Dare to Lead – Part One

Sometimes Christian ministry leaders shy
away from leading with strength, authority, and courage because we’ve
been taught that we’re supposed to be “servant leaders.” But while
Scripture does indeed admonish us to lead through mutual submission,
humility, service and grace (John 13:14), it also encourages us to take
the mantle of leadership with boldness (Ephesians 6:20), confidence (2
Thessalonians 3:7,9), enthusiasm (1 Peter 5:2), power (2 Timothy 1:7),
courage (Joshua 1:9), diligence (Romans 12:8) and, yes, authority
(Romans 13:1).

Here’s the key: As followers of Christ, our character should always reflect His
character. The fruit of the Spirit should be just as ripe and juicy in
our leadership style as it is in our behavior anywhere or any time else.
But if we’ve been gifted for leadership by that same Holy Spirit and
called into leadership by Christ, then we do the gifts and the calling
an injustice when we wimp out as people-pleasers, status-quo-keepers, or
yes-women. That’s not to imply that we should ever operate in arrogance
or force. In fact, the most consistent picture in Scripture of
leadership is the role of the shepherd–one who leads gently and
lovingly–and not the cattle driver–one who leads by compulsion and
force. Still, even the shepherd exercises authority and strength.

So what’s a gal to do?
The bottom line is that we have to find a godly balance in our
leadership. We have to exercise true leadership, but within the holy
constraints of love, grace, and humility. No big deal, right? Hmm. You
and I know that’s not true! But it’s a goal worth working toward.

Join me for the next several editions of Trail Talk
as we look at a few of the necessary components of strong, biblical
leadership. It’s my hope that these conversations would encourage us to
take up the mantle of leadership afresh, with a renewed commitment to
“lead well.” I’m trying something new (and scary!). I’m producing a set
of Trail Talk videos to launch this discussion. I invite you to watch and listen. But I also ask you to give me your feedback:

• Let me know what you think about my points.
• Express contrasting views even.
• Tell
  me additional key components to effective, strong, and biblical
  leadership and maybe I’ll talk about those in a future video.
• You can leave a comment at the end of this post, at the Off the Beaten Path Ministries Facebook page, on my personal Facebook page, or on my YouTube page. But please talk to me!

And hey! No laughing at the ridiculous freeze frame YouTube blessed me with below!