Being transparent involves seeing through something. The application of being transparent can be challenging when we are in leadership positions.

When we believe the discussions are always directed toward someone else, and never see the application to ourselves, we are not very transparent.

When we hide various areas of a personal nature, when it affects the whole group, we are not being transparent.

When we are working to accomplish our own agenda, regardless of the direction of other leaders, because we have an agenda we think is better, then we are not transparent.

Being transparent means we are willing to take instruction and make application to ourselves with no emphasis upon others.

Being transparent instills confidence in others that our efforts, personally and professionally, are always for the good of the entire group.

Being transparent involves an openness in our communication, laying everything on the table to be discussed, good and bad.

We need more transparency in leadership. This is exactly what we find in the example of Jesus, and it is exactly how we should approach our leadership in the church. Think Souls.

Train as a team!

Understanding the idea of teamwork and training as a team is obviously significant to the overall success of the group. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” to consider in training as a team.

Training and working as a team does not place everyone in an equal position. There are specific roles each member has in order for the unit to function properly. Problems will arise when anyone in a leadership position begins to navigate on their own and no longer follows the proper organizational structure of authority and communication.

Training and working as a team does place everyone on the same page. When a unit works as a team, the goals are communicated and understood. Every individual contributes through their specific tasks to reach the goals. Also, each person is diligent to fulfill their responsibilities without casting blame on someone else for not carrying their weight.

Training as a team has great advantages for the development of any organization. This is especially true within the area of spiritual leadership. When we work together, each fulfilling our necessary roles, the group grows and succeeds.

“Watch me.” Malachi Ramseur

This quote comes from my, almost four year old, grandson. He is one of five and soon to be six grandchildren. I am constantly amazed at the lessons they teach me.

Recently, Malachi was visiting and he loves the bowling video game. On this occasion he was bowling and I was doing a little work on the computer. He kept turning around to make sure I was watching. I think he has eyes in the back of his head, because every time I would look down to type, he would say watch me. Like all children, he wanted praise and reassurance of doing a good job.

During several games I became aware of an interesting leadership connection. People want and need praise and reassurance they are doing a good job.

As leaders, our work is about moving people from point A to point B and the process in between is to praise and reassure them of the good job they are doing.

There is a question to consider. What if they are not doing a good job? My grandson has the answer; “help me.”

How is your leadership today?

What is it and how does it work? We understand a compass refers to an instrument pointing direction. We would also understand morals as applied to right or wrong behavior.

Therefore, a moral compass would connect to a standard that points direction for one’s behavior or conduct, good or bad. The standard of one’s moral compass determines the outcome.

Knowing the influence we have as spiritual leaders, lights shining in a dark and sinful world, it is necessary to consider our conduct in connection to our moral compass. The standard for our moral compass must be calibrated by God’s word.

Our conduct then becomes an example of the standard established and set by God.

The challenge is found in the battle front of the fight; television, movies, marketing ads, and the world (as we would know it) everywhere we turn.

Another challenge involves preventing our personal opinions from becoming the standard we bind on others as a moral compass. If God’s word provides the basis for our moral compass, then personal opinions have no place.

It is challenging, no doubt, but the result will make a difference.

The leadership of Joseph provides great spiritual lessons from Scripture.

Joseph endured adverse circumstances. He was rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, tempted, falsely accused, wrongly thrown into prison, and forgotten.

HOWEVER, the entire account teaches us wonderful lessons about spiritual leadership.

No matter what happens, God is always with us. Throughout the account of Joseph we find a key phrase; “and God was with him.” With each event in Joseph’s life we are reminded of this truth.

Remember God is always working toward a greater purpose. Joseph trusted that God was working for good, even in what appeared to be evil. God saw the ultimate saving of Israel, not just the well-being of Joseph.

Faithfulness will exult an individual and a nation. Joseph was eventually elevated to power over all of Egypt. This act led to the saving and development of God’s people.

