As a Bible teacher, pastor, leadership trainer, church consultant and researcher I am always thinking about the effect that church leaders can have on a congregation (positive and negative), pitfalls, and the complex emotional process that can help or hinder leadership. I know of few things that empower leaders and help them think through their roles and responsibilities like strategic training through godly principles. Leaders are encouraged in Scripture to honor the Lord by being devoted to the mandates of Christ to lead by example.
Phil Pringle, Senior Pastor of Christian City Church in Sydney, Australia, and author of You the Leader reminds us that “God desires leaders who are sold out for Him, for it is these leaders who can change the world” (21). He later comments that, “Our [leaders] personal relationship with God must occupy first place in our [leaders’] lives” (27). God calls all Christian leaders to depend on Him for wisdom and to constantly examine the spiritual and emotional processes of leading His people. Ministry is a high calling that demands spiritual growth, character development and an infusion of godly wisdom. Pringle (2005) writes:
Pastors who have growing churches are sometimes accused of “stealing sheep” from other churches. However, rather than stealing, they have just provided green grass in a restful climate. If a preacher is not searching out the Word of God with a personal hunger and excitement, that pastor shouldn’t be surprised when people find that grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. It is essential that all pastors spend time in the Word and in the anointing—for themselves and for their flocks. (126)
What are the indispensible qualities that every Christian who serves in leadership or aspiring to be a leader should possess? What is difference between a good leader and a great leader? I strongly believe that great leaders “provide hope, steadiness, and moral guidance” to a society that is starving in a spiritual famine. Leaders that are experiencing the kind of spiritual growth that draw others to Christ are in high demand. It is my prayer and passion to be actively involved in the training and development of 21st century leaders who will lead us into the next great awakening.
