WHAT IS A WISE LEADER (according to Proverbs)?

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WISE LEADER

(According to Proverbs)

Defining our Terms

What is Leadership?

“Leadership is a dynamic process in which a man with God-given capacity influences a specific group of God’s people toward His purposes for the group.” - Dr. J. Robert Clinton

“Leadership is the art of influencing others to their maximum performance to accomplish any task, objective, or project.” - William Cohen

“Leadership is influence.” – Dr. John Maxwell

“A leader is one who knows the road, who can keep ahead, and who can pull others after him.” - Dr. John R. Mott

What is Wisdom?

            “A godly person seeks, through wisdom given by the Spirit, to apply the precepts of the    Lord to the circumstances of life” – Dr. John Frame in Systematic Theology (p. 354)

            “Wisdom is both intellectual and ethical. Wisdom is a form of knowledge that penetrates to the deeper significance of things and therefore enables us to apply that knowledge to practical situations.” Dr. John Frame in Systematic Theology

            “In the Bible, wisdom means that a person thinks the thoughts of God and brings them to bear upon particular issues in life. He becomes a skilled artisan in life” (ex: Exod. 31:1-5; Jas. 3:13-17).  – Dr. Don Owsley

What are Some Qualities of True Wisdom?

1.    Our wise God communicates wisdom to us by his Word and Spirit within the context of life (Dt. 17; 34:9; Prov. 30:5; Jer. 8:8-9; Acts 6:3; 1 Cor. 2:6-16).

2.   It is the ability to know and do the right things in difficult situations (Lk. 21:14-15). 

3.   It is the ability to say the right thing (Acts 6:10; 1 Cor. 2:6; 12:8; Col. 1:28; 2 Pet. 3:15).

4.   Biblical Wisdom is revealed through good works done in meekness (James 3:17-18) and it manifests these virtues:

a.    Pure   - the heart of true wisdom; moral integrity (Matt. 5:8).

b.   Peaceable    – one doesn’t start strife or dissension but actively promotes peaceable solutions (Rom. 12:18; Matt. 5:9).

c.    Considerate    – gentle, kind, forbearing, gracious patience, gracious allowance for others. “…Steadfastness which is able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment,  trusting God in spite of all of it (Phil. 4:5; 2 Cor. 10:1)” in Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament. (1980). 

d.   Reasonable  – submissive, willing to yield, compliant, and easy to be entreated.

e.    Full of mercy  – delights in mercy, justice and faithfulness; is merciful toward others (Matt. 5:5, 7; 23:23).

f.     Full of good fruit  – God’s good work is manifested in your deeds.

g.    Unwavering    – is single-minded devotion to the Lord; undivided and certain with regard to purity as opposed to immorality.

h.   Sincere  – without hypocrisy or pretense; not fake.

5.    Godly, biblical wisdom is a holistic quality of one’s heart (mind), word, and deed.  

6.   There are three key aspects of a leader (for example, see Romans 15:14):

a. Character – (to be)

The wise and godly leader has a character of “engraved distinctive quality” that remains steadfast in moral excellence. He or she lives a  praiseworthy life, is a person of special quality in whom others willingly place their trust, and is a person with a controlled mind, will, emotions,  attitudes, etc.  

b.    Comprehension – (to know)

This is what God wants you to know. The leader is to mentally grasp hold of truth with a moral perception. This requires disciplined study to gain truth and knowledge so as to comprehend the nature, significance, and meaning of things. 

c.  Competency - (to do)

This is what God wants you to do: to have the requisite ability to respond to and meet any challenge. The leader is qualified, skilled, and faithful in the work to which he or she is called. The wise leader is effective in relationships, communication, performance, and delegation and is able to lead and to get others to follow.  In other words, the leader is competent. 

To build trust with followers, you must exemplify these three aspects along with the ability to connect with others.

Wisdom’s Heart-Mind

A. A core feature of a wise leader is humility

1.    Read Proverbs 3:7 and 11:2. What do these verses say?

2.   In this way, the wise leader is like Jesus Christ (Prov. 8:12-13; 26:12; 1 Cor. 2:14; Phil. 2:1-10).

3.   This is a characteristic God tells his people to have (Jas. 4:10).

4.   To be humble is the opposite of self-willed and self-pleasing arrogance (Luke 14:10; Phil 2:3; Ti.

1:7; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5).

To apply this personally, humility says:

a.    I am not predominately willful, obstinate, domineering, or arrogant.  

b.   I do not stand hard on “everything” I believe and do not insist on my own way, ideas, or beliefs. In other words, my principles have not become unbreakable laws for others (Rom. 14).

c.    I have a genuine interest in others and in what they say and do.  

d.   I am not one who delights too much in appearance, performance, or status.

e.    Humility is the prerequisite to being teachable, thinking rightly about myself before the face of God (Rom. 12:3, 10, 16). 

