A HUMBLE LIFE

That title may arouse little attention today.  Let's face it, our culture is more into “A Happy Life,” “A Comfortable Life” or “A Successful, Pain-Free Life” ---but “A Humble Life?” Seriously?

Have you ever seen a “help wanted” ad that read: “WANTED: Someone who is meek, living an others-centered humble life”? Probably not. You're more likely to see: “the meek and humble need not apply.” I doubt if a resume would begin, “I am meek and mild, unselfish, gentle and humble in heart. I care for others.” No high school award is given for the humblest; maybe one for the Biggest Geek, but not the Most Meek.

When it comes to servant leadership in any leadership role, a humble life is a must.  Here’s why. Authentic servant leadership dares to lay aside its own personal desires and pleasures to look at/consider the good of others. A humble leader says, “You have interests, and I have interests. I'm willing to put your interests above my own interests, even though I am your employer, manager, supervisor, spouse, parent, pastor, elder, teacher, coach, or friend.” In other words, a humble life reflects a life of self-emptying that takes a downward plunge to lift up another.

The greatest servant leader of all time, our Lord Jesus, lived and modeled this self-emptying truth which, in turn, permeated Paul's writing in Philippians 2:3-4. He answers the question, “What does humility look like in a servant leader's life?”

FIRST, humility empties itself of selfishness and empty conceit (2:3). It rejects the preeminence of living only for what you want when you want it. It's denying yourself, emptying, abandoning yourself of. . . YOURSELF. . .  by the awesome power of a crucified Savior and a risen Lord. Don't miss that last phrase. Read it again. A servant leader can't pull off self-centeredness by human effort. Luther's classic hymn says it well. . . “did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.”

SECOND, humility looks at others as more important than themself (2:3). A humble person respects ALL people no matter who they are or what they have or don't have. Everyone is important—the CEO/the custodian; the long-term employee/the new hire; the husband/the wife/the kids; the white athlete/the black scholar; the wealthy/the homeless; the senior pastor/the staff person. ALL ARE important, no exceptions. NONE!

THIRD, humility lets one's personal interests include the interests of others (2:4). Humble servant leaders lose the right to think only of themselves.

FOURTH, God promises to exalt the humble in His time and in His way.

“Therefore, God highly exalted Him (Christ)” (Philippians 2:9).

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you” (James 4:10).

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6)

An unselfish, humble life. It’s the way to lead. . starting with your spouse, your family, your in-laws, your neighbors, your friends. Model it before your employees or clients, your congregation, your church leadership team, your Bible study, your athletic team. The results will amaze you and them!

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WOULD YOU HIRE JESUS TO BE YOUR LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT?

Have you ever wondered if servant leadership fits into the leadership world outside of ministry? Do the principles of servant leadership work for:

• A corporate executive at AT&T?

• A president of an airline?

• A business entrepreneur?

• A general manager at Starbucks?

• A doctor, dentist, lawyer?

• A school principal? A schoolteacher?

• A little league coach?

• A policeman?

Jesus knows your environment whether it's pastoral, business, athletic or school related. Remember, He spent the first thirty years of His life on earth in the family's business. He knew what it was to work with His hands, earn a living, make decisions, deal with customers, and be exhausted at the end of a day.

Would you hire the Lord Jesus to be your leadership consultant? Does He have the expertise to deal with the leadership issues you face every day? Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges in their fine book Lead Like Jesus (pages 16&17), reflect on some leadership challenges Jesus encountered:

• Working with or living and caring for imperfect people

• Taking time to train, develop, and delegate

• Under constant scrutiny and testing of His commitment and integrity

• Facing fierce competition and conflicting demands from friends and foes

• Tempted by instant gratification, recognition, misuse of power

• Facing serious personnel issues, including turnover and betrayal

• Communicating in a multicultural environment

• The need to challenge the status quo and hierarchy to bring about change

• The need to call attention to poor leadership at great personal risk

• The need to put career or relationships on the line to serve a higher purpose

• In His darkest hour, to be abandoned by His friends

• Eventually, dying on a Cross having done everything to perfection.

When hiring a consultant, you want to hear from the best. So why not bring in the Lord Jesus, who is perfect in everything? He’s not just smart. He’s brilliant. He’s the smartest, the wisest leader who ever lived. He always has the best information on everything and certainly on the things that matter most in human life. AND “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. . . For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15)

When you call, email, or text, He’ll respond. He’s never too busy to answer.

What Are You In It For?

So, you're a leader. Great! And with your leadership come certain perks and benefits. A good salary (more than others on your staff), maybe a reserved parking space, large office, credit card for pastoral expenses, iPhone 16 and notepad, gasoline mileage, health club (maybe country club) membership, etc., all provided because you're a key leader. 

Imagine for a moment that you didn't have these advantages. Would you still want to lead? What if no one thought your way was always the best way? What if you didn't always have to have the final word? What if you had to listen more than you spoke? What if being “in charge” meant that your job was to see others succeed, to put them and their interests first? What if those you led got ALL the credit? Would you still want to lead? 

What if all you got was the pleasure of seeing others grow to greater, deeper maturity in Christ, achieved more than even they imagined and you were the spark, the catalyst, the mentor throughout the process? And they received the applause, the “well done,” the pat on the back, respect from others. Would you still be motivated to lead? Could you handle NOT being in the spotlight? 

Servant Leadership is hard work, it's a tough deal. There is a downside. Perhaps it should come with a Surgeon General's Warning: May cause headache, nausea, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, anxiety, indecision, loneliness, depression. 

Here's a question every servant leader should ask, “What am I in it for?” If we're in it only for ourselves, we'll do more getting than giving, expect more from others and less from ourselves, be more willing to be served than to serve. Servant leaders are into self-sacrifice, not self-promotion, like the Lord Jesus, who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of the servant. . . and became obedient to death----EVEN death on a cross!” (Philippians 2: 7, 8) He served so well it killed Him.

