Leadership Skills and Style

"Leadership is an art, something to be learned over time, not simply by reading books."- Max DePree

If leadership, like DePree says, is truly a form of art, then there are definitely different levels and types of leadership.  I may become absorbed with the the leadership style demonstrated by a young adult or men's ministry pastor and sort of thrown off by the youth or children's pastor and his leadership style.  Each may be a leader by position but each also may have a different way of approaching their craft.

I find that Christian leadership has some basics that include what should matter in the "real world," too.  Those in ministry leadership positions may very well be empowered and entrusted to lead.  However, if they are not equipped to lead, then the ministry itself suffers.

Ministry leadership should always:

• Involve People: Gather those who are willing.  Do not call a meeting to run down a list of who is not here and wondering why Brother Smith didn't show up.  Don't do that.  Call people together with an agenda and some actions in mind and on paper.  Include a sign-up sheet for special task teams, too.  Go forward and get people involved.

• Influence People: I learned it in sociology while I was still in high school.  Leaders should have charisma, that something that makes a JFK, MLK or Mahatma Gandhi irresistible to listen to.  In fact, charisma goes beyond attracting people.  JFK's famous inaugural address lives on with one phrase: "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Yet, it was that very charisma appeal that influenced generations to join the Peace Corps with Robert Sargent Shriver and spark other volunteer-driven social programs.

• Impact People: Leaders leave an impact. There should be "fruit" spread about here and there from your labor.  In many cases, with all of the humility that you can muster, let your works speak for themselves.  When I started Life Path a few years back, I started with a mantra that I like to hold on to as a reminder of the impact of such work: Meeting people where they are does not mean leaving them there.  You need to impact people through your ministry.  Leave a legacy.  Make an impact on the very lives of people.