A.W. Tozer once said:
“A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of external situations…the true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing, and altogether as ready to follow as to lead…”
I must say that sentiment has rung true in my life over the last 30 years. Looking back, I never thought I would be in Christian education for this amount of time, let alone in different positions of leadership. Even though I have failed many times over these years, I do believe there are some basic principles that have guided me and are helpful for those desiring to lead or thrust into leadership.
First, fear the Lord! Scripture is replete with instructions to fear the Lord and shows the benefits and fruit of such fear. The Israelites were told to fear the Lord and not forget all that He had done. They were told to fear him, walk in Him, and serve Him. We know from David that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Job echoes that in Job 28:28, saying that “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” What leader doesn’t want and need wisdom?
2 Corinthians 5:11 says that it is because of this fear of the Lord that we persuade men. John MacArthur says that the fear of the Lord is “a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are all exchanged for God’s. As leaders in Christian schools, when God is feared, biblical wisdom reigns supreme and desires are constantly focused on Christ-centered outcomes and not man-centered outcomes.
Second, leaders must be visible. Unfortunately, when leaders are absent too much, the people start to go their own way. We live in a world of busy calendars and meetings upon meetings. A leader must guard their calendar and be very present. They must have their finger on the pulse so that nothing catches them by surprise.
Nehemiah is a great example of this as he was ever present with the people of Israel. Nehemiah 4:14 days that when he saw the people discouraged due to those mocking their work, he encouraged them by saying, “do not fear them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome.” A visible and present leader will know the culture and as they fear the Lord, will be able to lead others appropriately.
Third, be accessible. Whereas we must guard our time from being distracted from what is most important, we must also be sure to be readily available when needed for teachers and staff members. My assistants don’t always like my open door policy, but I want teachers to know that they have access to me, without having to schedule an appointment 3-4 days out. Accessibility allows leaders to have ongoing influence. J. Oswald Sanders says, “one can lead others only to the extent that he can influence them.”
Finally, be a servant-leader. Again, Nehemiah is a great example of this as he “also applied himself to the work on the wall.” J. Oswald Sanders said that “true greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one’s service but in giving oneself in selfless service to them”.
The people we have been called to lead will joyfully serve and be committed to what God has called them to when they see leaders who fear the Lord, leaders who have an understanding of the times and culture, leaders who are readily available to listen and help, and leaders who serve the Lord alongside them for God’s glory and the sanctification of future generations.
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