These are powerful lessons in application for leaders today. If we can learn God is with us, He works in our lives for a greater purpose, and faithfulness will result in exultation, then our leadership is rooted in the right foundation.

The approach of many in leadership is far too often one of monarchy. It is fairly common for leaders to fall prey to a position of authority or power. Several thoughts are descriptive of this style of leadership.

The leader is above the law. They see themselves as making decisions, creating the law, not following it.

The leader relies on force, either through emotional manipulation or physical motivation.

The leader believes they are indispensable. They are the only one who “knows” and can do the job right.

However, spiritual leadership thrives on participation. Spiritual leaders rely on the group overall and working with the group to achieve the goal(s).

Decisions and policies are made by and for the group.
Motivation is based on shared purpose and adequate communication.
Shared representation is built on “we” not “I.”

Participation in the role of leadership will involve patience, allowance of independence, an assumption of responsibility, and the need of cooperation.

We are striving to reach a common goal and need each other if we are going to make a difference. Think Souls.

Keep others informed.

Three simple words, yet here is a principle that challenges our leadership. The challenge to leadership exists because the idea behind this principle involves communication.

When leaders do not keep others informed, the following happens:

People grow suspicious.
Distrust blossoms in their minds.
An element of doubt in leadership ability develops.
Anxiety begins to characterize feelings.

The lack of communication is not always intentional. Sometimes, we live a very structured life. We develop a routine and life becomes predictable. In the end, our communication is affected and eventually stops.

Is it possible to prevent these concerns from developing and growing? Yes!

Following three simple words…Keep others informed.

Within the church, there is a great need for Christians to be informed by leadership.

What kind of information needs to be provided?

Inform others of the plans for the future.
Inform others of any changes that need to be made.
Inform others of challenges / hindrances / obstacles facing the plans.
Inform others of the needs.

When leaders communicate / inform others, trustworthy and loyal relationships develop. It is time for God’s leaders to lead.

“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”  Harry Truman

Several areas about this quote could be noted and rightfully so. However, I love the last line.

Leaders have come and gone. We could all list leaders who are remembered for the negative and destructive nature of their leadership. We could also list others who are remembered for the good and lasting nature of their leadership.

Thinking of a more current and practical approach, what about you and me?

How will our leadership influence be remembered in the church and community where we live and serve?

Will we be remembered because we changed things for the better?
Will our leadership have an impact for the eternal good of others?

If it seems as though the world is standing still around us, then maybe it is time we stood up to lead. Seize the opportunity to change things for the better. Lead as God demands and the world needs!

At one time or another, we all feel a little less than their best. Perhaps we had a poor night’s sleep, we may have a virus, or we are just having one of those days.

Recently, I was struggling with some sort of virus. I knew my energy levels were low, I felt achy, and I had a slight fever. I did not feel well.

I do not advocate showing up to work when contagious and risk infecting everyone. However, I remember a statement by Jerry West; “you can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

We need to learn how to work through the times when we do not feel as good as other days.

Remember our purpose. Do not lose sight of why we are leading.
Put one foot in front of the other. At times, just getting started helps.
Focus on the goal. The result promises to be worth the effort.
Remain dedicated to finish. It is not how you start, but how you finish that makes a difference.

Leadership motivates us to show up everyday!

Enoch is not a great Biblical leader because of the number of people the Bible mentions he led. In reality, there are no followers mentioned.

He is not a great Biblical leader because he did not see death.

Enoch is a great Biblical leader because Genesis 5 states he “walked with God.” Just saying those three words makes my mind and heart race.

Every spiritual leader needs to be characterized by their walk with God. How powerful it would be if our eulogy was simply summed up as one who “walked with God.”

The beauty of Enoch’s walk is explained in the book of Hebrews. The text says; “by faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death…”

Reading the account in Genesis and Hebrews leads us to a powerful conclusion. Enoch’s walk with God was a life characterized by faith.

Examining the whole of Hebrews 11, with an application to leaders today, we find a walk of faith is one of seeking God, obedience to His word, and trusting in His providence now to help us receive what is promised then.