I worked most of my life in leadership positions. I consider myself to be an effective leader, but not necessarily a good or great leader. My style was more one of empowering others rather than one of control. However I didn’t always adequately prepare those whom I had empowered to be successful. I lacked good communication skills.
The apostle Paul spent much of his ministry training leaders and disciples. A thorough review of his letters would reveal a great number of leadership techniques. I want to focus on two verses written to one such disciple, Titus. Paul had entrusted Titus with establishing church leadership in Crete. So in Titus 3:1-2 Paul gives Titus some fundamental principles to pass onto the new church leaders. “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. ”
Notice that Paul did not emphasize taking control and asserting authority. Instead he emphasized gentleness and obedience, along with meekness. These leadership principles run counter to what we see in the world. But that is probably why we have such a leadership void in our country today.
True leadership does not insist on its own rights and privileges, but rather true leadership serves the needs of its constituents. Humility is far more effective than assertiveness. Jesus is the prime example. By coming to serve others, He established His ever-growing and eternal kingdom.
Reluctant Retiree 