B.  A wise leader fears the Lord 

1.    Read Proverbs 1:7 and compare with Prov. 1:29; 3:7; 9:10; 15:33 and Job 28:28.

2.   Something to think about:

To come to a place of genuine repentance, one must understand his or her place before God, recognizing such petty insignificance when compared to an awesome, powerful, mighty, just, holy, righteous, and sovereign God whose wrath is terrifying (Heb. 12:21). Coming into a loving relationship with this awesome God still rests upon the understanding of who he is, what he can do, and what he will do on that terrible judgment day (Heb. 10:27).

A person fears God if he or she knows God because to come into His holy presence is to realize one’s place as a creature, poisoned by sin. Since God’s holiness requires judgment upon sin, such awareness of this truth causes us to be in terror of Him (Gen. 3:10; Deut. 9:19; Psa. 76:8; Matt. 9). 

However, God’s gracious and merciful acts toward his people change that dread into awe and a reverent fear for him (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; 130:4; 145:8; Jonah 4:2). Therefore, the gate through which a person enters into God’s presence in order to have a genuine and loving relationship with him starts with fear (Heb. 4:1).  

C. A wise leader is a perpetual learner.

Leadership experts Warren Bennis and Bert Nanus spoke to this issue: “It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguish leaders from their followers.”  (John C. Maxwell. Becoming a Person of Influence. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1997.  p. 127)

1.   A Wise leader cognitively and relationally knows the Lord (Prov. 2:5; 3:6).    Knowledge in Scripture denotes covenantal friendship with God; wisdom denotes skill, especially the skill of godly living (James 3:13-17).

2.  A Wise leader has revealed knowledge from God. 

a.        Prov. 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

b.        Jesus Christ is the perfect wise leader because he is Wisdom (Prov. 8). What do these passages tell you? 

Isaiah 11:2 -     ______________________________________

Matt. 13:54 -    _______________________________________

I Cor. 1:24 -      _______________________________________

Col. 2:3 -           In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

c.   The Lord grants wisdom to his people through his Word and Spirit,  especially when they ask. 

James 1:5 -       _______________________________________

Also, check out:

Prov. 3:19; 8:30; 28:7-9; 30:5; Jer. 8:8f; Acts 6:3; I Cor. 1:24, 30; 2:6-16; Col. 2:3; 3:16; and 2 Tim. 3:15.

3.  A wise leader’s knowledge grows out of discipleship (Prov. 2:1-5)

            (Though the term is not used in Proverbs, the concept is)

 Not only is a wise leader a disciple, but the leader also disciples others.  

a.        This implies repentance

(1) The natural man rejects God’s knowledge because he rejects God (Romans 1; I Corinthians 1:18-21)

(2) The natural man needs a change of heart to turn from sin to become truly wise (Prov. 8:13 cp. 9:10; 3:7)

(3) One must also turn from cherished independence that seems like the right thing to do (Prov. 14:12).

(4) The leader must turn to God’s light to be wise. (Prov. 9:4-6 cp. Jn. 1)

b.        This also implies devotion.  

(1) Wisdom comes to the lover or suitor of wisdom (2:10)

Prov. 8:34 - Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.

(2) A truly devoted and wise leader will treasure wisdom more than anything else!

(3) He will be devoted to the end. (Prov. 9:9)

(4) Devotion means that the leader is receptive to God’s commands and purposes. (Prov. 10:8).

                   So, a truly wise person knows the Lord and thinks God’s  thoughts about everything!

4.  A wise leader embraces instruction and correction as part of his/her life’s training.

a.    Training in wisdom is hard and difficult. However, the godly leader intentionally,

determined, and passionately pursues wisdom.  There is no passivity in becoming wise.

(1)  Wisdom is for anyone who truly wants it from the heart. Even fools are invited to feast upon wisdom (Prov. 9:4,16).  

(2) A wise person will seek it out and acquire it (Prov. 1:5; 2:4-5)

(3) Wisdom is costly and is reserved for the upright (Prov. 2:7-9), but it is far more valuable than gold (Prov. 16:16). Therefore, it is something you need to “buy” (Prov. 2:4; 23:23).

(4)  A wise person values truth and the Lord enough to pay the price of having it.

Prov. 4:7 - The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

Prov. 23:23 - Buy truth and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

                  (5)   As a leader, you are called to get wisdom. 

