Leadership

What does a leader in the church look like?  Is there someone in or outside the church that you consider to be your “leader”?  If you were to use your own words, how would you describe a good leader?

When I think of leaders, I think of the Apostle Paul.  I think that if he were here today, I’d be intimated by him because he is so intense.  I also think that as we got to know each other, he would put me at ease and I’d learn to trust him.  Here are some of the reasons why:

A leader values me.  Paul says to the Thessalonians, “For what is our hope, our joy, or our crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes?  Is it not you?  Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (I Thessalonians 2:19-20).  Paul says that the people of God are priceless.

A leader wants me to be all that I can be.  Paul writes to the Ephesians, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you…” (Ephesians 1:16-19).  Paul sees the riches that God’s given and desires that the Ephesians will get a glimpse of their inheritance.

A leader is always in prayer for me.  Paul tells the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).  Paul doesn’t just have fond memories of people, but every time he thinks of them, he remembers them before the LORD.

A leader desires to come along side and empower me.  Paul says to the Romans, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12).  Paul doesn’t see himself as “Lord,” but sees himself as teammate, classmate, or joint-heir.

A leader is firm in his convictions.  Paul says to the Galatians, “When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong” (Galatians 2:11).  Paul was bold and stood up to false practices no matter who he was going to clash with.

A leader does not think of himself more highly than he ought.  Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1).  Paul has a sober judgment of himself.  Paul sees himself as mortal, a hireling, and a servant.  Paul not only has his eyes and his thoughts fixed on the One he is following, but points others to follow Him as well.

This list is probably not a comprehensive list of what a leader should be, but I think that Paul has not only defined what a leader is, but his life expounds what a good leader looks like.  When I hear Paul saying “follow my example, as I follow Christ” I hear God asking me, “Who are you following and who’s following you?”