Concerted Leadership

There are many leadership philosophies around the world, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages, and each reflects a specific leadership style. A leader may manage a small group of ordinary individuals, a team of technical experts, or a large population, such as that of a country. Effective leadership can lead to significant financial success and overall well-being, prompting many corporations to invest heavily in training their management teams to develop leadership skills and gain a competitive edge in the market.

One major corporation initiated a new program to prepare younger leaders for greater responsibilities. They interviewed numerous successful leaders to identify and compile a list of essential qualities commonly found among them. Some of these qualities included confidence, humility, positive thinking, energy, friendliness, a commitment to helping team members, the ability to admit and take responsibility for mistakes, bravery, and loyalty.

Unfortunately, many participants did not succeed in the program. We know that such qualities are often developed in individuals who have undergone a transformative experience and enjoy a continuous relationship with the Holy Spirit. In other words, we can expect a mature, born-again Christian to develop those essential leadership qualities!

Developing effective leadership qualities requires a fresh mindset and a strong determination to break free from the bad habits we accumulate during childhood or through cultural influences. For instance, we often see individuals climb the corporate ladder by undermining their competitors. This is a prevalent leadership style, but it sharply contrasts with the teachings of Christ!

Can we change our old mindsets that are influenced by bad habits? Even Jesus Christ's disciples exhibited the same biases shaped by their upbringing. Each of them sought recognition as the leader of the group, leading some to use manipulation and politics to influence Jesus. Unfortunately, this approach resulted in embarrassment and hurt the team's spirit.

The disciples needed an intellectual transformation, a paradigm shift in understanding and comprehending Christian leadership. Instead, they were arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. Jesus seized the moment to exemplify Christian concerted leadership.

“Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:24-27 NLT

Jesus' instructions profoundly transformed his disciples' thinking and way of life to the extent that the leadership of the first church was not centered around a single individual but rather led by three people. James, who was not one of the twelve disciples, emerged as the coordinator, the team's spokesperson, and the chairman of the general council!

It is important to recognize that no one possesses all the necessary leadership skills and abilities, nor do they have the time and capacity to utilize them all. Interestingly, even the Holy Spirit does not bestow all spiritual gifts upon one person. Instead, He distributes spiritual gifts among believers so that the community of believers, the church, can work together interdependently and in harmony.

“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:25 NLT

The combined experience and abilities of a group of leaders can achieve far more than if each were to work alone. If one person makes a mistake in a team of three, the other two can provide balance and support. Unlike competitors, they cooperate and support each other like the parts of one body.

Apostle Paul was the greatest evangelist of the first century. He traveled with other leaders and established new churches, forming leadership teams composed of several pastors at each city.

Sadly, as Paul foresaw, power-hungry individuals infiltrated the church. They created a hierarchy and established titles to exert control rather than serve their members. Human pride can deceive even good leaders into excluding others from the leadership team and taking sole authority over the church. Apostle Peter recognized this issue and addressed it in his writings:

“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5:2,3 NLT

Please click on “Teamwork” to continue.