Prov. 4:5 Get wisdom! Get insight! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 

b.  Training in wisdom comes by instruction (Prov. 1:2ff).

c.   Training in wisdom also comes by correction.

            Prov. 1:23 - Turn to my reproof, behold I will pour out my spirit on you. 

Warning: “When you criticize someone, you make it harder for them to change.”  – Daniel Goleman. What Makes a Leader. 2014, Loc. 102.

d. Training in wisdom comes by chastening.

(1) Prov. 19:25 -Strike a scoffer and the naïve may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. 

(2) Prov. 3:11 -My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof. For the Lord reproves him whom he loves as a father the son in whom he delights.  

        (3) Prov. 23:13 cp. 3:11   _____________________________________ 

D. A wise leader, then, has understanding and insight

                  (Proverbs 1:22; 2:2)

1.   The wise leader discerns between good and evil  

Phil. 1:9-10  - And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.

Take a look at Solomon in I Kings 3:9

I Cor. 2:14 - There is a supernatural discernment that comes from God’s Spirit through his Word. 

2.  Wisdom brings good sense

 Prov. 10:13 - On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for  the back of him who lacks sense. (6:32) 

               Cp. Eph. 4:18 - where the unwise are darkened in their understanding

Read Genesis 41:37-39 to see an example of God’s wisdom and good sense working through a godly leader. 

With a wise leader, there is rationality and orderliness to her or   his ways, and sensible answers to situations and problems. 

3.   When it comes to finding guidance in life, wisdom provides (Prov. 3:21-22 )

a.    This includes making plans by seeking advice (Prov. 11:14; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6) and listening to wise counsel (Prov. 12:15).

b.  Regardless of your circumstances or situation, wisdom’s guidance in life means to know how to keep a straight course along God’s path of life and light (Prov. 15:21)

4.  Wisdom is trusting in God’s will for his or her life.

      Prov. 3:5 -

      Prov. 19:21

      Prov. 20:24- A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord. How then can man  understand his own way?

E.     A wise leader is shrewd.

            Prov. 1:4b - … to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion. 

            Prov. 2:11 - Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you.

1.   The wise one takes the trouble to know his way about and plans his course realistically (Pro. 22:3; 14:15).

         “I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and achieved my purpose.”  – David Livingstone

2.  A wise leader knows the ropes of life, or as some say, “street-wise” (1:1-7).

3. What does Matthew 10:16 say, and what does this mean in practical terms for the leader?

4. In Luke 16:1-13, what does Jesus say about shrewdness?

5.  Read Luke 20:19-26. In their cunning ways, certain men attempted to trap Jesus into saying or doing something that would be self-incriminating. How did Jesus apply wisdom in a shrewd way to foil their plot?

6. Read Esther 4-7. How does this account reveal discretion and cunning for a righteous cause?

Wisdom’s Words

A.     A Wise One uses her or his tongue well.

            (Pro. 10:13, 31-32; 11:9, 12; 15:2, 7; 17:27; 18:4; 20:12)

1.  Proverbs 16:23 states that the wise person’s heart guides his or her mouth.   What else?

2.  The wise leader speaks words that are like a refreshing brook (Prov. 18:4). 

3.   According to Proverbs 18:20-21 there is great power in words. They have the power to bless or to curse.

4.  From Prov. 25:11-12, what else are a wise person’s words like?  What does this mean?

B.     Wisdom’s words have the power to bring great blessing.

1.    Words may be a source of refreshment (Prov. 10:11; 21a).

2.   They are a source of wisdom for others (Prov. 10:13a; 15:7a; 20:15).

3.   Wise words can also be a source of healing (Prov. 8:7; 12:18; 16:24; 12:25). 

C.     The wise leader’s words are commendable and good:

1.    Good words do not engage in self-praise (Prov. 27:2; 30:32).  

                But they do praise God (Psa. 66:17; 71:24; 119:172) and praise others (Prov. 8:7; Eph.

4:29).

2.   Such leaders are honest and truthful (Psa. 34:13; Prov. 8:7; 24:26; 28:23). 

                      Also, see Col. 3:8-10 and Eph. 4:25. 

3.   A wise leader’s words are _________________ (Prov. 10:14, 19; 13:3). 

“It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” 

4.   Good words are ________________________(Prov. 17:27). 

a. Prov. 18:13 - This passage tells you to be a ready listener and not to answer or speak until the other person is finished talking (see also James 1:19). 

b. Prov. 15:1

c. Prov. 16:21, 23

d. Prov. 25:15 

e.  James 1:26 

(1) The Lord commands us to have a bridled tongue.

