Leadership isn’t what you think it is. It isn’t a title, power, influence or being in charge. Just because you have it doesn’t mean you’ll be respected or honored for it. It isn’t a position on an organizational chart and it can’t be taught in a classroom. Contrary to popular belief in a majority of churches being a great communicator doesn’t make you a great leader. It’s more than simply having the insight to know what the next right step to take is.
It’s something you either have…or you don’t. And just because you have it doesn’t mean you have as much of it as another leader. In Romans 12:6-8 the Bible defines leadership as a spiritual gift.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
If I don’t have the gift of giving does that mean I don’t have to be generous? If I don’t have the gift of mercy does that mean I don’t have a responsibility to act mercifully? If I don’t have the gift of encouragement does that mean I have an excuse for not encouraging others? If I don’t have the gift of serving does that mean I don’t need to put others before myself and serve them?
Of course not…
If you are in a position of leadership you have the responsibility to develop your leadership skills even if you do not have a significant leadership gift.
Is everybody a leader? No. Not according to the Bible. But everyone can learn leadership skills and become a better leader. And when leaders get better, everything around them gets better.
Posted in Leadership, Spiritual Formation
