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A popular definition for leadership comes from John Haggai in his book Lead On!: Leadership That Endures in a Changing World. He states, "Leadership is the discipline of deliberately exerting special influence within a group to move it toward goals of beneficial permanence that fulfill the group's real needs."1 This definition is helpful, for it captures many important qualities such as discipline, being deliberate, exerting influence, and movement toward goals — all for the purpose of benefit to the group in response to its needs. Haggai further states, "Those who lead effectively have a generous endowment of physical and emotional energy. They have a compelling drive toward a specific purpose or goal. They have a mastery of the methods of achieving the aim they profess. They are capable of sustaining the confidence, loyalty, and frequently the affection of those whom they lead. They are persuasive in enlisting followers to support the cause that demonstrably leads to the followers' own best interests."2 Following are some qualities and characteristics of effective leaders:

Leaders Have Vision – In order to be an effective leader, you must have vision. You must have the ability to look beyond what is and imagine what might be. Basic to the human psyche is the desire to improve one's status. Since you are a leader, you are to lead in setting a vision for the group.

1 John Haggai. Lead On!: Leadership That Endures in a Changing World, (Waco: World Books, 1986), 4.

2 Ibid., 7.

Leaders Maintain a Positive Attitude – Being positive in your attitude is a first-step for an effective leader. This does not mean being Pollyanna-ish or blindly positive; however, it does mean seeing challenges as possibilities.

Leaders Practice Goal Setting – Effective leaders are able to turn vision into goals. According to Haggai, goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and tangible.3

Leaders Develop a Style That Works For Them – Leadership is not something that can be copied wholesale from one person to another. The effective leader learns principles of leadership from others and then applies them to his or her situation. Effective leaders capitalize on their strengths and use them to determine their leadership style. While some leaders are extroverted and boisterous, others are quiet and contemplative. Those you lead will learn to accept your personality and perspectives. An effective leader is true to him/herself and is never phony. Being genuine and authentic is absolutely necessary.

Leaders Are Effective Communicators – Effective leaders learn the art of communication. They learn how to make their words count and how to speak in order to resonate with their constituency; however, leaders don't all communicate in the same manner. While one leader may give rallying speeches, another might read purposefully from a prepared manuscript. Many would-be leaders become intimidated by the extroverted leaders around them and fail to utilize their own unique leadership skills. Furthermore, communication is not just about public speaking. Communication involves written communication as well as non-verbal messages.

Leaders Have Physical and Emotional Energy – Effective leaders seem to have an extra measure of physical and emotional energy. They are people who are persistent. They have the ability to put physical needs behind them for the purpose at hand. They also have emotional resiliency that allows them to deal with many conflicting opinions and perspectives and remain centered on larger goals and priorities.

Leaders Are Effective Planners – Leaders are able to turn vision into plans that can be communicated to others. They are able to see a goal and to work backwards from that goal to discern the steps necessary for achievement.

Leaders Are Flexible – Leaders are able to listen to the needs and desires of others and to be flexible in including them. When a project does not proceed as planned, the leader is able to capitalize on the moment and move toward another plan. Leaders are careful not to become so wedded to an idea that they are not able to change and move toward what may be better.

Leaders Are Risk-Takers and Are Not Paralyzed by the Prospect of Failure – Leaders are people who are willing to take risks and move into uncharted waters. Often the solution is one that has a high possibility for failure. The effective leader is not afraid of failure and has learned the art of recovery. When you fall, get up, and try again.

Leaders Are Intentional and Move Forward with Confidence –Effective leaders move with confidence and are intentional in their actions. This doesn't mean that they are not afraid and don't doubt; however, they are able to put their doubts aside and move forward.

Leadership Is Always Earned – Perhaps this is the most important aspect of leadership. In the past, people were often impressed with status, degrees, and special training. People today are less interested in your qualifications and more interested in your ability to lead them effectively. The right to lead is an ongoing process and must be continually earned. Leadership is not something that is earned once and maintained forever — it is ongoing.

Leadership Is Always within a Context – All leadership is contextual; therefore, what works effectively in one place may not work in another. The contextual nature of leadership also demands that the leader be in tune with his/her surroundings and listen carefully to the people that he/she leads.

A Leader Accepts Responsibility – When things go well, the leader gives credit to his/her followers. When things don't go well, the leader accepts responsibility.

Leaders Have Integrity. Leaders are who they say they are, and they do what they say they'll do, whatever the cost. They are true to their word and never use others for personal gain.

Leaders Understand the Power of Compromise – Leaders don't have to "have it their way." As long as the larger goals are being met, the details can vary. Leaders continually ask themselves the question, "Does this affect the long-term outcome?" If the answer is "No," then compromise.

Leaders Expect Conflict – Leaders expect conflict and see it as potential for growth. Conflict is a natural part of growth.

Leaders Listen to Others/Understand the Pulse of the Group –Leaders spend much of their time listening to others and assessing the values of the group. They are in tune with the group and understand the motivations of the members of the group.

Leaders Are Persistent – Leaders don't quit. When they receive rejection and are misunderstood they regain perspective and decide on a new plan of action.

Leaders Learn to Deal with Negativity – Leaders learn to deal with negative people and circumstances in positive ways. Although negative people and circumstances are difficult for leaders, they learn to move beyond these hindrances.

Leaders Are Patient – Leaders don't have to have everything done immediately and can alter their timetables. They learn to be patient with others, especially those that take considerable time to "come on board."

Leaders Capitalize on Their Strengths – Leaders are aware of their strengths and use them effectively. They find ways to compensate for their weaknesses and surround themselves with people who have expertise that they don't have.

Leaders Are Proactive – Leaders move forward with confidence and take responsibility for their own actions. They anticipate situations and are proactive rather than reactive. They attempt to avert potential hindrances by using their time wisely.

Leaders Do What Is Important – An effective leader chooses a few important things that most closely reflect the group's priorities. Time is spent on these items rather than on trying to accomplish everything at once.

Leaders See the Big Picture – Not only do leaders see the big picture, they spend much of their time in this realm. They are also capable of attending to details; however, they generally approach life from large to small rather than becoming consumed with details without ever completing the broad stroke.

Leaders Understand Importance of Solitude and Time Away –Effective leaders understand that they must have time to renew energies. They do not spend all of their time with the organization. They diversify and have many interests.

Employment and Vocational Issues rofessional Preparation

PFor a minister to be maximally effective, he/she must be well trained to accomplish the many tasks of music ministry. Training for music ministry can range from degrees and certificates to short-term workshops. The following items represent skills and areas of knowledge that effective music ministers should strive to attain.

Specific Skills and Knowledge

Worship/Liturgy – Ministers of music should have knowledge of their church's liturgy and worship. Furthermore, they should understand worship history and the theological precepts that inform worship, and should have an in-depth grasp of worship planning and other factors that affect their congregation's worship.

Congregational Song – Congregational song includes all the music of the congregation — hymns, choruses, liturgy, responses, and any other music the congregation sings. Insight into both the history of congregational song and new developments is essential. Although congregational song information is specific to a particular liturgy, all church musicians should have a basic mastery of the shared body of congregational music. As the field of congregational music grows with the influx of world music and contemporary elements, the study of congregational music continues to be dynamic and challenging.