Ten imperatives for Christian leadership.
When
it comes to developing as a leader—specifically as a Christian
leader—here are ten imperatives for development. Though not an
exhaustive or infallible list, these challenges will help develop you as
a leader.
- Follow first.
Follow Jesus above all. Jesus is the One who transforms our
character. If your love for Him grows cold, your character will suffer,
as will those you serve. Without Jesus, your leadership may be
transactional, but it will not be transformational.
- Lead yourself.
The most difficult person to lead is yourself, but if you cannot lead
yourself, how can you lead others? A lack of discipline in one area of
your life will spill over to other areas.
- Set up chairs.
If you cannot set up chairs, you cannot be a leader. Christian
leadership is about serving. If you are above setting up chairs and
other tasks, you cannot and should not be a leader.
- Embrace pain.
Pain is inevitable and instructional. Because we live in a fallen
world with broken people, there is great pain in leadership. Embrace the
pain, and the Lord will use it to develop you.
- Submit to everyone.
Respect the leaders the Lord has placed over you, but also submit to
those you have been asked to lead. Adjust to others as a servant. As you
do, you will learn and grow from those you willingly place yourself
under.
- Find a mentor.
Great leadership is often more caught than taught. Surround yourself with people whose lives challenge and encourage you.
- Read a lot.
John Wesley famously challenged Christian leaders to “read or get out
of the ministry.” By reading, you surround yourself with great minds
and great thinking. Read to develop yourself spiritually and mentally.
- Seek feedback.
Feedback helps you evaluate and adjust your own leadership.
Continually ask for feedback from wise people who love you and the
organization you are leading.
- Learn to lead by leading.
Quit waiting for the bigger assignment to prepare and develop; lead
well in your current context and learn as you lead. Experience is the
best leadership teacher you will have.
- Go home.
If you excel at work but fail to love and lead your family well, you
put both in jeopardy. If you cannot manage your own house well, how can
you lead others?
Eric Geiger serves as the
Vice President of the Church Resource Division at LifeWay Christian
Resources. Prior to LifeWay, Eric served local churches, most recently
investing eight years as the executive pastor of Christ Fellowship
Miami. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry
from Southern Seminary. He is also a teaching pastor and a frequent
speaker and consultant on church mission and strategy. Eric authored or
co-authored several books including the best selling church leadership
book, Simple Church.
Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie.
During his free time, Eric enjoys dating his wife, playing with his
daughters, and shooting basketball.
More from Eric Geiger or visit Eric at
http://ericgeiger.com/
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