Leader Lab

All of us involved in ministry should take advantage of opportunities to hone our skills. Pastors, staffers, deacons, and Sunday School teachers ought to jump at chances to attend seminars, conferences, and training events where insights and methods for more effective leadership are presented, whether offered by the state convention or the local association or some parachurch organization.

But right in our own backyard, so to speak, and much closer at hand, is an excellent resource for picking up hints and tips and strategies for successful Kingdom work. I'm referring to the Bible. As we scour the scriptures, studying the biographies of the major characters found on its pages, we can develop profiles of the men and women who led well, and, applying what we learn, can enhance our vision and sharpen our approaches as we guide groups and serve people.

Think about Elijah, for example.

This famous Old Testament prophet stands out as a model of productive leadership. Practical lessons abound as we examine his ministry style and techniques.

Obviously it needs to be said that the key to his success was prayer. Even a New Testament writer comments on that, in James 5:16-18. We see illustrations of his commitment to conversation with the Father in 1 Kings 17:20-21, 18:36-37, and 19:4, 10, and 14, and it seems like he carried on a running dialogue with God throughout his tenure of work. To dare to think that we can accomplish anything of lasting spiritual value without a dependance on the Lord in supplication and intercession is sheer folly. Overreliance on human tactics to the exclusion of waiting on God for direction is a dead end.

Elijah appeared to grasp the reality, too, that there are polarities in ministry which require balance. Sometimes you deal with individuals(17:1,10;18:7-8;19:19) and at other times with groups(18:19). Occasionally the situation calls for confrontation(17:1; 18:40;2 Kings 1:16) and at other moments for mercy and compassion(17:10-16). There are seasons to be with people(18:19) and periods of being alone(17:2-7). Sometimes the presence and intervention of God is dramatic and almost overpowering(!8:38;2Kings 2:11) and then at other times He speaks gently(19:11-13) and works slowly and progressively(18:43-45). There will be days of routine and waiting(17:2-7) and then bursts of intense activity(18:20-40; 2Kings 2:1-11). We're wired and gifted by God in certain ways to serve Him along definite pathways, but to keep us on our toes and to surprise us with His greatness and creativity and to expand and grow us and keep us out of ruts He'll take us through some ministry patches where we have to develop and utilize some different skill sets. In God's work, you soon learn to expect the unexpected!

Let's not forget, either, that God had to teach this prophet to take care of himself. In body and in soul. Read all about it in 1 Kings 19. After Elijah's supernatural victory on Mount Carmel he got depressed and stressed and anxious and burned out(ever notice how spells like that sometimes arise after revivals or building campaigns or serious counseling sessions or painful committee meetings?) He was tired and he was lonely. He was ready to quit and prayed to die. The Lord was patient with him, though, and took him through a gradual healing process that restored him physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally, and vocationally. Only then did he recommission and reassign him. We make a grave mistake if we don't protect and safeguard our spirit and our body. If we're always pushing and rushing and don't take time for proper diet and exercise and periods of slowing down and reflecting we're probably gonna crash sooner or later. It is a smart minister who builds into his schedule ample time for rest, recreation, family outings, vacations, and seasons for just listening to God. And the lesson that God taught Elijah in 19:11-13 shouldn't be lost on us--it's not just in the big churches or the big days or the spectacular miracles or the loud, exuberant worship gatherings that the Lord is at work. He works in a myriad of ways. That concept ought to free all of us up!

We also can learn, too, from the way this man of God closed out his ministry. In 1 Kings 19:19-21 the prophet chose and summoned his successor. 2 Kings 2:1-14 indicates that he spent time with and mentored Elisha as well as some prophetic bands in different cities. He stuck close to the guy who would take his place and explained the ropes to him. He strengthened his connection with Elisha as the day of his departure grew closer(rather than emotionally pulling back). A very smooth transition was forged and a great ministry was continued even though Elisha was his own person and pursued his service a little differently. It has often been said that the real test of the success of our labors is what happens after we leave. We bequeath a legacy of effectiveness and ensure a bright future for those who will take up our task if we prepare carefully and give them the tools they'll need to be at their best when we're gone. And by the way, when we say goodbye, we need to leave! Elisha's ministry was every bit as scintillating and productive as Elijah's had been even though he served along some alternative tracks. But there is no record that Elijah ever swooped back down from Heaven to ask his successor why he wasn't doing his job just like Elijah had done it!

Go off to those classes and symposiums and learn all you can about strong leadership. Make sure, though, that you don't overlook that best manual on spiritual service ever written,right there at your fingertips--God's Word. Sure saves on travel expense, too.