(2) James 3:2 - the one who is able to bridle her or his tongue is also fit to direct the whole life according to God’s will.

(3) This is important, for the measure of one’s spiritual maturity and development comes by the use and control of his tongue!

f.    The wise leader thinks before speaking (Prov. 15:28).  

g.   A wise leader controls her or his words (Pro. 11:13; 21:23 compare Psa. 39:1).

h.   Read Ephesians 4:25-32. What does this tell you about your speech?

Observe that misusing the tongue grieves the Holy Spirit. It is noteworthy in Ephesians 5:18ff that five things indicate the filling of the Spirit; four of the five are connected to the tongue! 

5.    A wise person’s good words fit the occasion (Prov. 10:32).

6.   However, good words are never a substitute for positive action when that action is needed (Prov. 14:23).

7.    A wise and godly person will communicate by:

a.    Encouraging in order to encourage others (Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25; 1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11).   

b.   ___________________ others (Deut. 6:4-9; Col. 3:16; Heb. 5:11-14).    

c.    ___________________ others (Rom. 15:14; 1 Cor. 10:11; Eph. 6:4; 1 Thess. 5:12; Ti. 3:10). 

d.   Building others up (Acts 20:32; Rom. 14:19; 15:2; 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Thess. 5:11). 

Wisdom’s Deeds

A.  Such a leader is wise when dealing with others.

            (Pro. 1:3; 10:5; 12:8)

“Wisdom is the ability to read the circumstances and people around them.”

                                                                     - Tremper Longman  

1.   The wise person is righteous in all her or his ways.

(Pro. 10:21; 12:18; 16:17; 21:21; Hos. 14:9) 

Prov. 11:19 - The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

Prov. 6:1-5 and 17:18 says that a wise person is able to say no to unwise things.

 2.  He or she knows how to graciously respond to the failures of others (Prov.  14:21).

3. Wisdom informs the leader when and how to keep distance from some people (Prov. 22:24, 25).

4.   The wise one is like Jesus Christ, the Servant of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2; 52:13; Pro. 8:20; Matt. 13:54; Lk. 2:40 1 Cor. 1:24; 2:14). 

Col. 2:2b-3 - …to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

I Cor. 2:14 – the leader has the mind of Christ who taught his people:

·      To hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5)

·      Exhibit religious and practical aspects of righteousness 

·      A true righteousness embraces morality (one’s good relation with others) and holiness (one’s relation with God)

·      To be a real servant.

B.  The wise leader is a good friend who is: 

1.  Constantly loyal to friends (Prov. 18:24, 27:10).

2.  Honest with them (Prov. 24:28; 25:18) even when it hurts (Prov. 27:6).              

3.   Able to give wise counsel (27:9 cp. 1 Sam. 23:16, Jn. 15:15).

4.   Kind and not cruel (25:20 cp. Job. 16:20). 

C.     A wise one has a good name.

            Prov. 12:8 -   A man is commended according to his good sense…

            Prov. 22:1 - A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or

gold. 

James 3:13 - Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 

Acts 6:3 -  Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

7 Keys to Effective Leadership

Here are seven keys or important competencies leaders must have.

(Adapted from The Leader’s Edge by Burt Nanus; Contemporary Books, 1989.)

 

1 Farsightedness

A strong leader’s mind operates in the future tense, always searching for opportunities and threats, always asking, “What if?” and “Why not?” and “So what?” He pays attention to the past and present to determine their implications for the future.  It means keeping the eye firmly fixed on the far horizon while taking steps toward it.

This competency gives the leader the perspective needed to form a vision, which is indispensable in:

(1) setting the direction,

(2) providing a guiding force for the present,

(3) thinking about the long-range consequences of present actions and choices,

(4) providing early notice of issues and opportunities that are worth exploring, and

(5) suggesting new options or reasons for changing direction.

How is this done?

(1) Become skilled in collecting informative date and facts.

(2) Interpret change by tracing cause-and-effect relationships as they play out over a period of time.

(3) Develop a mental model of cause-and-effect relationships built up over years of experience, training, reading and reflection.

(4) Develop the ability to evaluate current trends and possible developments for their long-term significance.

(5) Develop the creative, imaginative and intuitive processes that are essential for direction-setting.

2 Mastery of interdependence

The goal of this mastery is teamwork

(1) To promote a sense of community.

(2) To see people delivered from an excessive preoccupation with themselves.

(3) To guide the community into an intense desire to be of service to others.

You want the community to have the sense they are successful when others succeed and are oriented toward aiding others to perform effectively.

