1. Where are we going?
Leaders must provide Direction. This might mean God’s Vision, Mandates or Assignments he has for a Church, Ministry or a Team. It could even be a simple goal the leader has for the organization or team.
Whatever we expect, we must direct. This could also be a certain culture we want to establish. Something as simple as being on time or how we talk to each other.
The Leaders question to God is: “God, what do you want us to do? or Who do you want us to be?”
The leader must be able to give God’s wisdom on what He wants. Then the leader must articulate to the best of their ability with what they know at the time and giving clear direction. Direction usually seems to get clearer over time.
“Whatever we expect, we must direct”
2. How are we going to get there?
God doesn’t want us working alone, He wants us working in teams. When Jesus started His public ministry, what was one of the first things He did? He built a team.
Do we believe God’s wisdom flows through our team members? We must believe this and expect it. This step emphasizes the leader staying in position by: Leading vs Doing and Leading vs Doing all the thinking, planning and coming up with ideas.
“Do we believe God’s wisdom flows through our team members? We must believe this and expect it.”
Just as God will speak to the leader about what He wants or where He wants us to go, He will speak to teams about how to get there. When a leader and a team are functioning well, the leader is giving direction and the teams bring plans, ideas and recommendations back to the leader… then the leader can prayerfully look over what the team has brought and either give approval, disapproval or some redirection.
A simple example would be if a team leader comes to the leader and asks, “Pastor, what should we do about such and such?” The leader can turn that back to the team leader and ask, “What would you recommend?” This gives the team leader an opportunity to think, possibly go back to their team to solve the problem and bring back a solution.
A wise person told me years ago, “John, quit doing all the thinking”. I did and let the teams think more and the results have been great.
3. Whom will do what & when?
Every leader needs to make decisions. Informed decisions are best and getting information from our teams is the best way to get the most accurate information.
It is the leaders responsibility to give direction and the teams responsibility to bring plans, ideas and recommendations back to the leader.
Once the team does this, the leader has to make a decision. A decision to approve the plans, ideas and recommendations (If something cannot be approved – we must be honest with the team why). The leader always has the final say. Once the decision is made, discussion time is over and the team can go forward in unity – each member knowing what their responsibilities are.
4. What does the team need to be successful?
Just as it is the leaders job to make final decisions before the team goes forward, the leader must also be available to provide success for the team – this includes coaching and teaching, which are forms of discipleship. Discipleship must include, in addition to the spiritual learning, the training and development on how to conduct God’s business of His Kingdom.
5. What needs improvement?
The best way to take ‘the pulse’ on results and behavior is to have honest people on your team who willingly report ALL the facts. Evaluation must be obtained regularly through reports and team meetings.
All of this makes way for us to be more effective for doing God’s Kingdom business. We all want to be effective leaders & widen our sphere of influence – extend your reach and join us in raising up church leaders in Europe, Africa & the Middle East!
John Grunewald