Leadership – who & what. The method of a leader. Tauiwi Youth Conference 2017

Promo video – intro to Trinity

Who are the people that you would identify as effective leaders? Effective leadership Who are the people that you would identify as effective leaders? What are the ‘TOP 5’ attributes of an effective leader?

Leadership is… What do we mean when we use the word leadership? Leadership = “Influence”. You lead someone to the degree you influence him or her. Leadership is an “art” – learnt over time and experience. Leadership – there is no one way – comes in many shapes and sizes, quiet and boisterous, organizers and influencers; those who are out in front, those who lead from the middle, and even those who nudge from behind. Leadership is a dynamic process in that it changes over time and is interactive. True leadership is a process not a status

Christian leadership A Christian leader embodies Christ – like qualities of servanthood and self – assertion that help a group/others both to remain faithful to its values and to more forward in its specific mission in God.

Learning to be a leader Requires the acquiring of specific skills: Discerning a vision and setting goals Motivating others Negotiating making decisions, sometimes difficult ones Assuming responsibility.

Discerning a vision and setting goals: ‘What exactly am I called/supposed to do here? Vision comes first and determines the goals you set. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re not ready to decide how you plan to get there. Ensure the vision permeates the consciousness of the community/group

Motivating others Critical importance of encouragement – the disciple Barnabus – ‘son of encouragement’ What many people most often need is for someone to see and name their potential and give them an opportunity to serve, and to support them as they undertake the challenge. Develop in your organisation/group a culture of encouragement Be an example, a model: one whose life has credibility with others, has integrity, humility.

being an effective decision maker – even difficult decisions Sometimes you must be a leader. A leader does not strengthen other leaders and members by doing everything for them. Process is key when difficult decisions must be made. Makes sure that the decision-making process is as fair/just as possible to all sides of the debate. Takes advice and will accept support If you want to be a leader, leading through difficult decisions can and indeed must be done.

Assuming Responsibility. Assuming Responsibility for one’s own way of life and character A Christian leader must be a person of Christian character – Paul’s wise advice to a young Timothy, “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift (fan into flame) that is in you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1: 6-7) Paul’s counsel to Timothy essentially – it’s not your age that matters’ it’s your relationship with Christ. It’s not all up to you – remember and draw on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Look after yourself – self-care

LEADERSHIP IS… MATTHEW 20: 25-28. And Jesus called them to Him and said, “You know that the ruler of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great men hold them in subjection (tyrannizing over them). Not so shall it be among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave. Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Servant leadership is… True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing them to serve you. True service is never without cost The servant leader is focused on the service he or she can give to God and other people, not on any perks of high office, recognition, or holy title. To aspire to leadership is an honourable ambition (1 Timothy 3:1)

Servant leadership is… “The servant – leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then a conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test of leadership is: Do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, and more likely themselves to become servants.” Robert K. Greenleaf (adapted)

The nature of servant - leadership The model and way of leading we name as servant-leadership emphasizes increased service to others, a holistic approach to work, building a sense of community, and the sharing of power in decision making. At its core, servant-leadership is a long-term, transformational approach to life and work – in essence, a way of being – that has the potential for creating positive change throughout society.

10 characteristics of servant - leadership Listening Empathy Healing Awareness Persuasion Conceptualization – Imagination

Servant – leadership … 7. Foresight 8. Stewardship 9. Commitment to the growth of people 10. Building Community

And one final word… Ultimately it is about the ability to embody and express the basic Christian virtues – the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control.” Galatians 5: 22-23.