12/28/23 STEPS TO LEADERSHIP

12/28/23 STEPS TO LEADERSHIP

I have often thought about what God used to influence my model for leadership (not that I am a great example).

My dad came from a very disciplined, orderly, responsible upbringing and he passed that on to me. I got saved at a very young age, and except for my cycling through rebellion and repentance during my teen years, I did enjoy a warm and growing relationship with Christ as a child. Therefore I was prone to obey my parents and learn from the training they gave me.

Still, there is the question of the leadership model I wanted to follow. Daddy had been in the Navy during WW2 and he was a squared away guy. That certainly made an impression on me, but daddy was not militaristic, therefore it was low key.

As a child and young person I went to the movies a lot. My imagination took me into the swashbuckling of Prince Valiant, The Three Musketeers, Robin Hood, Captain Horatio Hornblower, and I was impressed with the strong, but wise leadership of the silver screen, such as Captains aboard U.S. Naval Destroyers, Minesweepers, Submarines. I liked the fatherly concern and ability to teach their men to make decisions and take responsibility.

In my actual experience as a pastor, I have found myself following that model of leadership. It wasn't intentional, but it seemed to come naturally. As a child, I thought it normal to obey parents without having to be forced, threatened or cajoled. Being part of a family of hard working fishermen I knew that instant respect and obedience was essential to success and safety, and that I needed to pay attention to detail. Failure to perform brought disapproval and possibly would jeopardize the well being of co-workers.

As a young man, working my way through college I studied management and leadership principles, and used those principles in my workaday world.

Of course, God's gifts are fundamental in the performance of my ministry. I am a teacher, I am a shepherd, I am an example of Christ I am an encourager. All of my roles demand that I develop certain technical and personality skills.

I expect people to do their job and to do it responsibly and eagerly and cooperatively. Whenever I have had people who were eager to submit to leadership and training I have experienced success. Good leadership skills are important in every endeavor of life including music, athletics, business, military, family leadership.

Another key ingredient of good leadership is that the leader needs to actually lead, not simply give orders. Leaders may become good leaders if they have been good followers. Leaders need to be compassionate as well as authoritative.

These are some of the traits I have tried to manifest as a leader, whether as a husband, a father, a coach or a pastor.

God gives us instruction in His word, through principles and examples, then He enables us through His Spirit.