Before we begin thinking about the early stages of evolutionary development, the idea behind this word also carries the impetus of something that is essential or foundational.

Nothing could more essential than spiritual leadership. Nothing could be more foundational to eternity than spiritual leadership.

How does the idea of primal apply to the surroundings of leadership?

Primal comes from a Latin word meaning “first.” The idea relates to the beginnings, first things, primary, essential and foundational elements of all that is connected to life: intellectually, physically, emotionally, and physically.

When thinking about leadership, the need is evident to understand the primary / first elements that must be in place for the success of our leading.

These elements are the building blocks of all leaders: integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

There will always be additional elements to include, but these are primal to leadership.

Using these as a foundation, leaders can build strength and character that provides hope for everyone who follows. Think Souls!

Something happens during the transition from a follower to a leader. One of the great myths about leadership is that when one reaches a position of leadership, they can focus on themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Leaders should be cautious about what they say, how they write, and the influence they have when leading others.

When our speech (spoken or written) is filled with personal pronouns, e.g. “me,” “myself,” and “I,” then leaders need to step back and evaluate what, or perhaps more appropriate, who they are promoting.

The strength of true spiritual leadership must always be focused on the good of others, even at the expense of self.

When Jesus was teaching the apostles about being a servant (Jn. 13), He used the term love regarding the new commandment. The powerful influence of this type of leadership is that all people will know we are His disciples if we have love for / serve one another.

How are we demonstrating love if our words and actions betray that love for the purpose of serving self?

Leadership is filled with its challenges, not the least of which is “self.”

“Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.” William Barclay

Initially, it seemed appropriate to let the thought for the day stand alone. The thought expressed by Barclay in these eight words is incredibly powerful. Two major ideas are connected to this thought.

The first idea lays a foundation for sacrifice. Leaders give of their time and ability to help others. It demands their attention and willingness to see others reach their greatest potential in relationship to God and His church. “Whatever it takes” becomes the mindset of spiritual leaders who sacrifice their own will for the will of God as it is directed in His word.

The second idea engages an approach of selflessness. The two ideas are so interrelated it becomes difficult to distinguish them. However, the difference is seen in the action of one and the motivation of the other. Effective leadership will make sacrifices, but the reason they make them is the selfless heart seen in the servant of God.

Again, the thought above speaks for itself, but the ideas related to it help all of us lead with the right actions and motives.

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

The second is the idea developed from the 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.

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.