Great Leadership
My good friend planted a church 12 years ago that now has four locations and averages more than 5000 people weekly. They have baptized more than 300 people per year for the last several years. They write, produce and record worship albums that I love. And now they have launched an internship and college program out of their church that is a pipeline for leadership for years to come. Amazing.
I always knew my friend had a special calling, or as some of us would say, a special anointing, on his life. Gifted, talented, praying parents, etc. But I couldn’t have guessed that he would lead at the level he is now. No way.
How has it happened? Why? On the surface you would see he has learned from the best, built a great team, and led with courage and clarity. He has worked hard and inspires others to join. All of this is true. Add to that the power of the Gospel – the greatest story in the history of the world – and you have a formula for great leadership.
But here’s the thing…that formula misses a very important thing: the leader’s private walk with Jesus.
He has led the church in praying; short-term fasting on many occasions and 30 days at least twice.
In giving, though I don’t know specifics, I do know he (and his wife I should add) sold his first house to give as much as possible to their first building program. And most recently sold another cherished possession in order to give more money.
In outreach and witness, he is constantly considering how to reach outside his comfort zone and love people far from God.
All of this, and more, highlights one important thing to me. I have watched a kid grow into a man of God with an incredible anointing as a leader through a close walk with God.
He reaches out to broken people because that’s what Jesus did and does.
Great leadership won’t always produce the fruit of a massive ministry but great local church leadership will always be marked by the character of Christ. Jesus was and is the world’s greatest example of a leader. To the extent we walk with Him and grow as leaders who honor Him in our leadership, local churches and communities will see greatness…His.
My encouragement to all leaders is to draw close with Him and believe He will make of us what we could never make of ourselves: Greater leaders. Who knows what that will be in the end?
Believing with you for great things,
Eddie is Lead Pastor of Life Point Hampton Roads. He was previously the Executive Vice President of National Ministries for the EFCA and before that the EFCA East District Superintendent. Regardless of role, with a desire to share the Gospel in word and deed, Eddie’s calling is to come alongside pastors and leaders helping them live well, lead well and multiply their ministries with vision and passion.