Leadership Styles in the Ministry

1. A Lording Leader

Definition: One who makes all the decisions, seeks to control those under him, and rarely considers the needs of those around him.

Description: A lording leader is a prime example of one that is exercising dictatorship. There has never been a great work for God that has been built on dictatorship. The followers of a lording leader serve him in fear, not because they love him and respect him. This is not God's plan for leadership, for the Bible clearly tells us that God has not given us the "spirit of fear." Lording leaders are in the ministry only for themselves and their own gain.

2. A Pouting Leader

Definition: One who seeks to get his way through sympathy, mainly through throwing a fit, or brooding in silence.

Description: A pouting leader is a leader that tries to manipulate the feelings and emotions of his followers in order to get what he wants from them. Ahab threw a fit and pouted to get Naboth's vineyard. King Saul sat on the throne and brooded to get the people's sympathy because he was jealous of David. This kind of leadership is weak and ineffective. God is not impressed with a pouting leader's life of pity and sulking.

3. A Passive Leader

Definition: One who puts off decision-making, leaving things to others, who is often disengaged in areas of responsibility, and gives little or no direction to his "followers."

Description: A passive leader likes the title and prominance of being a "leader," but he does not have any true characteristics of a good leader. He takes the things of God lightly and does not walk in close fellowship with the Lord. This leader likes to "sit on his laurels" and procrastinate his duties. God wants leaders to be workers, and not put their work off on other people.

4. A Servant Leader

Definition: One who assumes his God-given responsibility, seeking to serve others under his direction, and putting the needs of others before his own.

Description: A servant leader accepts his role as a leader in a meek and humble manner. He is hard-working and dependable. He is loved by his followers, and his leadership style is by example. His life is consumed with investing in the lives of other people.

Conclusion: God loves a servant leader. Christ's ministry here on earth showed the servant's heart of our Saviour. He is our example. You must be willing to serve in order for God to be able to use you in a leadership position. One that is committed to God is committed to serve.

Friend, what kind of a leader are you?????