Leading Where You Are

Leading Where You Are
by
May 23, 2024

Leadership matters! It always has and it always will! Leadership matters in any local church. Leadership is not easy but everything rises and falls on leadership. Edwin Friedman said that leaders must learn to manage anxiety and be a non-anxious presence in any organization. Ron Heifetz talks about the importance of “holding steady” and learning to take the heat, whatever it may be. But for any of this to happen, a leader must find his or her own sense of inner peace and joy that cannot be tied to the words and actions of others. Inner peace is a choice that we make. We have now announced our leadership slate for 2024. Please pray for these individuals who have agreed to serve Woodmont.

Jesus was a leader, but he led through humility and servanthood. He taught, “If any want to become my followers, let them DENY SELF, take up their cross, and follow me.” He also said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but TO SERVE.” Therefore, leading like Jesus involves becoming a servant leader. John C. Maxwell has had a tremendous influence on my own understanding of leadership over the years. He started as a pastor and is now one of the world’s most revered experts on leadership. Years ago, he wrote a book called The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. I want to lift up TWELVE of those qualities that, I believe, are very important for leadership in the local church.

1. CHARACTER: Character is more than talk • Talent is a gift, but character is a choice • Character brings lasting success with people • Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character

2. COMMITMENT: This Separates Doers from Dreamers. What is the true nature of Commitment? Three observations: • Commitment Starts in the Heart • Commitment is Tested by Action • Commitment Opens the door to Achievement

3. COURAGE: One Person with Courage Is a Majority. As you approach the tough decisions that challenge you, recognize these truths about courage: • Courage begins with an Inward Battle • Courage is Making things Right, Not Just Smoothing Them Over • Courage in a Leader Inspires Commitment from Followers • Your Life Expands in Proportion to Your Courage

4. GENEROSITY: Cultivate the quality of generosity in your life. Here’s how: • Be Grateful for Whatever you Have • Put People First • Don’t Allow the Desire for Possessions to Control You • Regard Money as a Resource • Develop the Habit of Giving

5. INITIATIVE: What qualities do leaders possess that enable them to make things happen? There are at least four. • They Know What They Want • They Push Themselves to Act • They Take More Risks • They Make More Mistakes

6. LISTENING: Two purposes for listening: to connect with people and to learn. For that reason, you should keep your ears open to hear from others.

7. POSITIVE ATTITUDE: If You Believe You Can, You Can. To learn more about what it means to be positive, think on these things: • Your Attitude Is a Choice • Your Attitude Determines Your Actions • Your People are a Mirror of Your Attitude • Maintaining a Good Attitude is Easier Than Regaining one

8. RELATIONSHIPS: What can a person do to manage and cultivate good relationships as a leader? Three things: • Have a Leader’s Head—Understand People • Have a Leader’s Heart—Love People • Extend a Leader’s Hand—Help People

9. SELF-DISCIPLINE: The First Person You Lead Is Yourself. If you want to become a leader for whom self-discipline is an asset, follow these action points: • Develop and Follow Your Priorities • Make a Disciplined Lifestyle Your Goal • Challenge Your Excuses • Remove Rewards Until the Job Is Done

10. SERVANTHOOD: Put Others First. What does it mean to embody the quality of servanthood? A true servant leader: • Puts Others Ahead of His or Her Own Agenda • Possesses the Confidence to Serve • Initiates Service to Others • Is Not Position-Conscious • Serves Out of Love

11. TEACHABILITY: To Keep Leading, Keep Learning. If you want to grow your organization, you have to remain teachable. Here are five guidelines to help you cultivate and maintain a teachable attitude: • Cure Your Destination Disease • Overcome Your Success • Swear Off Shortcuts • Trade in Your Pride • Never Pay Twice for the Same Mistakes

12. VISION: Show me a leader without vision, and I’ll show you someone who isn’t going anywhere. To get a handle on vision and how it comes to be a part of a good leader’s life, understand these things: • Vision Starts Within • Vision Draws on Your History • Vision Meets Other’s Needs • Vision Helps you Gather Resources (John C. Maxwell 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader)

This week’s edition of the newlsetter includes the slate of those who have been nominated and have agreed to serve in leadership positions beginning July 1st if approved by the congregation on June 16 at the congregational meeting. Please keep this group in your prayers.

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