Getting the Lead out of Leading

• Posted on sdgale
• in 'CHOP Talk' Blog
• on August 26, 2013
• Comments Off on Getting the Lead out of Leading

Leading is not an easy task.  One, leaders need to know where they are going.  The GPS has to be set with at least a general destination.  Two, leaders need to understand the fine art of leading versus pushing.  By definition, leaders have followers.

As to whether followers will follow, refer back to number one.  Followers need to buy into where the leader is going. That’s why the maxim is true that resources follow vision.  People will not give money just to give money, but they will invest in a cause.  The same holds true of investment of their time, with the sacrifice that goes along with that investment.

Thus the challenge of leadership.  Leaders need not only to be clear where they are going, they must be clear in communicating that vision to those they hope to lead.

Communication involves not only the impartation of information, the build-it-and-they-will-come model of ministry.  Communication that leads makes sure it connects with followers.  A completed pass does not require merely throwing the football.  It also entails that ball be received.  Leaders must ensure that the vision they are painting and the way to it are understood by those on the field.

Leaders also lead by the “watch me” model.  They are to be examples to the flock under their care (1 Peter 5:3).  The writer of Hebrews instructs his readers in how to follow those who were trying to lead.  They were to “consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7).

We get the idea that the leaders God has in mind are not those who sit in the office and bark orders or lead by email. They are with the workers on the field as models and mentors, engaged alongside them in the process.  The leader must be with the people.

One other related key to leading as opposed to pushing is motivation.  Sennacherib, king of Assyria, set his sights on Jerusalem in 701 B.C.  Hezekiah, king of Judah, prayed and strategized. He set himself to the task with rugged determination.  He reinforced the wall.  He manufactured weapons.

He also did something else required of every leader.  He encouraged the troops.

And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. (2 Chronicles 32:6–8)

Hezekiah directed their focus from the vast enemy to God Almighty, for whom nothing is impossible.  His words of encouragement took hold.  We are told in the rest of verse 8: “And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.”

How true is that for us as leaders in Christ’s church!  Our task in the world is daunting.  Our resources our limited, especially for a small church.  But our strength and assurance of success come not from our resources but from our God, who is with us in the field—till the very end of the age.  Leaders must be encouragers.

The people need to hear that and hear it often.  But leaders need to hear it first.  They must keep their eyes on Christ for the work set before them.  Like a crowd will follow the gaze of someone looking up, so followers must trace the gaze of their leaders to see Jesus ruling on high for His church.