How to reach the goal:

(1) Leadership must inspire others to share ideas and flesh out commitment,

(2) The leader must communicate well and frequently, and

(3) He must also seek collaborative solutions to problems that will permit the group to grow, change and constantly improve. This is done through:

(a) Strong interpersonal relationships.

(b) Regular quality interaction.

(c) Building coalitions.

(d) Fostering participation in decision-making.

(e) Securing ownership of results.

(f) By personal example of shared concern, trust, and respect.

Observation:  Nothing is so energizing as a godly leader who is able to forge talented individuals into a team for which each is willing to do his very best for God and the greater good of others.

3 Anticipatory Learning

Every leader should be committed to being a lifelong learner. He should take every opportunity to gain new insights and understanding of how to increase growth and effectiveness.

The leader should have a strong commitment to promoting organizational learning as well. As the leader is only as strong as the people serving with him, and there must be a definite strategy for the growth of subordinate leaders as well.

Every leader should understand his own strengths and weaknesses, seek to improve where possible, and maximize learning from failures and successes.

He should also learn from efforts made to anticipate the future (contingency planning). To do so he makes personal observations, talks with colleagues, and studies critical commentary. He watches trends and indicators that suggest emerging problems and opportunities. He learns from his constituents in times of brainstorming and the sharing of ideas. He learns to determine what is important and sets the right priorities. He watches for early warning of future developments. He considers all his options to assist him in making the right decisions. 

4 High standards of integrity

“Only he deserves to be a leader who every day justifies it!”

— Dag Hammarskjold

There can be no trust unless the leader is trustworthy – dependable, reliable, honest and honorable.

Those who have undertaken leadership roles must see themselves as having undertaken a sacred trust.  Their vision and actions must at all times be ethical and, occasionally, ennobling. People will not follow a fraud, but they will forgive mistakes of those they believe to be honest, fair, and trustworthy.

5 Organizational design

Leaders forge and help to determine the context – what will the organization need to accomplish for the realization of an intended future?  Can the priorities needed best be realized through formal structures and rules or through a team approach?

They establish policy guidelines that include performance and standards.

They determine the setting and boundaries.

They design the structure and support system, which includes roles and relationships, preparing organizational flow charts, networks, and chains of authority. They also outline the communication strategy and flow.

They implement the plan. This includes putting together the right team or staff, providing for needed resources, following through on performance, evaluations, and altering goals and directions as needed.

6 Takes initiative

The leader is motivated, and takes the initiative. They don’t wait to be told, managed, or led.

The leader exercises decisiveness, determination and follow-through. He is concerned with:

(1) Opening new doors for the group or organization.

(2) Setting high standards for service; knowing at what level of satisfaction each member is.

(3) Differentiating the group or organization for the sake of revealing relevant uniqueness.

(4) Being sensitive to environmental signals, both within and without.

(5) Being curious and inquisitive, seeking constant knowledge, information and feedback.

(6) A serious concern for research.

(7) Knowing where to exert pressure in order to make things happen.

(8) The ability to separate the critical from the interesting. Prioritizes well.

(9) Taking on opportunities to move the group forward at the right time.

(10) Knows what and how much to delegate.

(11) Devoting a good deal of time to the developmental side of the organization.

(12) Rapidly and creatively adapting ideas that will make new things happen.

(13) The ability to entertain the unconventional (can think outside the box, or not afraid of it)

7 Mastery of change

The leader sees problems as dynamic situations that offer opportunities for progressive transformation or containment.

He properly guides the speed and direction of growth to be in balance with resources.

He develops the ability to solicit flexible responses.

He identifies people groups and their needs and promotes relevant services.

The leader knows that the future belongs to those in motion (nothing stagnant about him).

The Leader's Edge: The Seven Keys to Leadership in a Turbulent World

By Burt Nanus

Buy on Amazon

Change and Growth are Critical for the Leader

Change and Growth are Critical for the Leader

A critical requirement of a Godly leader and minister is personal growth! And growth requires change.

WHAT IS GROWTH?

First, growth is the development and progress toward maturity. It also means “expansion, advancement, improvement, and an increase in capacity, extent or prevalence.” Third, as Bill Vermeulen says, growth is “The capacity of each person created in God’s image to reach far beyond perceived levels of achievement.”

GROWTH IS NECESSARY AND REQUIRED FOR A LEADER

In the Bible, growth is presumed because it is the nature of God’s creation. What God creates grows. It is a characteristic of creation.  Growth is also a characteristic of God’s people (Job. 8:7; Psa. 1; 92:12; 2 Cor. 3:18). At least it is supposed to be. This is revealed more clearly when we consider all the terms and activities that pertain to the Christian: discipleship, nurture, change, learning, etc.

