The Character of a Leader - Helps Others Pull Together in the Same Direction

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

In my previous message, I shared a final leadership principle from VCP Supervisor Peter Baraka, “We must love those we lead.” Near the end of that message, I shared some positive outcomes as we love those whom we lead. One of those consequences was “Kingdom work advances because everyone is working for a common Purpose.”

Getting everyone working together for a common Purpose does not come easily or naturally.

A veteran missionary friend wrote his doctoral thesis on the topic of “Training Strong People to Pull Together in the Same Direction”. The visual image is a group of physically strong people who are pulling a rope, all in the same direction, for a common goal. A good and godly leader serves his people well as he or she helps them identify the goal and achieve success by working together.

1. Leaders must first communicate the vision and identify the objective. Proverbs 29:18a reminds us that “Where there is no vision, the people perish:” One of the very important responsibilities of VCP leaders is vision casting with their teams and with leaders of partner denominations. Having a common vision – a shared understanding of VCP goals, objectives and methods – is a key factor for successful training centers.

2. Leaders clearly define or describe what success looks like. Jesus, as our model leader, did this with his disciples – and those of us who follow him – when He gave us what is known as the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19.

3. Leaders serve those who follow them by providing feedback as their followers pursue goals and objectives. Recall with me the story of Jesus’ disciples who were unable to cast the demon out of the young boy. Jesus taught them about the imperative of having faith in God as they prayed (Matthew 17:19-20).

4. Leaders manage conflict and issues that arise. Of all times and places, the Apostles had an argument during their Last Supper with Jesus. Luke 22:24-26 records that “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them … But you are not to be like that. Instead … the one who rules [must be] like the one who serves. 

5. Leaders celebrate the successes of their followers. Luke 15 tells the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Each of those scenarios concludes with rejoicing. Leaders encourage followers as they celebrate successes with them.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.