Critical Ministry Memories #5: Led to Lead.

Friday, March 11, 2011
Critical Ministry Memories #5: Led to Lead. There are some in the world of leadership that, once they work their way to “the top” begin to allow themselves to think they are, ultimately, large and in charge. They begin to fall to the notion that since they are the CEO, the General Manager, or even the Senior Pastor, that they are the final authority – their word is what stands above all else. This can be true in secular companies, as well as within the body of the Church. But in order to be a truly effective leader, you must be led.
I speak from the perspective of a pastor, since that’s the world I’m most familiar with, however these principles speak to anyone in leadership. Many times there’s a long fought battle for those who serve in leadership within themselves. It’s the ego-war – the battle between humble servitude and strong leadership. For some reason we have begun to allow ourselves to be convinced that they have to be separate entities. The truth is, however, that they go hand in hand.
In order to be a strong leader you must possess humble servitude. The strongest, most effective of leaders aren’t those who “lord it over” those they lead. They aren’t the leaders who are always right and never allow themselves to admit they’ve been wrong. Nor are they the leaders that possess the “my way or the highway” mentality that doesn’t allow others’ ideas to ever have a place at the table. On the contrary, the strong leader is quite the opposite.
The strongest of leaders are those who show respect to the “team” they’ve been given to lead. They make sure their team knows that they value their ideas, and though they may not always implement them down to every detail, their input is worth something. These types of leaders understand that being the leader doesn’t make them better than those they lead. Serving in the role of leadership is just that – serving.
In order to be the best leader we can be on this side of heaven we must hold strongly to the simple fact that in order to lead effectively we must allow ourselves to be led. If we are to be all that God wants us to be, we absolutely cannot neglect His leadership in our hearts and lives. If I’m going to lead my kids and students, as well as my amazing team of volunteers, in the direction that God wants us to go, I’ve got to be led by Him in that direction myself. I am blessed to serve with a Sr. Pastor that gets that, and it’s such a blessing to know that I’m following and leading with an under-shepherd that allows Christ to lead Him daily.
These truths can apply to us all, whether we are in an obvious leadership role or not. You see, we all lead in some way. You may lead a family (the most crucial leadership role in our entire society). You may lead a Sunday school class. Or you may be the only Christian among your circle of friends – which means you are serving as a leader. Whatever your role of leadership is, remember: you must be led to lead. And as you are led by Him, you’ll become a more humble servant both of Him who leads you and of those you lead.
(This is the last blog of our “Critical Ministry Memories” series.)



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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