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Humility |
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Christian leaders who posses these seven characteristics are likely to have both a spiritual gift of leadership, but also to have developed that gifting through practice and prayer. Importantly, leaders who possess these characteristics are freed from having to use the authority and power of their formal leadership position as the base for their leadership, but rather can exercise their leadership in a very natural way, as an integral part of their daily ministry. This does not diminish their authority, and does not mean that there won’t be times when they need to use that authority. Rather, that the power invested in the position is not the foundation of leadership. |
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Secular leaders can often be seen seeking to develop their status, power and influence. Position, and the power and status that goes with it is vital. Traditionally we have associated various perks with that position - the chairman's Jaguar, privileged parking space, top-floor office with expensive furniture and so on. Christian leaders are not immune from such temptation. We need to be able to identify the initial signs of power and status causing improper feelings and actions. For example, I find alarming the marketing of a number of Christian books where authors are described as "minister of the largest church in ..... ", "pastor of the fastest growing church in ….", or have testimonials on the back cover which build the character of the leader to unbelievable heights. Whilst these descriptions in themselves most certainly do not say that power or status is being misused, nevertheless it starts to set some alarm bells ringing. Within the
church, we differentiate our leaders by their dress, by their title, by where they sit
during services and so on. Whilst this differentiation does not in itself create an abuse
of status, it surreptitiously creates a feeling of being set apart, of being special. Held
in place with a substantial portion of humility, it can be appropriate - let off the hook,
it can take the leader into priorising status above service. |
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| Pause for Thought : In what way is your leadership differentiated from those you lead ?? Which of these are necessary, and which are potential status symbols? How can you make sure you maintain an appropriate degree of humility? | ||
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