Death and decay, a result of sin, is abnormal. What is not growing is either dying or dead. The intentional lack of growth or maturity is repulsive to and rebuked by God (Isa. 28:9; 1 Cor. 3:1-2; 14:20; Eph. 4:14; Heb. 5:12).

We have ample illustrations in the Scriptures of the men God used for his purposes, but after they grew in maturity:

• The prophet Samuel grew “in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26).
• The prophet John continued to grow “and became strong, increasing in wisdom and the grace of God was on him” (Luke 2:40).
• Like Samuel, Jesus the perfect prophet and God-Man “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
• The apostle Paul “kept on increasing in strength and baffling the Jews in Damascus, by proving that his Jesus is the Messiah” (Acts 9:22).

In writing to young Pastor Timothy, the Apostle Paul admonished, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (ESV, 1 Timothy 4:7-8).  That kind of training is a rigorous exercise that demands change and a push toward maturity. If Christians are expected and called to cultivate (nurture and grow) the gifts God has given them (Matthew 25:20; 1 Timothy 4:7, 14; 2 Timothy 1:6), how much more the Christian leader?

If you are a leader in the local church, especially an elder or pastor, here’s a question for you: Are you growing or are you withering?

GROWTH FOR MATURITY

God is concerned with the growth of the whole person!  He calls believers, and especially leaders in his church to grow in life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-11).  We are admonished to leave the elementary teaching about the Christ, and to “press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God” (NASB, Hebrews 6:1).

We all begin our spiritual life as infants in Christ.  But one evidence of true, spiritual vitality is a desire for God’s Word. This is a desire that craves the Word like infants crave milk (1 Peter 2:2).  As we satisfy those spiritual cravings with God’s milk we mature to the point where we want more substantial food. This shows we are growing with respect to salvation.

Deacons, elders, pastors and other leaders should be growing, just like God’s chosen servants did in biblical times. They grew physically, mentally and spiritually (Exodus 2:10-11; Acts 7:20ff; 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 1:8; 2:40, 52).

Indeed, all of God’s people are to grow from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)!  Are you growing in physical strength and health?  Are you maturing mentally?  Are you making progress spiritually, becoming less like your old sinful self and more like Jesus Christ?

GROWTH IS COMMANDED

Yes, God calls His people to mental, social, emotional and spiritual growth. In fact, He demands it! As a believer in Christ God expects and requires you to grow in Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19; 4:15; Colossians 1:10; 1 Timothy 4:15; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).  In the New Testament, Paul tells us that “…we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, that is Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

As a matter of fact, the idea of perfection in the Bible has to do with completeness, arriving at the destination of wholesome fulfillment and holy maturity in Christ-likeness (Galatians 3:3ff; Philippians 3:12; James 1:4).

On the positive side, you can be assured that spiritual growth will bear a tremendous influence and have a great impact upon you (Proverbs 9:9; Matthew 12:34ff; Mark 7:21).

So, the bottom line is this: at a minimum, God’s people are supposed to grow up. How much greater the requirement for godly leaders! What’s more, one of the common and significant traits of all leaders is that they are nearly always growing. To be a leader, it is necessary that you grow!

GROWTH IS A CHOICE

Normally a person grows mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, etc.  This kind of growth can be “accidental.” In other words, it just happens in the normal course of time. After a while, one must make a conscious decision to mature any further.  Should I finish school? Should I go on to college or pursue advanced degrees?  Should I exercise and do strength building? Should I become more disciplined in life, become more competent in my field of interest, advance in my line of work, and so forth.  So, at some point growth and maturity is a choice.

Real leaders, especially spiritual leaders and godly church officers (deacons and elders), make a conscious choice to mature.  Maturity for the leader is intentional.  Leaders push themselves to grow in many areas of their lives. They intentionally set out for themselves goals with plans to achieve those goals.

Speaking generally about leadership, Paul B. Thornton in Be the Leader-Make the Difference writes:

Leaders with a continuous improvement mindset have:

• A strong desire to improve
• A commitment to candid self-assessment
• A strong curiosity
• An ability to learn from both success and failure
• A non-defensive response to negative feedback
• A willingness to experiment and try new approaches

Is your life in Christ, which encompasses everything about you, proactively seeking to grow and improve?  Is your life intentional, purposeful, goal-oriented or is it just riding on the winds and waves that life presents you?

WELL?

If you are a church leader serving in Christ’s church, it is critical and imperative that you aim for Christ-likeness, and that means growing and maturing with intentionality.  This kind of growth is necessary, required, and commanded. But it is also a choice. A genuine godly leader will grow; maybe not consistently and in every way, but he will seek to make progress, discipline himself toward the ultimate goal of becoming complete in Jesus Christ so as to serve fully as a model to others, and as one equipped to serve others.

