Laurie KennedyAre you an Elder, a Deacon, on a Leadership Team or Board member? The Apostle Paul was doing some organizational developmental work when he assigned Timothy to a Leadership role.

“I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble? It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.” (Titus 1:7-9 the Message MSG)

Paul mentored Timothy and sent him to develop leaders with a list of very positive characteristics. As a volunteer on a church Board, committee or a faith focused mission, here are 9 points to keep in mind.

  • Work as a team, sharing your spiritual gifts, not as a Lone Ranger.
  • Submit to the authority of the team, share and abide by the decisions.  Divided Boards lead to divided churches.
  • Manage conflict situations positively.
  • Think big and see the big picture.
  • Work to build and maintain healthy personal and professional relationships within the church and the community.
  • Be a Servant Leader dedicated to serve the vision and your people.
  • Share responsibility to raise funds and demonstrate tithing.
  • As a Board, you have one employee, take care of your Pastor, you need to be friends with, advocate for and be a cheerleader of the team, but your Pastor is your only employee.
  • Mentor others to replace yourself.  You also have a best before date.

Leadership is protecting the interests of the owner keeping your hands on the steering wheel not the rear view mirror.

Yours in Service,

Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group