 Blessings!

Servant Leadership in Action

It was the night before the execution, Roman style; not a private, lethal injection, but a public hanging on a cross, for the world to see and remember. But first, the Passover Meal.

Jesus and His disciples make their way to an upper-story room along a dust-covered street. At the house, a servant usually stood at the front door to wash and dry the feet of guests as they arrived. This night, the foot washer didn't show, and no disciple volunteered to replace him. Ever wonder why? Maybe they thought. . .

“I’m not a foot washer; not me; not my job.”

“I'll do hands---maybe; not feet.”

“I'm not a slave.”

“Have a slipped disc; Doctor recommends no bending or stooping.”

“I'm hungry. Need to eat.”

But Luke notes that during the supper, “a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.” (22:24). Maybe that’s it. As they sauntered through the door, each disciple thought they were” the greatest,” top of the list, second to none, the best.  There’s no way “the greatest” would stoop to wash dirt from another’s feet. Never.

So, each one walks in, looks around the room, and reclines on a cushion at the table.

Then Jesus enters. He walks to the table and lays on His side between John (the one whom He loved) and Judas (the one who would sell him). Interesting choice.

As He walks, He notices the dirty feet of his men reclining at the table. He doesn't say anything. Maybe He remembers His sermons, His challenges, His teachings about serving one another, about greatness. Maybe he thought. . .

“Did it do any good?”

“Will no one have the humility to wash even my feet?”

“My death is imminent.”

“Will no one serve me?”

During dinner, Jesus makes His move. Quietly, as the others ate, He slips away from the table, removes His outer robe, wraps a towel around His waist, and takes in hand a pitcher of water, a basin, and towel. Without saying a word (until He gets to Peter) He carefully washes and dries the feet of each disciple.

NO FANFARE, NO HYPE

NO BELLS AND WHISTLES OR HORNS BLARING

NO MEDIA PHOTO OP

NO ATTENTION DRAWN TO HIMSELF

NOTHING IS BENEATH THE DIGNITY OF A SERVANT LEADER. THEY SIMPLY WANT TO SERVE.

Jesus even washed the feet of Judas. JUDAS! Backstabber. Betrayer. Backslider. Conspirator. Double-crosser. His picture hangs in the same Hall of Shame as Benedict Arnold. Didn’t matter. Knowing what Judas was up to, Jesus bent over, removed Judas’ sandals, washed and dried his feet without saying a word. Maybe His look into Judas’ eyes said it all, “Judas---I love you.”  

You see, servant leaders stoop to meet needs. They're foot washers. They involve themselves in people's lives. Servant leadership is DOING---not talking about it in board meetings or preaching it in sermons or reading about it in leadership articles.  Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed IF YOU DO THEM.”

That night, THE GREATEST, washed feet

SERVANT LEADERS ACCEPT THE CALL TO SERVE WHETHER OTHERS DESERVE TO BE SERVED OR NOT—EVEN A JUDAS!

WILL YOU?

Leadership that Meets the Demands of Reality

“The greatest crisis in the world today is a crisis of leadership, and the greatest crisis of leadership is a crisis of character.” (Dr. Howard Hendricks, former professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.) A leadership crisis indeed. The examples are numerous:

Characterless leaders in corporations

Characterless leaders in government

Characterless leaders in athletics

Characterless leaders in finances

Characterless leaders in universities

Characterless leaders in many marriages and families

Characterless leadership in some big churches and large ministries

Some leaders didn't fail in their competency. They excel in what they do, but they fail (at times miserably) in their character, their inner life.

The word “character” comes from a Greek word “to engrave, inscribe, or sketch.” Character refers to the qualities internally engraved in people, which become an integral part of who they are. It's who you are as a person reflected in your behavior, both public and private. Character determines if your brain, talent, competencies, effort, and ability to make a deal will stand up even in the face of the negative. “Character is the ability to meet the demands of reality.” (Henry Cloud)

The supreme character trait of leadership greatness is INTEGRITY. Embrace this one, and you embrace many others. Integrity is wholeness, entireness, completeness, soundness. It's what personal health is to your body and what 20/20 vision is to your eyes. A life of integrity has nothing to hide. It's an open book.

Psalm 78:72 tells us, “And David shepherded them (Israel) with INTEGRITY of heart; with SKILLFUL hands, he led them.” That's a perfect balance for a leader. He skillfully handled situations that had no rules, no boundaries, no precedence. And in his character, he exuded a heart of integrity. He wasn't sinless, no leader is, but there were no cracks in his leadership.

Integrity:

•             Tells the truth every time, not just when it's convenient.

•             Means what it says and says what it means.

•             Is financially accountable and wise in handling money.

•             Is personally reliable; it keeps its promises. When it says, “I'll meet you at 9:00,” it's 9:00, not 9:05 or whenever I arrive.

•             Is privately pure. No double life that causes shame and disgrace to the family if known.

•             Finishes every job it starts.

• Follows the true path, though others cut corners.

•             Doesn’t fear the probing light of scrutiny.

“He who walks with integrity and works righteousness and speaks truth in his heart ... will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15)” He who walks in integrity walks securely,” (Proverbs 10:9)

 Fred Campbell is the President of Living Grace Ministries, a ministry committed to building and developing servant leaders around the world. He can be reached at fred@livinggraceministries.com. OR www.livinggraceministries.com

The Essence of Servant Leadership

Robert Greenleaf wasn’t a dynamic conference speaker on leadership, a management guru, or a bestselling author on workplace motivation.

