I am a leader. I have not always understood that. I have not always embraced that. And I most certainly have not always lived like it.
BUT I AM A LEADER
The important question to answer right now is this: What kind? Sunday’s sermon from 3 John has got me thinking about my leadership type/style.
First, I am not a hard-driver. I strive for relaxation in the office. I will not/cannot/won’t ride herd on the other two in the office. It just isn’t me. John Maxwell I’m not. Been there. Tried that. Failed that test. We laugh a lot. A LOT. Our staff meetings might be suddenly interrupted by a “video reference,” most likely by Ryan or Diana bringing up a scene from Big Bang Theory. I am more prone to music videos or YouTube.
Second, I am not wired tightly. I know that. I haven’t studied the Type A/Type B personalities. God has not made me wired like a guitar or tighter than a drum. I am who I am. I repeat: I would not do well in the Maxwell School of Leadership.
The three men mentioned in 3 John had different leadership styles…obviously. Gaius had an open heart and home. Diotrephes had a “Messiah complex.” Demetrius had a good reputation. Churches are not perfect. It is made up of humans. {Go figure} The early church had the same issues churches today have: Leadership. Love. Power. Conflicts. All imperfect. But God can still use the church…and does.
What kind of leader are you?
How am I a leader? Wow, Bill, I hadn’t really thought about that since I stopped teaching several years ago. I guess, if I’m honest, I’m the type who likes to delegate, expecting others will be competent to follow through and/or offer ideas for consideration along with the ones I put forward. So maybe my title should be “Team Leader.”
Blessings!
Good leaders delegate Martha. Not “riding herd” as you do but making sure it is a team.
I have been told I am a leader all my life. Through the early part of my life I really did nothing to make a good leader. Getting saved and knowing God had a plan was such a turning point for the natural leader in me. I remember after being ask by my pastor to head something up in our church, I ask, do you know something about me I don’t know. I was such a baby christian but she knew if I let God use me He would refine those leadership qualities. He has and continues to do do. Hard times have been the teacher for humility which is needed to be a good leader, a godly leader. Learning to be submissive to my husband and let him lead has been a hard lesson but always worthwhile and a learning experience. Good post Bill
You hit on the important thing Betty. Humility is one of, if not the greatest, quality of a leader.
Don’t really consider myself a leader. I’m a behind-the-scenes person most of the time. My son has tremendous leadership potential, but he is totally turning against that right now. Doesn’t want the responsibility or to put in the effort needed. Hard to watch that.
Yeah it is hard to watch someone waste their potential. Just keep praying for him to come back to what you have taught him.
Hmmmm, servant leader? Hopefully…trying my best everyday to follow THE LEADER….Christ! Bless ya bro’!
“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does” John 5:19
Servant leader. is there really any other kind?
You sound like the kind of leader that I appreciate the most. The hard-driving types may be good for some people, but I’d rather have someone who can laugh at Big Bang jokes. 🙂
Ha thanks Lisa. it is hard not to laugh with Ryan and Diana yukking it up.
I relate with your leadership type. For the most part I’m calm, relaxed, and don’t let things get to me that often. My personality and leadership type really helps me in my position working with traumatized youth or at times act out aggressively. It keeps my staff calm in times of high stress.
We need all types of leaders in the church. Great post Bill!
I am convinced God has placed you and your personality just where it needs to be Dan. I’m glad you know it and go with it. Those are the types of leaders needed.
I believe that as well Bill 🙂
I don’t really see myself as a leader, but I think every mother and every dad is a leader, at least in their little tribe. 🙂
I think deep down every mom and dad is a leader. Leadership doesn’t have to be in a public setting. it can be in the quietness of a home.
I totally agree with you Pam!
I’ve been in business for pushing thirty years and was in management before that. I’ve hired and fired more people than I could possibly remember.
I used to lead for the benefit of me. Pride and insecurity were the fuel.
With enough time and grace from God I now work to coordinate for the benefit of “us”. ‘I’ can never be satisfied or gratified enough. ‘We’ is the heart of our ultimate Leader.