The Presbyter's Page
Electronic Edition – January 2003
Original articles published January 2002
Section 12 - LA
District UPCI
Donald Bryan - Presbyter
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Ten
Commandments of Leadership
Churches
Claim Catchy One-Liners Are A Sign Of The Times
Generally, people do not split from leadership over theology; more often than not a break takes place as the result of the way they are being led. A leader’s relationship, therefore, is of paramount importance. A second ingredient of leadership is the ability to involve others in planning, making decisions, and solving problems. Is it time to make a change in the way we lead? In the Bible we find the story of a leader who was willing to change the way he led in order to minister to Israel more effectively.
Moses received Jethro’s advice and acted on it. He changed his style of leadership and the result was of manifold benefit to him and to the people of Israel. Growth means change, but change does not always mean growth. For the most part, however, the issue is not how to grow but when we will be willing to pay the price to grow.
Change is one of the hardest things for people to do. In fact it seems that most people are happier living with old problems than new solutions. Since leadership exerts influence, when a leader changes and grows then his church will also change and grow. Moses came to the realization that no leader can minister by himself. First of all, the task was too great for him. Moreover, others could do much of the work as well as he could. Further, when he recognized and involved others, the people came to regard themselves as important to the work, and they faithfully followed his leadership.
When people answer the call to the ministry, they cross an important line. They become leaders, providing not only an example but also a direction for people to travel. Moses first began to change his way of thinking.
Essentially our life is made up of our thoughts, and that is where change must begin. Second, Moses changed his way of work: he changed his behavior. But the list of changes does not stop there. By accepting Jethro’s counsel, Moses experienced changes in seven other major areas of importance.
1.
Moses became a man of prayer.
2.
Moses committed himself to be a communicator.
3.
Moses laid out a vision before the people.
4.
Moses laid out a step-by-step plan.
5.
Moses selected and trained leaders.
6.
Moses released them to do the ministry.
7.
Moses limited his work to what the people could not do.
The transition from ministry to leadership takes place as follows:
1.
Doing the things others are unwilling to do. That is servanthood, and it is fundamental
and foundational.
2.
Doing things that others should do. This is modeling, that is, doing what needs
to be done in order to show the people how.
3.
Doing things that others can learn to do. This is equipping people, and it should be
in accordance to the highest level of their gifts.
4.
Doing things that others cannot do, which is leadership.
Ten Commandments of Leadership
In Christianity, we find the story of Moses ascending to the mount and returning with the Ten Commandments carved in stone. The children of Israel were to follow these commandments in order to be successful. I have found through study that if you are going to become an effective, successful leader, there are ten commandments you must carve into the tables of your heart.
1.
Treat everyone with respect and dignity. If
you expect respect, you must display respect.
No successful leader demands respect – they earn it. The way a leader treats his people reflects
on his character. If he does not
respect them, he won’t have them for long and a leader without people is not a
leader.
2.
You must set the example for others to follow. Don’t expect your people to be on time if you are
always running 30 minutes late. Leading
by example is an important part of leadership.
Don’t tell them how – show them how.
If you want hardworking people, be a hard worker.
3.
Become an active coach. Don’t be known
only as the man on the sideline yelling at your players. An active leader is involved somewhat with
his people. He is not only known as the
man who gives orders, but also is known as the man who can give a hand when
needed.
4.
Be an honest leader. Honesty still is the best
policy. If a leader is dishonest, his people
will find out and then he will lose their trust. Dishonesty is not worth the price you must pay. Be honest in all your activities and in the
long run, it will pay off.
5.
Insisting on excellence. Don’t settle for second
best. Don’t accept half complete job
assignments – hold your people accountable.
If something doesn’t get done to the best of their ability, let them
know you appreciate their efforts, however, they can and will do better.
6.
The leader must build group cohesiveness and pride. Team spirit is a must. It is amazing how things can be accomplished if a group will join
together. Make each person feel just as
important to the success of the project as anyone else.
7.
Show confidence in your people.
If
they know you believe in them, then they will believe in themselves, thereby
producing greater results. If you have
no confidence in your people, they will lose confidence in you and you will
eventually lose them. Believe in them
and they will believe in you.
8.
Maintain a strong sense of urgency.
Know
the importance of having the job done when it is due. Put the pressure on. The
pressure will force concentrated efforts on their part, producing good work.
9.
Be available to your people. If they need to talk, you
need to be there for them. You need to
be visible so they know you do more than just sit there, doing nothing, and
taking all the credit.
10.
Develop yourself. It si very important that
you (the leader) never become status quo.
The average man will be the one that works in the factory, not the one
who owns the factory. Don’t ever quit;
continue on to great success. Always
try to be a little bit better. Being a leader
isn’t an easy journey, but it is well worth it.
Some of the things you can do in your own congregation to rectify any lack of loyalty are:
1.
Teach the difference between faithfulness and loyalty.
2.
Remind your people that, according to their new nature, they already
want to be loyal. Unless they are
outright rebels, disloyal acts come out of ignorance and/or weakness of the
flesh.
3.
Let them know, in light of their sharpened understanding, you are
expecting them to be loyal. They will
be what you expect them to be.
4.
Be careful about whom you appoint to places of responsibility. Look for loyalty, not just faithfulness.
5.
As a leader, practice those qualities of leadership that will help
people become more loyal to you.
Remember, you are representing Jesus to your people. We are faithful to Jesus because He is our
Master and Lord. We are loyal to Him
because He is our Brother and Friend.
Churches Claim Catchy One-Liners Are A Sign Of The
Times
Consider it a sign of the times. In their efforts to reach those passing by, churches are turning to one-liners, posted big and bold on illuminated signs outside.
Ø
“Do
not wait for the hearse to take you to church.”
Ø
“Want
to avoid burning? Use ‘Son’ block.”
Ø
“Try
our Sundays; they are better than Baskin-Robbins.”
Ø
“Try
Jesus. If you don’t like Him, the devil
will always take you back.”
Ø
“Free
trip. Details inside.”
Ø
“Forbidden
fruits create many jams.”
Ø
“ATM
inside: Atonement, Truth, Mercy.”
Ø
“Come
in and pray today. Beat the Christmas
rush.”
Ø
“Life
has many choices. Eternity has
two. What’s yours?”
Ø
“The
Ten Commandments are not multiple choice.”
Ø
“This
church is prayer conditioned.”
Ø
“Vacancy: Every Sunday 10:00 a.m.”
Ø
“When
we work, we work. When we pray, God works.”
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