He was an AT&T senior executive. In the 1970s, Greenleaf seriously rocked the corporate world with this shocking maxim: “The great leader is seen as a servant first, and that simple fact is the key to greatness.”

Someone wiser and greater than Greenleaf said it first. Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you, must be your servant; and whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all.” Then He defined His mission “. . . not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45). Serving and giving. . .the marks of greatness.

We hear much about servant leadership today., , but what is it? What is the heartbeat of a servant leader who serves and gives? How do servant leaders stand out from other leaders? A few thoughts:

1.    Servant leadership is about character.

            Servant leadership isn’t about methods, techniques, and skills. Those are important, but not the primary focus. Servant leadership is an inside job. It’s character based, which in turn, is vital to leadership competency. It’s more about who we are as a leader than what we do as a leader. A leadership skill without character only makes the leader a better rip-off artist to manipulate others.

            Popular leadership writers, Kouzes and Posner, conducted a series of executive seminars at Santa Clara University. Over 2600 top-level managers were asked to complete a checklist of admired leadership characteristics. The number one-character quality looked for in a leader in virtually every survey was HONESTY. Honesty ranked above forward-looking, inspirational, and competent. HONESTY REVEALS CHARACTER.

2.  The servant leader’s paramount aim is always the best interests of those they lead.

            Servant Leaders THINK OTHERS FIRST. The interests of others take priority over the servant leader’s interests. Servant leaders make room for people. In their mind all people are important. In the words of Philippians 2:3, they “consider others more important than themselves.”

            “The leaders we admire do not place themselves at the center; they place others there. They do not seek the attention of people; they give it to others. They do not focus on satisfying their own aims and desires; they look for ways to respond to the needs and interests of their constituents. They are not self-centered; they concentrate on their constituents.” (Kouzes and Posner, Credibility, page 31)

To think others first is not primarily what the leader does—it’s about how they think. It’s what’s in the leader’s heart, not what they do with their hands.

3.  The servant leader’s paramount satisfaction is in the growth and development of those they lead.

            Servant leaders see themselves as “people developers,” not “take charge” heroes. They set direction and lead, but they’re not “bosses,” “control freaks,” “serve me or else.” They help others thrive and flourish, and in doing so people succeed. “How can I help you prosper?” drives the servant leader.

            “The true leader enables his or her followers to realize their full potential. . . the art of leadership lies in polishing and liberating and enabling the gifts of others.” (Max DePree, Leadership Is An Art, Page 10)

4.  Servant leaders desire accountability.

            Accountability is opening up your life to a few carefully selected, trusted, loyal confidants who speak the truth, who question, who have the right to probe, to appraise, and give counsel.

            Servant leaders despise the idea that they’re free to do as they please, that they’re above the rules; that they can do what others can’t do. Tiger Woods said in his first interview after his colossal moral failure, “I got away from core values. I felt entitled. I lived a lie.” The man had no accountability. No one looked him in the eye and asked the tough questions. Sadly, he probably didn’t want accountability, and he reaped what he sowed.

Remember, no one is an island, standing alone. We need each other.

Servant Leadership is a shift from self-serving leadership to leadership that serves others motivated by a change of heart. Leaders must get their hearts right to become a servant leader.

Great Leadership

When you hear the phrase, they’re a great leader, what comes to mind? You might think corporate or church success, well-developed management skills, conflict resolution, wise decision-making, courage, gifted communication, winning attitude, motivational abilities, use of power, or a domineering presence.  

In the 1970's, Robert Greenleaf, an AT&T senior executive, made a staggering statement in his book, SERVANT LEADERSHIP. He believed an organization existed for the person as much as the person existed for the organization. Greenleaf's statement rocked the autocratic, top down, corporate establishment, proposing that “the great leader is seen as servant first and that simple fact is the key to his greatness.” Quite a statement!

Someone greater and wiser than Greenleaf said it first. Before His death, Jesus told the 12 disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you, must be your servant; and whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all.” Then He defined His mission “. . . not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) That's pretty clear. Jesus came to serve and give, not to be served and to get. He didn't come to be rich and famous or to attract attention by His popularity. Jesus didn't come to sit at head tables and be admired. He preferred to serve, and wash feet, and go unnoticed. Jesus did what servants do best: serve and give. GREAT LEADERS ARE AT THEIR BEST WHEN THEY SERVE. SERVING MAKES A LEADER GREAT.

This is a different approach to leadership influence, isn’t it? It's not influence by taking control, demanding obedience, commanding loyalty. That kind of influence doesn't change lives. Jesus calls His leaders to an unheard-of approach where people follow a leader who doesn't look out for himself/herself only, but primarily, looks out for them. Leaders who serve and give and love attract people who will look up to them and follow. That's real influence!

 Henri Nouwen put it this way:

“A whole new type of leadership is asked for in the church of tomorrow; a leadership which is not modeled on the power games of the world, but on the servant leader, Jesus, Who came to give His life for the salvation of many.” (In the Name of Jesus)

When Jesus labeled a leader GREAT, He didn’t look at numbers, or knowledge, or people’s opinions. He looked at a servant and modeled it in His life.

A Leadership Challenge for the New Year

INTEGRITY. Webster defines it as “wholeness; entireness.”  Integrity is completeness, a well-balanced life. In many cases, our society has abandoned well-balanced living. People lie, cheat, and steal. They break their marriage vows. They live in hideous sins like gossip and prejudice, incest and idolatry, greed and laziness, cut ethical corners to gain power and wealth, and put blame on others to protect themselves. Deception and manipulation abound. Lack of integrity has become an art form, a life-style.

Some leaders are guilty. They don't tell the truth ALL THE TIME, don't always say what they mean and mean what they say, are negligent in the handling of money, their own and others. Too often leaders are not reliable, don't keep their promises, fail to return emails, texts or phone calls, lead double lives that if known would cause shame and disgrace in their family.

