Like It or Not, You are a Leader

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6Everyone is a leader. Leadership is not just for a select few. Years ago, in his book, Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders gave one of the best definitions of leadership ever written. He simply stated, “Leadership is influence.” And sociologists say that even introverted people will influence an average of 10,000 people in their lifetime! It doesn’t matter if you are a CEO or a stay-at-home mom. Jesus commanded us to be salt and light and to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven. Everyone who calls himself a Christian is called to influence others – everyone. Obedience to God means realizing you are a leader – called to be an impactful influencer of others. So it is important to learn to become a better leader – whether you are the parent of a family, the pastor of a church, and elected government official, an older brother or sister, the president of a company, or a potential leader for the next generation. The problem is that, if you are like most people, you may not wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, “Now, there’s a godly, effective leader if ever I saw one!” Today, most people don’t believe they can make a positive impact on the world they live in. The truth is that few people are naturals when it comes to leading themselves or others. But everyone has God-given potential. God never gives us a command without giving us the capability of obeying that command, and the promise of blessing if we do. You can become a better leader, regardless of your age, gender, marital status, or profession. The good news is that even though times change, technology marches forward, and cultures vary from place to place, leadership principles are unchanging. The true principles of leadership are constant – whether you are looking at the citizens of ancient Greece, the armies of the last 200 years, the rulers of modern Europe, famous heads of impactful families, or the business leaders of today’s global economy. Leadership principles stand the test of time – they are irrefutable. In addition to this reality of constancy, when studying leadership it is important to keep the following facts in mind: 1. While not everyone is a born leader, anyone can become a great leader. 2. Leadership principles can be learned. Some are easier to understand and apply than others, but every one of them can be learned. 3. Leadership principles can stand alone. Each principle compliments all the others, but you don’t need one in order to learn another. 4. Leadership principles carry consequences with them. Apply the principles and people will follow you. Violate or ignore them, and you will not be able to lead others. 5. Leadership principles are only the foundation of leadership. Once you learn the principles, you have to practice and apply them to your life in order to master leadership. Reiterating from earlier: Sociologists say that even introverted people will influence an average of 10,000 people in their lifetime - think about it. Someone who is not even trying to lead others will impact many – whether for good or bad. Just think about what one person can do if he or she is intentional about leading – as Jesus directed us to be. What kind of impact potential has God put inside of you? So where do most people go to learn leadership? The answer to that question today is that they search in many places. Some examine the world of politics. Other seek models in the entertainment industry. Still others turn to the world of business. Most people seem to look to successful CEOs, management consultants, and theoreticians with Ph.D.s to learn about leadership. But the truth is, the best source of leadership teaching today is the same as it has been for thousands of years. If you want to learn leadership, go to the greatest book on leadership ever written – the Bible. When studied with the appropriate guidance and focus, the Bible has the potential to change your life and the course of your development as a leader. Leadership principles have been woven into it by the One who invented leadership. Who could possibly teach us more about leadership than God Himself? In addition, having been a student of leadership principles most of my adult life, I have combined what I consider to be the 20 best works from the 10 best authors on the subject of leadership. Using the structure of Christian author John Maxwell as a guide, I have discovered there are at least 22 leadership principles and 21 leadership qualities dealing with over 80 leadership issues in the Holy Scriptures. Combining my 30 years of business experience with 25 years of Bible teaching and 20 years of family ministries experience, God has blessed me with the opportunity to organize a curriculum of faith-based leadership development. The truths, principles, and examples drawn from the Scriptures have been formulated into case studies, profiles, and lessons that can be immediately applied to your life.I am inviting you to be a part of this remarkable opportunity. Currently forming are small groups focused on studying this curriculum of faith-based leadership principles. Local groups will meet in person. For those who are not able to meet in person, virtual groups are also forming that will meet by phone and via video conferencing. I will merely be your humble guide and facilitator. We will all learn from God, His servants, and each other. If you are interested, please respond to this email or call me at the number listed below and I will provide you with more information. In all my experience as a teacher, coach, and mentor, I have never seen such a powerful course of study, that could assist such a broad group of people (remember, we’re all leaders), at a time of such urgent need.Your Brother In Christ,curtis.songer@gmail.com248-396-6255 If you receive value from these blogs, please consider donating to keep this blog site up and running. This ministry cannot continue without the generous donations of its readers. Just click on the "Donate" button in the upper right.