Interviewer:
Sunday you started a new sermon series on Leadership, if someone is at a point where they are feeling drawn to some level of leadership, what is the first step?
Jon:
When thinking through any kind of leadership, the question we should always begin with is, “What is it that God wants to accomplish through me?” Often however, we begin with a different question, “I have this huge dream. How can I get God on board with it?” Wrong question entirely. If our dreams and vision for impacting the world through seismic leadership isn’t grounded in making Jesus famous and His character extended then it isn’t a God dream, but simply a day dream. However, if a person has a God-honoring vision and dream that has the potential to rock the nations and at the same time develop huge character in their own life, then I would ask them what they are doing to move towards that level of influence.
In other words, you and I are either moving closer to our destiny of impacting the world through God honoring leadership or we are moving further away from it. If I had to boil down this idea into 3 truths it would be:
1. Leaders get around people they want to be like. In other words, if you would like to one day be the CEO of a fortune 500 company don’t spend all your time with the guy who has tanked 3 businesses in the last year. Get around people that you want to be like. Ask the successful (and honest) business owner if he would be willing to spend time with you. There is an old saying, “Leadership isn’t taught, but caught.” The opposite is true as well. The bible tells us that “Bad company corrupts good character.” The point is, where we invest our time is where we will yield results.
2. Leaders read the right books…and lots of them. There will never ever be a significant leader who has hours invested in a T.V. By definition, a T.V. watcher is a spectator, not a participant. However, when we read the right kinds of books we not only posture ourselves to learn from those farther along than us, we are called to action. If you want to be a better communicator, read books on communication. If you want to learn cutting edge marketing, read those who are breaking into new markets. If you want grow in your marriage, read someone who has been married for 30 years and has a vibrant marriage. By definition, readers are leaders.
3. Leaders are under authority. I have never met a significant leader who has a chip on his shoulder concerning authority. Anyone who wants to lead effectively knows they must first learn to follow effectively. In other words, those under authority are only given authority. If a person refuses to submit to another leader’s guidance, then the bible calls them “stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). I don’t know about you, but there are other adjectives that I’d like to be called. The first step in learning authority is serving. Those that serve without a need for recognition are well on there way to being raised up for greater influence.
My hope is that everyone would embrace the call on their life to change the world for His glory! Start with these & you may be surprised where you end up!