Listen to what God says through the words of the Paul, His Apostle. “Therefore since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God. But by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2) And how about this? “For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Integrity has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity to it. It has no hidden motives, agendas, hypocrisy, or duplicity. It doesn’t play political games or engage in surface verbiage lacking substance. Integrity doesn’t manipulate others. It’s nothing but pure, simple. absolute honesty---WHOLENESS.. A WELL-BALANCED LIFE.

So leaders. . . do you want a fresh challenge for the new year? Start modeling and living  the truth. . .the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Think truth. Believe truth. Respond in truth. Speak truth. Face truth. Love truth. Seek truth. Walk truth. Talk truth. That last one is a good place to begin. Starting today, intentionally, deliberately, conscientiously “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

That's a great place to begin---practicing gut-level integrity in 2019, your year of LEADERSHIP INTEGRITY.

A Leadership Prayer from President George H. W. Bush

The list of tributes made for President H.W.Bush were outstanding, some of the finest ever made of a U.S. president. He was remembered as “a statesman of unusual restraint and wisdom, a father with enough heart to befriend even his adversaries, a blue blood with a deep sense of duty, a true American patriot.”

Others wrote he was a “great friend and ally of the United Kingdom” (Queen Elizabeth)

• He lived a “long, successful, and beautiful life.” (President Donald Trump)

• “I am profoundly grateful for every moment I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my greatest gifts.” (President Bill Clinton)

• "George H.W. Bush’s life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling." (President Barak Obama)

• "It is a lifelong record of selfless patriotic service to our nation," he said. "He led with strength, integrity, compassion and humility — characteristics that define a truly great man."  James Baker, Chief of Staff and Secretary of State

• He was no cynic. He looked for the good in every person and he usually found it. He was the best father a son or daughter can have.” (President George W. Bush)

One of the finest tributes given to leaders wasn’t made about him, but by him. When he was inaugurated as president, January 20, 1989, he said, “My first act as President is a prayer.” 

“Heavenly Father, write on our hearts these words---use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, not a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen.

President Bush was saying what Dr. John Stott said years ago, “. . . power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” When leaders use their power to serve:

·       They look for ways to encourage, affirm, motivate, build up others.

·       They have an authentic desire to help others.

·       They lay aside their own priorities to help others fulfill theirs.

·       They’re willing to do menial tasks, kike wash feet.

·       They will see others follow their leadership. 

Yes, Lord. Help us to remember to “use power to serve people.”. President Bush remembered it.

A Leader's Rest

The venerable preacher, Vance Havner, used to look over the top of his glasses and say to his congregation, “If you don't come apart to rest, you will come apart.”  While not all stress is bad, too much over a long period of time can kill. Literally! Many leaders are wound pretty tight, which can lead to everything from mild anger and irritation to road rage and even emotional breakdowns. An old Greek motto had it right, “You will break the bow if you keep it always bent.”

If you're a leader (corporate, business, managerial, marital, parental, ministerial, educational, Christian, non-Christian, athletic, civic, whatever), you know what “bends your bow.” ---non-stop conflict, unmotivated employees, undisciplined students, unnecessary meetings, busyness, screaming deadlines, working late, traffic, demanding clients, unhappy church people, financial burdens, to name a few. You scream. 'GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!”

Good advice! Do it!! Give yourself a break. A BREAK REST. Rest removes a leader from the tyranny of the urgent to see what is really important. Rest renews faith in your leadership. It can lift the dark veil of fear when you're exhausted. Rest invigorates. Snow skiers feel invigorated when they sit back and rest in a chairlift. They catch their breath, take in the panorama of majestic mountains, and relax before pushing off for another black diamond run.

Our Creator rested from His creation work. Remember? “By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” (Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:4). The Almighty God didn't need to rest, He chose to. Why?  He rested because He considered His work complete AND to leave us an example to follow. . .to pattern our lives after.

Years later, God deliberately included the importance of resting in His top ten priorities called the Ten Commandments. These are the ten things God cares about the most when it comes to wholesome human behavior. Number four on the list reads, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath (Hebrew word for “seventh”) of the LORD your God; in it you shall do no work.”  (Exodus 20:8-11) Lead, but then choose to rest and relax. On your day of rest, worship with your family. Find relief from stress. Push away from the computer. Turn off the business cell phone. Give your body time to refuel. Allow your mind to be renewed in the Word of God. Let your emotions be refreshed and restored.

Jesus speaks of rest. In Matthew 11: 28, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened (from your leadership tasks), and I will give you rest.” When you go through an airport, you'll see some people carry heavy luggage the old-fashioned way---by hand.  Sweat pours off their head, their face bright red, their heart pounds. Others walk freely, quickly, no sweat. Their suitcases are big and heavy, they weigh about the same as those who struggle. What's the difference? Those who move with ease have wheels on their suitcases. By using the wheels, the weight is carried differently, so the traveler can rest and be at ease. Jesus says, “I am your wheels. Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened. . . let me carry you. and your baggage ... let's roll.”

Many airports have chapels. Airport designers know that people who travel bring their pain and problems, stress and anxieties with them, as they rush from place to place. In a busy airport, there’s a place of rest, a serene environment where travelers can rest spiritually between destinations. In your soul, God has created a chapel—a place of rest, where you can talk and He will sit down beside you and listen.

A LOOK AT CHURCH LEADERSHIP

When it comes to leadership, no church can afford to hang a sign on its front door announcing, “NO HELP WANTED!” (Howard G. Hendricks)

Every church longs for good leadership—men and women of sterling character and cutting-edge competency, motivated not by self-interest but by self-sacrifice, leaders who model the Lord Jesus—lead pastors, associate pastors, staff personnel, elder, deacons, and ministry leaders.

