Give Me a Leader

I'm helping run a Christian Spiritual Leadership Course this weekend. So I pulled up my random thoughts collected during earlier years in ministry. Ah, there are still some good ones in there. Man, was I smart back then, or well read, or both. What in the world happened? ;)

Leadership Qualities

1. Just as excited about following and serving as one is about leading.
2. Understands the painful baptism of suffering.
3. Understands the stringent demands.
4. Knows where he is going and inspires confidence.
5. Authoritative
6. Wise
7. Strong
8. Adheres to what he believes.
9. Intellectual capacity
10. Force of will, exerts will powerfully
11. Enthusiastic
12. Optimistic
13. Hopeful
14. Accustomed with the necessity of suffering and what it means to identity with the suffering servant and embracing the cross.
15. Demands wholehearted obedience from himself.
16. Disciplined
17. Ability
18. Diligence
19. Prays and cries
20. Thinks himself first as a servant before thinking of himself as a leader (Jesus giving himself as an example: Jn 13:15; 1 Pet 2:21).
21. Would be just as happy following as he would leading.
22. Chosen by God, appointed, and anointed.
23. Content with hidden service and no praise, not thirsting for applause.
24. Empathic
25. Modest
26. Gentle
27. Kind
28. Forgiving
29. Hospitable
30. Courageous
31. Leadership is influence, the ability of one person to influence others. Can influence others to follow their lead.
32. There must be a flame burning within him, a magnetism which will draw the hearts of men towards him.
33. Self-confident, and confident in God
34. Knows men and knows God
35. Makes decisions and seeks God when making those decisions
36. Originates own methods by listening to God’s voice, and listening to the voices of history as well.
37. Obeys God before telling others to obey Him.
38. Forgets himself (self-forgetfulness) and focuses on caring for others.
39. Can handle discouragements and impossible situations in stride.
40. A leader has the power to change the atmosphere by one’s presence.
41. To lead others, one must be master of oneself. He is able to lead because he has conquered himself.
42. Handles criticisms objectively and learns from mistakes.
43. Inescapable sense of obligation and responsibility.
44. Above reproach. No room for anyone to launch a smear campaign against him. Highest moral fiber (unchallengeable morality) and impeccable character.
45. The leader who possesses a sound mind is in control of every part of his nature.
46. Has gained the respect of his wife and his family, and controls household with wisdom, and every member of the family buys into his system.
47. Self-controlled
48. Sober
49. Frugal
50. Enduring in toil/perseveres
51. Able to speak competently
52. Of good reputation
53. Disinterested in personal gain. Focuses solely on gaining glory for God and magnifying Jesus.
54. Sets a worthy example for his flock.
55. Entire surrender to God and His call, great self-denial, heartfelt compassion, rare power in prayer, marvelous organizing faculty, indefatigable perseverance, and of astounding influence with men, and has clarity of the important matters with childlike simplicity and great thankfulness in his heart for the Lord and His patience with us straying lambs.
56. Passion for souls that will not be silenced.
57. Obeys discipline imposed upon himself to learn more about stubborn sinful rebellious man, his nature, and what kind of relationship with God it takes to adhere to rigorous discipline from within.
58. Stern discipline, rigid attention to detail, and ceaseless labor makes for a leader able to sleep at night at ease and with a clear conscience before the Lord.
59. Vision that only comes from spending time with God conversing about the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to go about mending broken lambs’ souls.
60. No pessimist ever made a great leader.
61. We are granted light, leaders doubly must follow it boldly and exhort the flock to following him into the purifying light and fire as well. It is the duty of the leader to follow God’s instruction.
62. Be uneasy until you see the thing you dream and talk about being put into execution.
63. Pure conscience, sincerity, and transparent character.
64. Sympathy for those struggling in difficult situations.
65. Patient, undaunted, undiscouraged torchbearer for Christ.
66. Cultivate the art of persuasion.
67. Friendship
68. Tact and diplomacy, wording and a gentle touch when addressing situations that might sting.
69. Integrity and sincerity
70. Inspirational power
71. His zeal and drive were infectious.
72. Executive ability
73. Galvanize and bring the people together under one vision, purpose, and picture.
74. A sympathetic ear is a valuable asset.
75. While writing, don’t dip your pen in burning acid; rather drench your pen in tears to leave an impression upon your hearers and readers.