“Values are uncompromisable, undebatable truths that drive and direct behaviour. They are motivational, they give us reasons why we do things; and they are restrictive, they place boundaries around behavior” confirms Dr. Sid Buzzell, General Editor of the Leadership Bible. “Values are those things we consider or rate highly prize, esteem or deem important” according to James C. Hunter states in the World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle,
Paul illustrates the power of values, “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it work.” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV) The values you hold as an individual, family or church are weight bearing pillars. They attach to your foundation that hold you, your family or your structure together. They are unmovable yet any damage to one of the pillars will weaken the whole structure.
I had the privilege of being the Regional Director for the Fellowship Prairies Region of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches. It was humbling to watch our Lord work in the hearts and minds of Pastors, Boards and Churches. The Fellowship Prairies family of churches had five Core Values representing the strength of every decision activity and program.
- Prayer, we are to be in prayer for the identification and development of leaders, churches and the direction of Fellowship Prairies.
- Biblical in Content, the Bible is our source of direction, inspiration, encouragement and wise counsel and will form the basis of all of our activities.
- Passion for the Lost, the church exists to reach out, duplicate itself, spread God’s word and demonstrate His love through service.
- Reproducing Servant Leaders, our future is dependent on our recognizing, training, and encouraging godly leaders who are visionary, dedicated willing to serve.
- Relationships, leaders and churches are encouraged to communicate share, care and cooperate with others.
Kouzes and Posner in their book Credibility confirm, “We expect our leaders to have a sense of direction and a concern for the future of the organization. Leaders must know where they are going. They must have a destination in mind when asking us to join them on a journey into the unknown.”
Leadership is defining and living your values.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group