Unfortunately, many hesitate to receive a church leadership baton. Plenty of openings, but fewer and fewer candidates. The problem is not that new:

“I searched for a man among them who should stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30)

Without good leadership—confusion replaces vision, dreams diminish, dedication wanes, morale erodes, enthusiasm fades, cynicism and criticism poison the atmosphere. Sooner or later the whole organization grinds to a halt.

Paul wrote to Timothy that if one desired (strong word) to be a leader in God's church, it's a noble thing they desire. (1 Timothy 3:1) Though many look down on church leadership today, it's quite noble in God’s eyes, even dignified to be a church leader. It's one of the best things you could ever become.

Observe how God views His church (1 Timothy 3:15).  It's:

• the household of God, suggesting the warmth and intimacy of a family, a family gathered together, because God is family oriented.
• the church of the living God, suggesting excitement, power, and vitality because God Himself is at the heart of life. The worst thing a church could be beside dead is boring.
• the pillar and support of the truth, suggesting the church upholds and dispenses the truth. One of the reasons the church is in existence is to introduce truth back into a world saturated with error and fantasy, a world living in make-believe.

THE CHURCH IS SUPERNATURAL!

What an honor to be a leader in God’s supernatural body who, as a leader, can impact people of all ages at the deepest levels of their life, who can live out the in-living Christ before others, who can see lives changed, who can love, respect, value, challenge, inspire, disciple, and counsel those in God’s flock for His glory and by His grace. And, when leaders serve with the right heart, greatness is attached. (Mark 10:43, 44)

A Leader's Integrity

“In a president, character is everything,” writes Peggy Noonan, outstanding speechwriter for Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. “A president doesn't have to be brilliant. . . he doesn't have to be clever; you can hire clever. . . You can hire pragmatic, and you can buy and bring in policy wonks. But you cannot buy courage and decency; you can't rent a strong moral sense. A president must bring those things with him.”

What she says of a president is true of any leader regardless of their leadership responsibilities. Leadership character is not optional; it's essential; never a luxury, always an essential. You dare not lead without it.

If one character trait stands above the others, it's INTEGRITY. Embrace this one and you embrace many of the others. Integrity can be defined as “wholeness . . . entireness. . . completeness . . . soundness.” It's what personal health is to your body, what 20/20 vision is to your eyes. Integrity has nothing to hide. It's an open book.

A Psalmist said of David, “And David shepherded them (Israel) with integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them.” (Psalm 78:72) That's a perfect balance for a leader. David skillfully handled situations that had no rules, no boundaries, no precedence. And in his character, he displayed a heart of integrity. He wasn't perfect; no leader is. But David was complete, whole, and sound.

You see, integrity:

·         Tells the truth every time, not just when it's convenient.

·         Means what it says and says what it means.

·         Is being financially accountable, wise in handling money, especially another's.

·         Is personally reliable; it keeps its promises. When it says, “I'll meet you at 9:00,” it's 9:00 not 9:05 or whenever you get there.

·         Is privately pure. No double life that causes shame and disgrace to the family if known.

Are you a leader? CEO of a corporation, bank president, school principal, head coach, maybe a lead pastor, Bible study or small group leader, a parent of teenagers, or business owner. Do you want to shock the world you live in? I mean really rock it? Then. . .

Have the guts to stand strong with rock-solid integrity in a culture lacking moral fiber

Have the guts. . . to not cut ethical corners or take shortcuts ... to not compromise under pressure ... to not mess around when you're out of town ... to keep porn off your computer... to keep your promises . . . to be financially accountable, personally reliable, and privately pure always... .to be honest at all costs ...to do what is right when no one else is looking or when everyone else is compromising ...to not cheat on exams or plagiarize a paper. That kind of life radiates like a brilliant star lighting up the universe (Philippians 2:15)

INTEGRITY ROCKS!!

INTEGRITY BEGINS NOW; not tomorrow or the next day or when you feel like it. Now is the time to be above reproach, to change your attitude, to be pure, honest, trust worthy, to maintain an unbending walk with the Lord.

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let you light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Jesus told His disciples they were to live before the world so that the light of their integrity filled character would be so apparent, people would see God in His majestic excellence and glorify Him.

A MODEL FOR RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP

According to Cavett Robert, “fifteen percent of the reason [people] get a job, keep that job and move ahead in that job, is determined by [their] technical skill and knowledge regardless of their profession.” What about the other 85 percent? Robert quotes Stanford Research Institute, Harvard University, and the Carnegie Foundation as having proved that 85 percent of the reason people get a job, keep that job, and move ahead in that job has to do with [their] people skills and people knowledge.” (Zig Ziglar, Top Performance)

That's impressive. It underlines the importance of human relationships to the work force. If relationships are that important on the job, then they're crucial to the role of servant leaders. Leadership is about influencing people through relationships.

Return with me to the first century. A Jewish traveler from Tarsus came to the northern Greek city of Thessalonike (today Salonika). He spoke courageously and convincingly of his conversion to Jesus Christ. People responded to his invitation, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ---merchants, businessmen, career women, the artistic and laborers, philosophers and teachers. A church was born. About two months later the traveler moved on to Corinth where he wrote a letter back to the believing community, reminiscing about his time there. The letter is First Thessalonians written by Paul the Apostle.

The letter is warm, personal, and inviting, describing the manner Paul lived and worked among the Thessalonians. It's a classic model for building and developing relationships for leaders who lead by serving.

Relationships are INTENTIONAL.

Meaningful relationships don't just happen. Paul initiated his visit to Thessalonica (2:1); he dared to take the initiative to speak the Gospel above much opposition (2:2); he initiated treating the people as a “mother” (2:7) and as a “father” (2:11). It was his call.

