VCP Director Claude's Leadership Values

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

For the past couple of months, we’ve been learning from the Old Testament leader Nehemiah.  Today we glean wisdom from a current leader, our VCP Director Claude.  

I recently had the privilege of spending a week with Claude and his team in Lome.  I observed his leadership behaviors and inquired of him about his leadership values.  Here is what I learned from him, and I’m delighted to pass it on to our listeners.  

1. Claude considers everybody’s point of view.  He does not merely do what he wants; as leader he realizes that everyone needs to be heard and their input considered.  I think of Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” [emphasis added].  Good and godly leaders seek input from all involved and seek the Lord as they make decisions.  We cannot please everyone with every decision, but good leaders can ensure that everyone involved feels like they had the opportunity to be heard.  

2. Claude is ready to help.  This value is demonstrated in various ways.  It may be providing training or counsel or help with a task.  He has also established funds in the VCP budget to assist with key leaders’ health or emergency needs.  Claude serves those he leads by assisting them with both ministry skills and practical needs. Good, godly leaders seek to serve those whom they lead.  

3. Claude is adaptable with his behaviors. When it’s time to be serious and work, Claude describes himself as the first one there.  When it’s time to relax and have fun, he is free to enjoy the time with everybody.  He leads by example and helps others to know what is expected in a particular situation.   This brings to mind, the Apostle Paul’s words, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  This also reminds me of the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance.  If leaders work all the time, they risk burnout and fatigue.  

4. Finally, Claude wants to transfer what he knows to others.  This may be by teaching, mentoring or in simple conversation.  He collaborates with others to raise their leadership effectiveness to new levels.  Christ took a similar approach; he spent time with his disciples and poured his life and teaching into them.  This method worked for Jesus, and it will work for godly leaders today.  Acts 4:13 tells us that “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” [emphasis added]

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