one hand, it would be easy to make someone else’s choices for them. After all, a leader is supposed to have the answers, right?

On the other hand, if leaders were making decisions for others, others would be positioned to make choices for them.

If leaders make choices for others there is a possibility of resentment.

When leaders make choices for others, a certain expectation can be created.

Making choices for others can also lead to an unhealthy dependency.

Leading is about relationships and leading others involves helping them make the right choices, not making those choices for them.

Leadership has the potential of influencing others for a greater purpose. Let us always lead with the desire to help others see and make the choice of heaven.

“The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread.”

Nothing is more powerful than knowing we have the greatest Ally defending us. As Paul further claims by use of a question; “if God is for us, who can be against us?”

However, the challenge is living out the reality of this thought. When we hold to this truth it can change the direction of our leadership.

We could write several articles discussing a number of areas leaders fear regarding leadership, but that is not the purpose of this post.

Leaders need to demonstrate confidence, the type of confidence that is not based on one’s own personal abilities, but a confidence built upon a relationship with God.

David and Paul understood there was no need to fear anyone or anything. God was the defense of their lives.

Leaders should always know and be aware of the Ally we have in God.

When this relationship exists there is no need to fear, because God is for us. He will defend and fight for us. This is why we can lead with godly confidence.

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 are going to 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. As I read through the examples provided, I could not help but connect the idea with a spiritual application.

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.

Security highlights several important factors that have a significant role in leadership.

When leadership provides an avenue that is fixed so as not to give way, followers are secure.

When there is no threat because leaders keep followers safe and unharmed, they are secure.

When followers are protected against the attacks of an enemy, the environment is secure.

When leaders are stable, eliminate anxiety and provide freedom from fear, the results are secure.

Go back through the four statements above and consider them within a spiritual context. There is a great need for leaders who do not give way to liberal direction, providing spiritual protection from the forces of Satan / evil. Spiritual leaders must give stability that eliminates the fear and anxiety associated with the temporal world.

For leaders to accomplish this type of security a few simple steps will help.

1) Be strong in faith.

2) Grow in knowledge of the word.

3) Trust completely in God.

4) Remember there is strength in numbers.

5) Lead with confidence.

Do people feel secure with our leadership? Only you and I can know.

Have you ever found yourself asking: how did I get here? This is a common question asked when…

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

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

…guidelines are not established 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?

I am 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.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Ben Franklin

No matter what age group, this thought has application.

As parents raising children, how powerful to think about training children by involving them. Far too often, the television and video games become the tool of choice to keep children occupied. Leadership means a step up to engage children by getting them involved so they learn.

As educators, the same lesson applies. The tendency is to simply lecture, providing information. We have become a society good at giving the facts. However, what is missing is application, and even more so, the involvement of students in the learning process.

As spiritual leaders within the church, we need to learn the value of this thought in helping the church move out of complacency and apathy. People will not learn if the only exchange is by telling them. In most cases, people forget before they reach their car.

Let us take leadership to a new level, involving others to learn. Engage others in application of the biblical and godly principles that bring growth.

The thought of this Psalm is extremely comforting. God is our strength and refuge. As such, He is the help that is present when we face trouble.

As we consider the application of this Psalm, there are so many areas in our lives today where it fits.

When the trouble we face is one of loss: a friend, family member, position, possession, or health; God is the help we need.

We are comforted in knowing God is the help provided in the times we suffer most, but where does this help come from?

God’s help comes from His word. Throughout scripture we find strength, comfort and guidance to help us in times of trouble.

God’s help comes through prayer. It is not by accident that scripture indicates we are to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.

God’s help comes from others. One of the best ways leadership is demonstrated is through providing strength, comfort and guidance.

We receive great peace from God when we apply these three areas during those times of trouble.