Gò0dNews for Leadership
Learning to Lead
Y
by Faith Haynes
ou are called to lead. That’s right, even if you don’t
Connecting to God and connecting to others. It is difficult
have a position or title, Jesus is calling you to step
to care for someone spiritually when you, yourself, are
out of your comfort zone and lead with excellence
disconnected from your source.
and humble servanthood in your daily life. Leadership is a
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who
way of life. Leadership is essentially influence. While each
remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For
of us has been crafted by the hand of God with unique
apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5).
gifts, talents and opportunities, there is one thing that God
Jesus, the vine, is my life source. I, the branch, am
has called each believer to embrace and grow in- servant
but an extension of His hand to those around me through
leadership. While some people have more of a natural
the fruit my life source produces within me. A servant
personality to lead; I believe excellent leadership is learned.
leader consistently connects to God first through genuine devotion so they can best connect to others. I am much more willing to hear what someone has to say about Jesus if they first make an effort to connect with me personally. Jesus often trekked to a mountain alone to pray to His Father (Luke 6:12). If Jesus, the Son of God took time out from His ministry to spend time alone with God, how much more ought we? As mentioned earlier, excellent leadership is a skill one learns and grows in. It is important to recognize that in order to lead with humility, you must first learn to follow with faithfulness. Jesus followed God’s will even when it was difficult... even unto death. We also see Jesus humbly learning from
Jesus' life gives us instructions on how to lead and make
teachers in the temple (Luke 2:46). Even the Son of God had
a difference. As a Christian, you carry something special;
to grow in his purpose by faithfully following God’s lead
you represent Someone magnificent and holy. You have
and humbly learning from leaders in his life.
an opportunity to lead a life of excellence and serve those
Finally, the ultimate way to lead is to serve. Jesus
around you. Modeling Jesus’ life shows us practical ways to
was a servant leader, bottom line. He tore down cultural
lead through connecting with God and others, growing in
boundaries to reach the one… the outcast, the sinner,
skill and humility, and serving selflessly.
the despised, the disabled. Leadership is influence;
I am a senior nursing student at Lee University, and
influence comes through servanthood. Leadership is the
we are taught the concept of holistic care. Holistic care
surrendering of your time, talents, and treasures to God to
is caring not only for physical needs, but caring for our
lead people to His heart. How can you serve, inspire, and
patients emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as well.
influence those around you to point them to Jesus? Each
Connection, as simple as it sounds, is a very important
of us have a unique opportunity to lead. Be guided by the
precursor to this kind of love and care. There are two kinds
Holy Spirit and the passions He has placed inside of you to
of connection that are essential to effective leadership.
create, lead, and serve.
42 // November 2020