Servant leaders don't wait for others to build relationships. They make it happen. They take the lead. . . suggesting coffee or lunch, leading in prayer, making the visit, saying, “Let’s talk some more.” When it comes to relationships, leaders seize the opportunity.

Relationships are NEED BASED.

Relationships reveal people's needs. Servant leaders are sensitive; aware of personal needs when building relationships. Paul knew the Thessalonians needed, at times, a gentle, caring leader, who would treat them like a nursing mother (2:7). Nursing mothers think nothing of their own needs; it’s about the infant. At other times, the community needed a leader who wouldn’t burden them financially (2:9). They couldn’t afford to pay Paul a salary. No problem. Paul supported himself. And verse 11 says “. . .we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging” them on.

THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU LEAD. Do you know what life is like for them? Their struggles? Heartaches? Decisions they have to make? Issues they face? Burdens they carry from the past? Leaders are at their best when their spiritual antennae are up, attuned to others. They listen carefully, read between the lines, ask the right questions. They’ve learned how to read facial expressions. They’re sensitive, knowing how to weave wisdom, grace, biblical insight, and understanding into the relationship. Pity the leader who checks people off like agenda items; who gives in to the major enemy of SELF PREOCCUPATION.

GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE

Definitions of leadership abound. Let me attempt a one-word definition----INFLUENCE.

Leadership is influence; in two words inspiring influence; nothing more, nothing less. Leadership isn't about titles, positions, prominence, corner offices, and reserved parking. Leaders who lead well influence others to think, to feel, to act in certain ways. They move people to follow, to work harder, to accomplish more, to sacrifice. They take people to places they would never go on their own. Oswald Sanders wrote, “One man can lead others only to the extent that he can influence them.” (Spiritual Leadership)

Have you noticed?

• Husbands/fathers of influence inspire their wives/families.
• Good coaches influence well. Their teams bust themselves to strive for and achieve excellence
• Teachers of influence motivate their students to accomplish more than the students ever imagined.
• Influential sales managers motivate the sales force to meet their quotas monthly.

Servant leaders in ministry influence people to become effective in Kingdom work for the glory of God and the good of the church.

Influence has little to do with temperament or style. Some servant leaders are loud, hard-charging, fast moving, go for broke. Others are quiet, often soft spoken, more lay back, yet strong in leadership. There are leaders who lead by extrinsic motivation and are successful. Others despise that approach, preferring to motivate by intrinsic appeals. Some leaders are highly intelligent, well read, scholarly. Other leaders are not as sharp intellectually, but they are well seasoned, wise, and just as effective as the brilliant leader.

Regardless of your temperament or style, influence begins with involvement. Effective leaders get involved with others.

The secular field agrees. Read what some leaders have said:

“I will pay more for the ability to deal with people than any other ability under the sun.” (John D. Rockefeller).

Some years ago, the American Management Association, surveyed 200 managers, and the majority said, “. . . the single most valuable ingredient---the paramount skill---was the ability to get along with people.” This was rated higher than intelligence, decisiveness, job knowledge, or technical skills.

“85% of managerial failure is due to ineptness in dealing with people.”

“The kiss of death on anyone's personnel file is they don't know how to get along with people.” (Lee Iacocca)

If leadership is influence and influence begins with involvement, the place for involvementlies in relationships.

SERVANT LEADERS LEAD OUT OF RELATIONSHIPS

QUESTIONS: Are you a loner? Do you ignore relationships? Are you withdrawn? “He who separates himself seeks his own desire.” (Proverbs 18:1)

Great Traits of a Great Team - Part 6

Here's a final trait that makes for an effective team. Great teams do life together. Great teams are communities where team members know each other deeply, serve each other willingly, and care for one another genuinely. On a team like this, each one realizes they are not alone; someone has their back.

Here are some principles of a life-giving community. Read each one carefully, slowly, reflectively. As you read, think about your team, the team you lead. See how well it measures up. See if you are creating these team dynamics.

LIFE-GIVING COMMUNITIES:

l Give others what they don't deserve. It's called GRACE.

l Trust and value each other.

l Express gratitude and appreciation freely.

l Allow others to be themselves.

l Find ways to serve each other.

l Empower others to complete a responsibility.

l Make building community an ongoing priority, not an after-thought.

l Never stop looking for ways to do life together.

When you get down to it, great leaders lead great teams. Leaders alone don't make anything great. Leadership is a shared responsibility. The leader needs team members, and team members need the leader.

A closing thought. . . .

AT THE CORE OF EVERY THRIVING ENTERPRISE (ministry, athletic, business, political, educational, family oriented, military, etc.) IS A UNIFIED LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT LOVES

EACH OTHER

Great Traits of a Great Team - Part 5

Before sharing another trait of a great team, read Chuck Swindoll's teamwork illustration. Don't assume it's for the birds!

It's those stately geese I find especially impressive. Winging their way to a warmer climate, they often cover thousands of miles before reaching their destination. Have you ever studied why they fly as they do? It is fascinating to read what has been discovered about their flight pattern as well as their in-flight habits. Four come to mind.           

1. Those in front rotate their leadership. When one lead goose gets tired, it changes places with one in the wing of the V-formation and another flies the point.

2. By flying as they do, the members of the flock create an upward air current for one another. Each flap of the wings literally creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. One author states that by flying in a V-formation, the whole flock gets 71 percent greater flying range than if each goose flew on its own.

3. When one goose gets sick or wounded, two fall out of formation with it and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the struggler until it's able to fly again.

4. The geese in the rear of the formation are the ones who do the honking. I suppose it's their way of announcing that they're following and that all is well. For sure, the repeated honks encourage those in front to stay at it. As I think about all this, one lesson stands out above all others: it is the natural instinct of geese to work together. Whether it's rotating, flapping, helping, or simply honking, the flock is in it together...which enables them to accomplish what they set out to do.

