“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
–2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB)

Is it possible that the church has fewer of the right kind of leaders today than it did nearly 20 years ago? I am referring to those who exhibit a good balance of spiritual depth, emotional strength and administrative discipline.

If this is true, why?

One reason could be too much focus on technique and not enough on the trade of pastoral ministry. Pastoring is meaningful but hard work no matter the size of the congregation or location. When is the last time you attended a conference on working hard?

In the past two decades there may not have been enough emphasis on godly character, competence and getting the right kinds of experience—each of which is more enduring than following the latest trend. Too much leadership, not enough discipleship.

Another possible answer to our original question lies in the failure of leaders to learn from their experiences. Someone once said that those who are not open to counsel can’t be helped. Often good development programs are offset when individual responsibility to keep learning disappears.

The person most responsible for development is the leader, not the educator or trainer.

Is there hope for this situation?

Are there other things needing attention when it comes to chiseling one’s character traits as a leader?

“Missing Pieces”

What’s inside the personal “discipline” to which Paul was referring in his writing to Timothy? What’s missing that often undermines the ministry of well-intended people?

The first missing piece is...

• Credibility.
  It is difficult if not impossible for people to follow someone they don’t believe in.

You have to offer reasonable grounds for being believed even if you are young or in your first major assignment. Relationships are built on trust. Call it authenticity or transparency if you like.

The story of Joseph in the Old Testament comes to mind when identifying someone who was trustworthy at a young age. God made it possible for him to have and maintain credibility with the Egyptian Pharaoh.

Are people sometimes misled by their leaders? Unfortunately this is a reality in all kinds of organizations, even the church. Yet as someone once famously said, you can’t fool all of the people all of the time. Weakness in character comes out at some point although it can do a great deal of damage until it is discovered and the person removed.

One way to understand this attribute of leadership is to think about what impresses you in a leader. Matching words with deeds is very important no matter where on the planet you happen to be.

Why does this type of behavior stand out? Because so few engage in it.

Church leaders could use more discipling. Timely interventions by trusted individuals nearby or far away may be more important than formal reviews separated by long intervals. Doing what you say you are going to do, to the best of your ability, and living a Christ-like life of humility, builds credibility.

Measure your words. Promise less. Deliver more.

The second missing piece is…

• Communication.
  I am referring here to interpersonal or social communication, not necessarily oratory or elocution. Most of a leader’s communication is one-on-one or small groups. An overlooked tool is conversation.

The writer, Alan Barker, put it this way:

“Conversation is your primary management tool. It’s how you build relationships with colleagues and others. It’s how you come to understand what people think and how they feel. Conversation is the way you influence others and are influenced by them. It’s how you solve problems, cooperate with others and create new opportunities.”

This is good advice.

Two-thirds of any conversation is listening and listening is hard work.

Why?

While someone else is talking we often keep our brains in gear waiting for just the right time to speak again. By doing this we hear little the other person has said.

Many gain leadership positions in spite of being poor listeners. How this happens is often a mystery to me.

When is the last time you really listened to staff? Board members? Ushers? Sunday School teachers? Bible study leaders? Members? Visitors?

Is two-way communication a missing piece for you? Then practice the habit of asking good questions. Find out what the other person is interested in—even beyond church.

It’s one thing to know about your people. It’s another to know your people.

Understanding this difference improves and strengthens relationships.

The final missing piece is...

• Collaboration.
  This is a contemporary word that has its roots in a simpler term, cooperation.

There are things you can do on your own such as sharpen a pencil or take out the trash.

If you want to move a baby grand piano on a stage Steinway recommends at least one person be assigned to each leg with rollers.

When Nehemiah rebuilt the wall at Jerusalem he began by declaring, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build…” (Nehemiah 2:20 NASB)

The Lord provided the people and resources that were needed. And in 52 days the wall was rebuilt. How? The people had a mind to work—together. Big things get done this way.

I allow for different types of leaders including those who are reserved in nature. Yet even this personality type, when successful in getting things done, finds ways to work with others.

A note of caution should be made when linking charisma and collaboration. Sometimes those with the most personality cooperate the least while making you feel good about it.

Even though succeeding generations appear to have a collaborative ethos this does not remove the need for someone to lead, direct and follow-up. It does, however, change the look of the organization from leadership at the top to leadership throughout.

Are you comfortable with a church filled with strong and gifted leaders?

While the task determines the form of collaboration here is a practical way to begin. Start by asking people what you can do to help them. Learn to cooperate with others, first.

Then see if there is a difference when asking for their help in getting something done on your list.

There is only one perfect person that has ever lived—Jesus Christ. The rest of us fall short in different areas. We all have missing pieces.

Just as Solomon asked for wisdom and God granted his wish, you can ask for things He already knows you need. It takes practice and spiritual discipline but these missing pieces, and others you might identify, can be placed in your life and ministry.

There’s hope after all.

Russ Bredholt, Jr. is president of Bredholt & Co., Winter Springs, Florida. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it © 2006 All rights reserved.