Movements and Leadership

No movement can go forward without leadership. As with most efforts, strong leadership remains the indispensable element to real change. We are there to lead our team into a new future, not simply manage the present. Unless we take the responsibility of leading our teams, our plans and systems will remain merely plans and systems. We’ll have only a paper tiger.

As change agents, you and I help create the future. What happens in our movements is a direct reflection of our commitment and abilities to lead our teams in pursuit of the Kingdom.

Leading however is hard work–especially over time. No wonder we’re exhorted in Romans 12:8 to lead with diligence. Leading a team includes the ability to lead and/or manage a movement-building enterprise. Leading such enterprises requires, that we also accomplish several important management tasks–planning, organizing controlling and staffing.

Thus, one can’t totally separate good leadership from good management. Good management is part and partial of good leadership. As you lead your volunteer team in building movements at your location, consider the following definition and elements of good leadership. Use them to rate yourself.

A Good Leader:

• Establishes direction by developing a vision of the future.
• Aligns people and resources around accomplishing the vision.
• Motivates and inspires others to keep moving forward toward accomplishing the vision.
• Commits himself to building an effective and cared for team.
• Keeps the team focused on what it is they are trying to accomplish and why. He or she has the ability to stay focused.
• Leads the planning process helps set priorities and timetables. He or she is able to define the next step toward the goal–i.e. This is the one thing we need to do this week…this month…this cycle.
• Helps define the roadblocks to progress and growth and takes the appropriate steps to solve them.
• Helps others be successful in fulfilling the ministry God has given them.
• Is involved in training and developing the volunteers in the following five areas: personal walk with God, vision, team, personal/leadership development and strategy, training and resources.