Introductory Lectures in Fundamentals of Christian Leadership

INFLUENCETHE MEANS OF LEADERSHIP Session 5

Introduction Leadership is strictly depended on character, for simply stated 3 Leaders influence (Clinton 1992, 7)

Leadership is dynamic Leadership is a dynamic concept and not a static one. – When a leader claims he or she has one style of leadership, he is saying he is static. – With this mind set, the leader won’t have correct understanding of leadership and will be limiting his usefulness. 4

A Spirit-led leader must be flexible to meet the complicated requirements of ministry. – Therefore, a leader must have a flexible character to meet the pressing needs of those he is serving. 5 He must use any leadership style appropriate for the specific situation.

Robert Clinton (1992, 39) agrees with this proposition as he writes, 6 “I believe that leaders utilize differing leadership styles depending on numerous factors”

Trust: Important Factor in Leadership style Most people want to have a meaningful contribution to the environment around them. – Whether they work in or run an office, or are members in a church council, most people want to be trusted and be responsible. – This requires trust on the part of the leader and also from the followers. – Unfortunately, normal human behavioral traits hinder people from trusting others. 7

Principle-led leadership in a Christian context is probably the model which can solve this problem. – The result will be self-actualization to both parties and release successful development and use of personal talents and abilities. – Trust paves the way for unity and strength 8

Effective Christian leadership needs to deploy various uses of power to achieve desired goals. – This does not refer to the “dark side” of power, such exploitative or manipulative power. – Instead, the use of power is used for the “ability” of a leader to positively influence a follower in behavior and character. 9 This power is used in the sphere of authority given to the leader, and not assuming it for himself.

POWER, AUTHORITY, AND INFLUENCE FOR FOUNDATIONAL EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP IN MALTESE CULTURE 10

Leadership is the exercise of power Power, in the church should not be understood with negative connotations, because of the Maltese cultural heritage; – instead, it must be understood as the ability to accomplish a ministry. 11 Power = Ability

Authority is not authoritarianism. Authority refers to the right to decided or act. 12

Authority refers to the right to decided or act. – The perfect example is that of the Maltese people giving the authority to the members of parliament to make laws and decisions. On the other hand, those elected should have the power (ability) to use the entrusted authority wisely. 13 Authority should be used for the benefit of those who entrusted the leaders with that authority (Lee 2003, 73)

Four kinds of power. 14

Influence Power Church leadership, in particular, demands, power and authority. This has to be accompanied by influence. 15 “Leadership is the activity of influencing people to cooperate toward some goal which they come to find desirable,” Ordway Tead (Leadership-Tools.com).

Serventhood As Christians, we should associate influence with servanthood. – Influence power is the style the Lord Jesus chose to guide and lead his disciples, giving the church a Biblical precedent to follow. 16

Without these three concepts – There can be no successful, meaningful leadership; either in government, or in the church. 17 Power Authority Influence

The Church Father Jerome once claimed, “There can be no church community without a leader or a team of leaders” (Schilleveeckx, 1984, 1). – Understanding the dynamics of power enables Maltese Christian leaders to 18 Use it more appropriately for the benefit of the church and its mission

The Church Father Jerome once claimed, “There can be no church community without a leader or a team of leaders” (Schilleveeckx, 1984, 1). – Understanding the dynamics of power enables Maltese Christian leaders to 19 which is to fulfill the purpose God has for the church in Malta. Use it more appropriately for the benefit of the church and its mission

Clinton, Lee, Elliston and Covey, all describe the concept of power, authority, and influence from different perspectives and situations. – Their description reveals how, and how not, to use power. – Basically, they all agree about the syncretism of these concepts for the benefit of all those involved. 20

Coercive Power The Maltese Christian leaders need to understand coercive power is not the ideal style of leadership, although sometimes it is necessary. – Coercive power is exploitative and dangerous in the house of God unless used in the 21 correct wayat the proper timewith right king of force or retribution.

Lording over the congregation is surely not Scriptural (1 Peter 5:3). – Neither should power be manipulative, such as taking advantage of some situation to control the congregation or any other individual. – Doing so, the Christian leader would be misusing the authority entrusted to Him or her by the Holy Spirit. 22

Competency The competency of the leader is important here. If one is not able to lead, he will not have followers! – The power entrusted to the Christian leader is 23 the ability of the leader > to use his God-given gifts > to take care of the flock of Jesus Christ, > And guide them where they should be in their spiritual maturity; > even if the congregation does not deem it necessary.

– Rosalynn Carter wrote 24 “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be” (Leadership-Tools.com)

Nutrient Power The Maltese Christian leader should be a nutrient leader (Lee, 74). – Lee describes nutrient power as the parent’s care for his or her children; a paternalistic role and influence. – This is what Jesus meant when He told Peter to “shepherd” ( poimai/nw ) and “feed” ( bo/skw ) His sheep. (John 21:15—17 NIV). 25

Nutrient power conveys the idea of nurture, one of the primary ministries and goals of the Christian Church, vis a vis the Christian leader (Lee, 75) 26

I am certain all Maltese leadership wants to have a positive influence with those whom they are leading. – Secular leadership may want to positively influence customers, friendships, business colleagues and the like. 27

Christian leadership must influence the congregation of God for a better life in Christ. – This influence can be accomplished by three important concepts which Covey dived in 3 headings with 30 subheadings. 28

Covey 119—129 says Influence and can be achieved by 29 who the leader is and how he acts (1) example: the leader must understand and care (2) relationship: in human relations techniques to accomplish a “win-win” situation (3) instruction:

Integrative Power The last kind of power discussed in this seminar is integrative power. – Integrative power is the kind of power which integrates with another person’s power resulting in greater power (Lee, 74). 30

The Biblical principle in this view found in Leviticus a 26:8 and Ecclesiastics 4:12) 31 “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand….” “Surely a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”

Leaders, and all Christians in general, can use their abilities for the building of the Kingdom of God, starting from their respective local church, and transmitting their influence to the national church. 32 Godly influence is one the greatest way to lead!

End of Session Five