"If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously": Monica Hill looks at the spiritual gift of leadership as described in Romans 12.
The gift of 'leadership', as such, only appears in Romans 12, although the five ministry roles in Ephesians 4 are often referred to as those necessary for leadership. Both passages tell us about the emphases that good spiritual leadership should have. In Romans, referring to individual ministry: "not conforming to the pattern of the world...not thinking of yourself more highly than you ought but with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (12:2-3).
In Ephesians, for team ministry: "to equip God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (4:12). So spiritual leadership is not a status symbol, neither does it have worldly values, but it is supporting others who are on the front line.
Misusing Power
The Message version - used in the title quote – gives a warning context, as it equates 'leading' with 'being put in charge', which can often lead to great misuse of power. Leadership is not just a means of doing what you want. There is a great difference between 'ascribed' leadership, which is imposed or inherited, and 'achieved' leadership - which is earned.
There is a great difference between 'ascribed' leadership, which is imposed, and 'achieved' leadership, which is earned.
'Ascribed' leadership can often have disastrous consequences if the leader is not sensitive in the exercise of power; whereas the most effective leadership is that which is 'achieved' and is fully recognised and accepted by the people. But in both cases, the leader must beware of just trying to get their own way, with or without the backing of others.
Many commentaries limit this gift in Romans to that of 'administration'. While this is important, leadership is much more than just management - it should be about nurturing and enhancing. These are the aspects that should be valued and considered relevant in Christian circles and especially in small groups. The Amplified Version expands its definition of leadership to 'he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind'.
What is Leadership?
Leadership is a 'people skill'. Mahatma Gandhi once said "I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people". John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the USA, rightly understood that "if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" (see other quotes in the box).
There are many examples of worldly leadership using wealth, might, power, intellect and privilege; but spiritual leadership needs to have a servant dimension which recognises the importance of empowering others.
The difference between a leader and a boss is that the leader leads while the boss drives. The New Testament shepherd leads his sheep, who follow willingly because they know his voice and trust him, while so many Western shepherds drive their sheep or use a dog to chase them!!
Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of those who follow them. If people believe that God is empowering them, it is amazing what they can accomplish - not to give themselves glory but to give the glory to God.
How should Leadership be Exercised?
Most biblical translations say that leading should be exercised 'diligently' - the opposite of negligently. Leaders should be actively and fully committed, engaged and occupied, exercising caution, and showing care and attention, which is characterised by hard work and perseverance.
Although in English 'diligent' has always meant careful and hard-working, it comes from the Latin diligere, which means 'to value highly, take delight in'. The Voice translation of Scripture says leaders should be 'eager to get started'!
Vision and Strategy
Leaders not only need to know where they are going, with a forward-thinking, biblical vision that is embraced by all; they also need to be able to help define the strategy for achieving that vision.
Proverbs 29:18 says "Without vision the people perish" and The Voice defines this even more clearly: "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves".
If you think you are leading and no-one is following you, you are just taking a walk!
Affirmation
We all belong to groups of many different sizes and recognise the need for leadership. We may ourselves have, or be exercising, this gift at a variety of levels. But leaders need followers. If you think you are a leader and no-one is following you, you are just taking a walk! Leadership ALWAYS needs to be affirmed by others.
If you have any other comments on 'leadership' as a spiritual gift please do add them.
References
1 Quotes from 75 Inspiring Motivational Quotes on Leadership, Inc.com.