I appreciate that last part. “. . . “it is the natural instinct of geese to work together. . . the flock is in it together. . . which enables them to accomplish what they set out to do.” That describes a healthy team, a great team following your leadership direction, working together, flying together, accomplishing what it set out to do.

Great Trait # 8: Great Teams Affirm the Strengths of Other Team Members and Protect their Weaknesses.

Unfortunately, many organizations adhere to the opposite of this principle—being jealous of each other's strengths and taking advantage of each other's weaknesses. In that environment, the leader uses his/her strengths to get their own way and exploit weaknesses to gain competitive advantage. Where there is good leadership, protection, not control, characterizes the team environment. Bill Thrall distinguishes between protection and control this way:

 Protection says, “I love you and accept you for who you are, and I will stand alongside you in your weaknesses to free your potential.” Control says, “Your distasteful behavior stands between us and you must change before I will love you or let you love me.” (Leading from Strengths: A Manual for Christian Leadership Teams)

Leadership guru Peter Drucker wrote, “The purpose of the team is to make strengths productive and weaknesses irrelevant.”

I’ll share a final trait next week. It brings together all the other traits

Great Traits of a Great Team - Part 4

The Battle of Britain, lasting from August 8th to October 31st, cost the Germans 2,375 planes destroyed in daylight alone and more at night. It cost the British 375 pilots killed and 358 wounded. A handful of RAF fliers had saved Britain, and perhaps the world from destruction. Do you remember how Winston Churchill spoke for his people? “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few!” That victory was achieved, you see, not by the top-ranking generals, the brass hats, the big shots, but by young men---a team---playing and fighting . . . and dying together. (Peter Marshall, Mr. Jones, Meet the Master)

Your leadership succeeds with the teams, the men and women God knits together, sharing the same vision, communicating and listening well, enjoying each other, and valuing each other's contributions. Ken Blanchard says, “None of us is as smart as all of us together.”

Great Trait #6: Great Teams Value Constructive Disagreement and Healthy Tension

Every team, even the great ones, have disagreement and conflict. It's a given. If there are no disagreements someone isn't thinking.

Patrick Lenconi (The Five Dysfunctions of a Team) suggests there are real differences between teams that avoid conflict like the plague and those that approach conflict productively.

TEAMS THAT FEAR CONFLICT:

·      have boring meetings

·      ignore controversial topics that are critical to team success

·      fail to tap into all the opinions and perspectives of team members

·      play politics outside the team meetings

·      take forever to solve problems

TEAMS THAT ENGAGE IN CONFLICT:

·      have lively, interesting meetings

·      extract and explore the ideas of all team members

·      solve real problems quickly

·      minimize politics

·      put critical topics on the table for discussion.

The issue is handling disagreement properly. DISAGREEMENT is necessary, but it must not grow into DIVISION.

Here are some pointers:

·      Members must be free and feel safe to express opinions even if they disagree with others.

·      Allow for differences to be expressed.

·      Don't avoid differences or make compromises to benefit the short term.

Great Trait #7: Great Teams Believe in Shared Work/Shared Glory

On a great team, everyone shares together in the joy and glory of an accomplished task. No soccer player wins a game by himself or herself. All the players are needed to score the goal and all the players share in the victory.

MY PERSONAL SUCCESS AS A TEAM MEMBER IS MEASURED BY THE SUCCESS OF OUR TEAM.

NOT: “Look what I did”

BUT: “Look what we accomplished”

SERVANT LEADERS ALONE DON'T MAKE ANYTHING GREAT. SERVANT LEADERSHIP IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.

The last two traits of a great team next time. . .

Great Traits of a Great Team- Part 3

Have you noticed? Leadership teams that “click,” work well together. They get along and have a leader who believes leadership is a team effort, not a one-man performance.

Moses thought leading the people was up to him. I call it “The Moses Syndrome.” Daily “he took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening.” (Exodus 18:13) and daily he wore himself out. Moses’s father-in-law, Jethro, saw the long lines and concluded, “This is crazy!” He told Moses, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (18:17, 18) Call it “The Jethro Solution.” He set up teams of gifted, capable leaders and divided the work. “That will make your load lighter, because they (the teams) will share it with you. . . You will be able to withstand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (18: 22, 23) It worked!

TEAMS ACHIEVE MORE TOGETHER THAN INDIVIDUALS DO INDIVIDUALLY.

GREAT LEADERSHIP TEAMS:

·         Share the same vision

·         Communicate honestly, openly, transparently

·         Have good listeners

Great Trait #4: Effective teams enjoy each other.

When effective teams meet, the atmosphere is informal, relaxed, comfortable. It doesn't mean the team isn't serious, accomplishing little. It means there's not the tension, stiffness, and boredom. Good teams have good chemistry.

Times together are fun. Team members enjoy being together, seeing each other and working together. There's laughter, sometimes lots of it and that's good. Fun energizes a team.

Each member is involved and attentive, sharing in a discussion, or listening to what others are saying.

Good teams thrive on building personal relationships by spending time together. Jesus did this. He appointed 12 that “He might be with them.” (Mark 3:12)

“The spiritual vitality of the team evidences itself in deep relationships with one another and effective service to others.” (Stephen A. Macchia, Becoming a Healthy Team, p. 24)

Great Trait #5: Effective teams value each other's contributions.

NO ONE ON THE TEAM IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYONE ELSE ON THE TEAM. Every member is valued by you the leader and the other team members. Every member is treated as needed by you and the team. Every member is loved by you and your team.

No one describes this trait better than the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. I've changed the word body to team for emphasis. Read it slowly, carefully.

