A useful definition of leadership revolves around “vision,” and has three parts:

1. The leader establishes the vision.
2. He aligns the people in that direction.
3. He motivates and inspires them to move and keep moving in that direction until they fulfill the vision.

Viewed from this angle, leadership involves movement toward a vision. This is a helpful way to understand leadership – but only if the vision and its implementation are legitimate. Continue Reading »

In our last Letter, we saw that self-giving love is at the core of healthy Christian leadership. For the healthy leader, the “fundamental focus shifts from what we need and from what others should be doing for us to what we can do to serve them… [This] is the very essence of what Jesus did in His life and ministry and it is at the heart of what He calls us to do (Matt. 20:26-28).”

So, does the Christian leader need help from others or is his focus to give help to others? Of course, the answer is yes! Continue Reading »

In our last Letters, we looked at the relationship between Christ and Community in the leader’s life: Christ builds Community, and Community builds Christ.

First, “Christ builds Community” means the leader’s union with Christ will be expressed in the leader living together with others in the Community in self-giving love, in true servanthood. If you know God, you will love and serve your brother (1 John 4:7).

Second, “Community builds Christ” means that it is only as a part of the Community that the leader will fully experience the indwelling life of Christ. Continue Reading »

Abusive leaders are not called so because they beat the people or yell at them or call them names. Servant leaders are not called so because they serve their followers breakfast in bed every morning. Continue Reading »

Servant leaders are secure in Christ. Consequently, their focus is not themselves but others. Abusive leaders, however, are insecure. Because of their insecurity, their agendas revolve around themselves. They are characterized by self-absorption, self-protection and self-interest. Continue Reading »

According to our definition of leadership (as found in SpiritBuilt Leadership #1: Leadership), there are three parts to leadership:

1. The leader establishes the direction or the vision.
2. He aligns the people in that direction.
3. He motivates and inspires them to move in that direction and to fulfill the vision. Continue Reading »

According to our definition of leadership (as found in SpiritBuilt Leadership #1: Leadership), there are three parts to leadership:

1. The leader establishes the direction or the vision.
2. He aligns the people in that direction.
3. He motivates and inspires them to move in that direction and to fulfill the vision. Continue Reading »

Servant leaders genuinely desire to empower and develop their followers. Their ultimate goal is to convert followers into leaders. Continue Reading »

How should we choose emerging leaders? How can we discern the call of God upon a person’s life? These are common questions in leaders’ minds. In our last Letter, we proposed the first three guidelines concerning how to choose the right emerging leaders to work with. Continue Reading »

Read this parable of the bamboo if you would serve in leadership.

Continue Reading »