If you are in a leadership position in the local church, but you are not growing, then you should either repent and set out for growth or step out of the role. Otherwise, keep on pursuing the course of God’s high calling in your life.

______________

D. Thomas Owsley

This article was originally posted here: Growth and Change is Critical for the Church Leader

6 Things Good Leaders do

In an effort to understand and get a picture of what a genuine leader looks like we will use the acronym LEADER to examine some things good leaders do.

Listen

People are more inclined to follow those who hear them and their ideas and opinions. Increased undermining in organizations and families takes place where this is lacking. Wise leaders realize they do not have to agree with everything they hear, but if they don’t take the time to genuinely listen others are not likely to agree with anything they want to do. Good leaders work on developing their listening skills.

Envision

New ideas, dreams and hopes for progress and advancement are very important in any organization. Developing and sharing their vision with others is a must if the vision is to be accepted and acted upon. Leaders provide the vision and they get others on board to help map out the way to see the vision become a reality.

Ask

Keeping an idea or thought to yourself that requires others’ assistance is a sure way to keep it from happening! Asking others to help or join you is a hallmark of leadership. Good leaders are not “loners.” Real leaders have a manner of asking for advice and asking for help that is hard to turn down because those who are being asked receive a sense of importance.

Delegate

Wise leaders know when and how to delegate. Frustration may often arise when a person is given responsibility but little or no authority. Wise leaders delegate and empower people with responsibility and authority for the task(s). Good leaders are secure enough to overcome the “I can do it better” syndrome and wisely delegate in a way that encourages and develops others.

Empower

Leaders help other people to be successful. They are not held back by jealousy or thoughts of who is getting the credit. The leader’s focus is on seeing the vision happen and setting the tempo by their example.

Respect

Often times we will see leaders who appear to be gruff, domineering, and short tempered with people. Yet they are still able to get results. Why? Because they care for and respect people. It is like a football coach who is demanding and somewhat dictatorial in his coaching style and the players and team will battle for him all the way.

(Adapted from seminar materials by William Vermeulen)

How does a wise leader make godly decisions?

How does a wise leader make godly decisions?  Specifically, how does a wise Christian leader make godly decisions?

A wise leader totally trusts in God

Proverbs 3:5-7 says

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Several principles regarding decision-making can be seen from this verse as well as from other   verses (Prov. 14:12; 18:12; 28:26; Jer. 17:9; James 4:13-16; Gal. 6:7-8; John 15:5):

• God wants his people to be humble and to approach him humbly.

He wants us to realize that we must consider who we are before him and recognize what our abilities truly are.  Even when we think everything is right, trusting in our ways or methods will fail.

• Keep priorities in sight.

Your primary priority is your relationship with God.

According to Dr. John Maxwell, your secondary priorities can be organized by determining:

(1) What is required?

(2) What gives the greatest return?

(3) What will be the reward?

Proverbs 4:26-27 tells us to

Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left. Keep your foot from evil.

1. A principle that can be derived from this is:

Pursue realistic courses or options, and pursue those paths that seem to be firm.

Don’t be distracted by wrong goals, motives, or pursuits.

        2. Some questions you can ask:

•  Are my options realistic?
• Are any of my options unrealistic?
• Is my heart’s motive pure in this?
• Will this choice further my relationship with the Lord or hinder it?
• Which choice will give God the greater glory, if any?
• Do any of my options violate Scripture?

The wise leader makes plans after seeking good counsel

Make your plans by seeking advice 

Read: Proverbs 9:8-9; 11:14; 15:22; 20:18; 24:6

1. A principle here would be:

• Look to those who can offer sound advice (biblical, with common sense, etc.) and give guidance, such as those who have gone through a similar experience and learned from it (Eccles. 5:1-7; 9:17-18).
• However, as one pastor warned, do not make your decision on the basis of the experience of others!  It is absolutely impossible for you to know all the hidden variables that entered into their circumstances and decisions.  This is not meant to invalidate their counsel but to avoid the trap of assuming that other’s experiences are a suitable model for your decisions (2 Cor. 10:12; Eccles. 7:10).
• The best advice, of course, is from the Lord. Seek him through prayer and ask for his guidance (Matt. 7:7-11; 21:21-22; John 14:14; 15:7; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 3:17).

2.  Some questions you might ask:

• What does God say from his Word about the question(s) at hand?
• Who do I know that can offer straightforward advice?
• What wise elders can I seek out who can make some wise suggestions or give insight?
• Are there others who have gone through the same kind of experience or have had to make the same kind of decisions that might have “hindsight wisdom?”

