Tag: Example

The Craft of Leadership

Is leadership really a craft? How do leaders hone the craft of leadership? What skills are needed for this craft?

The answers to these questions are varied and complex, depending on the source. There are, however, a few ideas that benefit this approach in leadership.

We all possess certain skills, and developing those skills improves the craft.

Leaders spend years developing and providing a great example to emulate.

Practicing our skills is crucial to understanding the craft and improving our skill set in leadership.

Nothing comes quickly or easily, but with time and effort, our leadership craft matures into something beautiful.

Lead Like Jesus

Peter clearly points out that Jesus suffered, leaving an example to follow in His steps.

Peter’s first letter is one that acknowledges the need for Christians to prepare for suffering, not to be surprised when suffering occurs, and to know that when they suffer as Christians they are blessed.

Would we think differently about the words of the song, “Oh To Be Like Thee,” if we knew that we were asking to suffer as Jesus suffered?

We often hear, “Lead like Jesus.” Will our leadership involve suffering for the cause of the Lord? Are we willing to lead like Him?

Imitating Christ

Scripture instructs us to be an imitator of Christ. Peter identifies that Jesus left an example that we should walk in His steps.

What exactly does that mean? In context, Peter’s statement to Christians related to suffering.

Hopefully, we possess a conviction to walk in His steps, even when suffering.

Our prayer is that we draw closer to our God, understand more fully the example left for us to follow, and then live our life as a reflection of His example.

Where will it take us? If we follow it through, we might just find an amazing path before us.

Surveying Our Leadership…

I am not a fan of surveys. Every time I purchase a product, visit an establishment, call customer service, etc. I get a survey in my email. Ugh!
However, there are a few questions, we need to consider.

What would a survey say is the priority of our life? Quality of our work ethic? Consistency of what we believe and practice? The “type” of people we seek to influence?

The list of questions goes on. We need to understand the value of surveying each area of our life and measuring how we live by the example provided in Jesus.

Developing Others to Lead…

Managers within the Chipotle food chain are promoted on the bases of how they develop leaders among their employees.

Instead of being consumed with the fear of being out-performed, shown-up, or otherwise replaced, imagine the growth of the church where leaders constantly develop others to lead.

Imagine what would happen within the church.

Jesus demonstrated this in developing the apostles for the task of evangelizing the world.

Paul instructed older men to set an example of a godly life and older women to teach younger women matters of the home.

We influence others everyday. Let us mentor them to lead.

Leadership Begins In The Home…

Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “What parents excuse in moderation, children will abuse in excess.”

The hearts and minds of children are sculpted from a young age. Our influence is greater than we can imagine.

Parents need to give serious consideration to the words and activities expressed in their lives.

They must live a standard in the home they are comfortable with seeing their children live out in excess. Parents face enough challenges battling worldly influences. Why take chances on living an example that questions the biblical precedence of godliness?

Use the home as a refuge sanctified by the teachings of God’s word.

Seeking the Mind of Christ…

Biblical leaders seek the mind of Christ.

Paul’s letter to Philippi expresses a number of key thoughts in relationship to the mind of Christ.

A Christlike motive, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.”
A foundational attitude, “With humility of mind.”
A concluding activity, “Regard others as more important than yourselves.”

These three thoughts help us understand what Paul meant by the mind of Christ that must be emulated by all Christians. However, understanding the mind of Christ must be coupled with seeking the mind of Christ.

Biblical leaders are dedicated to understanding the mind of Christ and following His example.

Leading to Glorify God…

Psalm 96 is one that emphasizes numerous areas about our God, who He is and all He has done. Specifically, two verses highlight the glory of the Lord.

Notice the word “ascribe,” which indicates what God’s people attribute to Him. Ascribe glory to the Lord. How?

Three thoughts: “Bring an offering, worship in holy attire, and tremble before Him.”

If worship is an intentional meeting with and bringing a gift to God, then He is glorified in our worship. It seems fitting that leaders set the example and remind others of all that belongs to the Lord.

Trusting God’s Leadership…

One of the common themes throughout the Psalms encourages God’s people to seek refuge and trust in Him. Notice the thought expressed in Psalm 118, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

When we trust in ourselves, we can easily become frustrated with our lack of abilities.

When we trust in others, we often become disillusioned to the role of humanity.

Overall, leaders must set the example of trust and dependence upon God. We must learn to trust with all our heart and seek refuge in Him, rather than ourselves or others.

A Model of Leadership…

A model provides an example to follow or emulate. Spiritual leaders must model several areas for others.

Model a Christian life. We are not perfect, but we can portray an example of those who work with our imperfections and improve how we approach life.

Model leadership. Not only should we love to lead, but we should live for it. We need to dig deeper and speak often about helping others learn to lead.

Model grace. The one word others need to hear from us is grace. We must believe in, live by, and trust completely in God’s grace. Hold on to God’s promise. 

May we always live the model of Christ before others.