A Christian leader is a humble, God-dependent, team-playing servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God.
~Leaders Who Last by Dave Kraft
I’ve been a runner for most my life. When my legs and my thoughts pounded the hills, it made a difference. My Christian walk has been similar to the marathons I committed to and trained for. Days of rest were as crucial as ordinary runs and cross training days. And smaller 5K and 10K races helped me to prepare for the larger course. I soon learned what every experienced runner knows- if I started a race too fast, my legs would cramp. Likewise, training for the races was easier when I had a partner; although, I still endured some pain and problems. What mattered most was that I persisted and finished my race.
The leadership marathon is also not for the timid and fainthearted. Christian leaders must be anchored in Christ- our identity and power rooted in Him alone. We recognize that we are sinners saved by grace. So, we practice the spiritual disciplines of confession of sin, study of scripture, prayer, and worship, and we follow Jesus’ example of solitude and rest, meditation, and fasting. Kraft considers these the “holy habits of the heart.” Leaders won’t drift like a raft on an open sea of grace or point their motorboat in the direction they want. Instead, they move with discernment and trust in the Holy Spirit. They study the wind and set their sails.
Dave Kraft encourages us to practice the “Four R’s”- to read, reflect, respond, and record. He suggests that we live grace-bound and not rule-bound- to observe how Jesus walked and learn the unforced rhythms of His grace. Jesus wants us to love well and live free.
Leaders aren’t satisfied with the status quo. We are hungry for more of God and want to step out in faith. We seek the good of others and their potential, and we are guided with purpose as Jesus was. He died for the sins of the world and trained His disciples to carry on His ministry after He was gone. When we are bound to Christ, He also gives us a clearly defined purpose- a spiritual focus and foundation that is different from a career. It fills us with joy and motivation and gives birth to our God-created passion that resides within. And our enthusiasm is often contagious.
When leaders lack passion, the Truth is often served on ice and the gospel is hindered. Passion must be reignited and priorities set so that our steps can become well-paced. Leaders must decide what is truly important and not waver in their focus and difficult choices. Proper priorities will protect our purpose and passion, but we must also be intentional about our goals. To have a list is not enough- we must make time in our busy schedule to get it done. Although, we may be organized and disciplined, the pace we set becomes a problem when we fail to delegate. We may also learn too late that we can’t run someone else’s pace or we’ll burn out. We must be true to God’s call on our life.
Most often when God calls us to leadership, we sense His hand on our life and we wrestle with Him till we understand. His Voice and Word grips our soul and we must respond. God’s purpose and passion must be born. Otherwise, we become defeated, discouraged and frustrated. And we don’t have peace.
A Christian leader is a humble, God-dependent, team-playing servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God. ~Dave Kraft
A Christian leader is also a lifelong student who learns from all people in every setting and situation. His or her character is never compromised; they are who they say they are in private. And they commit to do the hard things. Successful leaders make an impact that lasts because they genuinely care about others and encompass them in their vision. They empower others and recruit and train new leaders because they trust God to lead.
True leadership is not viewed as a dictatorship- with control and manipulation by a few. Rather, the leadership pool expands to help shepherd and serve the congregation.
If Jesus calls us to lead, He will equip and strengthen us so that we finish our marathon. We must not give up!
I recommend Leaders Who Last by Dave Kraft to anyone who is called to leadership.
Be blessed!
Lily Mae
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