A wise person listens to good counsel

The way of a foolish person is right in his own eyes, but a wise person listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15)

1. Principle:  I am willing to consider the advice I have been given, and will listen intently, even when it goes against what I want.
2. A few questions to consider:

• Am I seeking the advice of others in order to find someone who will give me what I want to hear?
• Am I listening intently to the advice of others and seriously considering what they have to offer?
• Am I listening intently to the advice of Scripture and the Holy Spirit?
• Am I willing to take risks or make changes if this is God’s will for my life?

A person with understanding keeps a straight course

A person who lacks judgment enjoys his foolishness, but one who is filled with understanding keeps a straight course (Proverbs 15:21).

1. Principle: Bliss or feeling happy about something doesn’t make a decision right. Being a biblically wise person (seeking to think God’s thoughts after Him) will help me keep a good course of direction in a diligent manner. Wavering is a pleasure for the fool. 
2. Some questions you could ask:

• Do I find more comfort and security in not making decisions than in making one?
• Am I seeking to think God’s thoughts about this matter?
• Have I searched the Scriptures to see if there is anything that speaks to these issue(s)?

3.  It is wrong to have a mind that nearly always wavers back and forth, or is indecisive. This is especially true of a leader. Leaders who cannot make decisions are not leaders at all (Rom. 14:5; James 1:5-8; 5:12).

4.   James 3:17 gives you direction for making decisions. Notice how this verse can provide you with a seven-fold decision-making process;

• Is the decision pure?
• Does it separate me from sin and evil? Does it promote moral holiness?
• Is the decision peaceable?
• That is, does it promote peace?

This does not mean that just because you feel peaceful about the decision then it is a right decision. The emotion of peace can mean that you are relieved that you have found the means to shirk responsibility. It can mean that you have found a way to absolve you for doing something you did not want to do. It could mean that you are pleased you have decided to do something you wanted, but your conscience has been seared sufficiently enough to repel any conviction about a bad or sinful decision.

On the other hand, you should not make any decision if your conscience is troubled. Now this means that your conscience should be informed as much as possible from God’s Word. Sometimes your conscience is bothered because making a decision requires making an uncomfortable but needed change; or because it goes against the culture in which you were brought up.  If your conscience is bothered, then continue to look into the matter and seek as much information and counsel as you can before making a decision. As one pastor has said, “If this principle (of conscience) is violated, the end result is seldom a happy one…”  The old statement can be true, “If in doubt, don’t.”  (Eccles. 1:18; Rom. 14:13-23; 1 Cor. 8:7-13; 10:23-31)

• Is it gentle (forbearing, considerate)?
• Is it reasonable (willing to yield)?

Dr. Robert Stuart makes the following recommendation for trying to figure out the                                                  reasonableness of the matter:

(1) Divide a page into two sides and label one side “pros” and the other side “cons.”

(2) List all of the pros and cons as you can possibly think of.

(3) Go back and label all of the pros and cons with

“A” for critically important

“B” important

“C” not that important

(4) Put the list away and take time to pray for guidance and wisdom.

(5) Go back and change all of the “B’s” into either “A’s” or “C’s”

(6) Now throw all of your “C’s” away and consider only what you have left.

• Is it full of mercy or compassion?
• Is it something that will produce good fruit? Will you get a good return, is it of value or profitable (not necessarily in terms of monetary rewards)?
• Is it without favoritism or prejudice?
• Is it genuine, sincere or without hypocrisy?

A wise person realizes the Lord's plans ultimately prevail

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (16:33; 19:21).

1. Principle:  No matter how hard I plan to do things, ultimately it is God’s Sovereign plan for my life that succeeds.

A wise leader will recognize God’s authority, presence, and power in everything. He will understand that only God can bless anything and everything at all (Psa. 37:4-5; Matt. 6:19-34; Jn. 8:31-36; 15:1-7; Phil. 4:6-7; Col. 3:17; James 1:5-8).

2. Some helpful questions:

• Have I committed this decision to the Lord? (In other words, have I told Him that I will rest
• in the knowledge that He is control ultimately, no matter what decision I make?)
• Have I purposed in my heart not to worry, but rather to give thanks for the process and for the outcome?
• Have I made the commitment to do what is right before the Lord?

3. There is great counsel and sound wisdom in God and His Word. Seeking His wisdom is understanding and great power for success (Proverbs 8:14).

• The principle here is - Success is always linked to godly wisdom and good counsel. The person who plans well will win.