I was intrigued by the concept in The Leadership Code (by David Ulrich) that 65-70% of leadership is the same basic stuff no matter what line of work. It’s amazing how these five rules apply to ministry leaders. Here are the five basic leadership principles the Harvest Business guys determined to be the basic principles that apply to a majority of leaders.
1) Be a Strategist—Shape the Future
Ministry leaders need to have a position about the future. We need to have a vision. Everyone, at every level, should have a vision of what they want their ministry to look like.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Prov. 29:18
2) Be an Executor— Make things Happen
An executor follows through on an assigned duty. They are responsible for getting the task finished. What is our main job? How do we know when it has been accomplished? How would you answer the question, “What have you done?”
3) Be a Talent Manager—Engage Today’s Talented People
Who do you have on your team? How can people get on your team? Who has God sent to you? What gifts do they have?
– Entry points for leaders
– Clear instructions and simple job descriptions for each role
– Always have something in mind for the people who want to help
– “Meetings are the playground of champions.” John Maxwell — do you have a schedule for meetings?
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Eph 4:11-12
4) Be a Human Capital Developer—Build the Next Generation
Look for people to develop. Encourage young leaders to join you. Create systems to allow young people to serve in teaching and leading roles within the church.
– Once a month, have a high school student take the lead for a class, small group or devotion.
– Have students help lead worship, serve in tech or take part in other ways during children’s ministry.
– Give mission experiences for children.
– Create opportunities for family ministry to take root.
5) Demonstrate Personal Proficiency—Invest in Yourself
In which areas do you need to grow and develop? Some areas may include time management, the habit of reading, or intentional, ongoing ministry leadership training. Nurture a love for Sundays in your life, learn to get sixty minutes from every hour, learn to be more effective with communication. Get more energy by taking care of yourself through good food, quality sleep, regular exercise, good organizational systems and time for prayer and scripture.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. Prov. 21:31
Tim Price is the Director of Harvest Ministry Teams, a non-for-profit equipping ministry for young leaders. Based in Troy, IL, Harvest is involved in worship ministry events and training events for students and leaders all over the Midwest. He also serves on staff part-time at Troy United Methodist Church. Tim writes at TIMPRICEBLOG.COM sharing ideas, clarity and insights to help others confidently lead the church they serve. @HMTRESOURCES.
This post was originally published by TIMPRICEBLOG.COM.
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