            Now the team is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say,  “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the team,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the team. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the team,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the team. . . If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12: 14-16, 26 NIV)

EVERYONE ON THE TEAM IS CRUCIAL TO THE TEAM.

SERVANT LEADERS CARE DEEPLY ABOUT GOD EXTENDING HIS LOVE AND LORDSHIP THROUGH UNIFIED TEAMS OF MEN AND WOMEN.

More next time.

Great Traits of a Great Team - Part 2

The man isn't a FLUKE, not the men's basketball coach at DUKE, Mike Krzyzewski, “Coach K.” It would take a full page (maybe several) to list his credits. The man knows how to lead and lead well.

He said, “I think leadership is never singular. In a good organization it's plural.”

Servant leaders agree with Coach K. Solo leadership isn't their bag. They build and developteams to lead with them. They've learned the crucial lesson that YOU CAN'T DO IT ALONE. Leadership is a team sport. There may be a captain, but without the team working together no one can score the winning goal.

So what are the traits of a great team?

Great Trait #1: Unifies around a Shared Vision.

The vision of the team is crystal clear and accepted by everyone on the team. There is direction.

Great Trait #2: Practice H.O.T. Communication

Great teams know how to communicate well, not just talk. The communication is H.O.T.

Honest. Team members speak the truth, not what they “think” is the truth. They don't lie or twist the truth to look good.

Open. Team members speak freely without being criticized, embarrassed, or ridiculed.

Transparent. When someone speaks they can be real, themselves. They don’t fake it out of fear they may not be accepted.

Many leadership teams limit their effectiveness by poor communication or worse, no communication. The servant leader must look for ways to open up team communication, encourage the discussion of key issues (yes, even problems), then model a non-judgmental response.

Ephesians 4:15, “Speak the truth in love.”

Ephesians 4:29, “Let NO unwholesome word proceed from your mouth.”

Great Trait #3: Listens well

“The single most important distinctive of effective teams from ineffective teams is the ability of team members to listen to each other.” Glen M. Parker, Team Players and Teamwork

Catch this. . . .

FEW PEOPLE ARE GOOD LISTENERS:

· Only hear 50% of what is said to them.

· Only pay attention to 25% of what is said.

· Only understand 12% of what they paid attention to.

· Only believe 6% of what they understand.

· Only remember 3% of what they believe.

Great teams master the art of listening well. They pay careful attention to each other while reserving judgment on what is said. They allow a speaker to finish without interrupting. In meetings, they don't carry on side bar conversations when another has the floor. Years ago to talk when someone else was talking was rude. Still is!

James 1:19, “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Maybe that’s why God gave us two ears and one mouth. He wants us to develop big ears, not a big mouth!

More next time. . ..

Great Traits of a Great Team - Part 1

Ever notice how some of the great philosophies of life are etched on T-shirts? You might say TRUTH ON A T. Here's one. A bunch of guys are clinging to a rope for dear life with the words, “TEAM: 24 Guys Hanging on the Same Rope.” That's it. That's team attitude. If you don't hang together, you'll hang separately.

So you're a leader, hopefully a servant leader relinquishing whatever it takes to serve. . . LIKE JESUS. How's your team? JESUS HAD ONE. Do you have one or are you still hung up on the idea that leadership is a one-man show?

We were designed to function in connected, interdependent relationships with other people. God started it years ago when He said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone”; so He created for Adam a helper, someone suitable to him, i.e. a team member. Human beings (male and female) were created with a need to intertwine their lives with others.

We were made to be team players. A marriage is a team. A family is a team. A ball club is a team. A business is a team. A government office is a team, and so is a church.

What makes a good team? Why do some teams click and others don't? What's the difference between effective and ineffective teams? Someone asked baseball philosopher Yogi Berra, “What makes a good manager?” He responded, “A great team.”

GREAT TRAITS OF A GREAT TEAM

Great Trait #1: Unified around a Shared Vision.

Vision is a clear and compelling picture of the future, which produces passion in the leader. It's this passion people want to follow. VISION LEAKS OUT.

Everything starts with a vision God gives the leader, who in turn passes it on to the other leaders. Vision gives direction. If you don't know where you're going, you may wind up somewhere else. Vision keeps you on target.

“Vision is the essence of leadership. Knowing where you want to go requires three things: Having a clear vision, articulating it well, and getting your team enthusiastic about sharing it. Above all, any leader must be consistent. As the Bible says, no one follows an uncertain trumpet.”

Father Theodore Hesburgh, former President of Notre Dame University

Nehemiah never blew an uncertain trumpet. He was one of the great ones in the Old Testament Hall of Fame of Servant Leaders. His leadership vision started with a gruesome report about his beloved Jerusalem. The city was under great distress---walls broken down, gates burned to ashes, temple smashed, few survivors, others deported to Babylon.

Nehemiah confesses the mess and the nation's sin to God, then schedules an Uber ride to Jerusalem. Once there he hangs out for three days touring the city at night, just walking around, perhaps praying out loud, wondering what God has in mind.

In 2:17 of his book, Nehemiah rallies the city leaders and people together and casts a powerful vision. “You see the bad situation WE are in. OUR city is wiped out. Come. Let US rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” That's the vision---a clear and compelling picture of the future. The leaders and people bought it. “Let US arise and build!”

In Chapter 3, everyone worked together—city leaders, religious leaders, families, everyone working, no one working alone.

Catch this. In 6:15, “the wall was completed in 52 days;” in 6:16, “The enemies/nations surrounding us recognized THIS WAS THE WORK OF GOD.”

Anyone said of your work lately? “IT'S THE WORK OF GOD.”

TEAMWORK BEGINS WITH A SERVANT LEADER'S VISION.

More next time. . .