He served in Antioch with a group of men who were said to be " prophets and teachers. It does record that "they" [probably the same men] laid hands on Paul and Barnabas and sent them off on the first journey. On that first journey we see them appointing elders in the new churches they planted. Acts The fasting and prayer that preceded these appointments suggests they were seeking God's choice for leaders.
These appointments ware made during their return trip through these cities, indicating that some time had passed probably only weeks since their original visit. During the second journey, Paul added Timothy to his band , likely leading to Timothy's eventual recognition as an apostle. Although this is never actually stated, Timothy acts in the role of an apostle in appointing elders and overseeing elders according to 1 Timothy. This is also referred to in 1 Tim.
Both Timothy and Titus are given the job of appointing elders. Of interest is the fact that Paul has left them behind to do this work, implying that it was not possible to select elders when he was there.
This suggests that they wanted to see these men actually living out leadership roles before making the choice to recognize them as elders. Likewise, Paul cautions Timothy about deacons: "They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Overarching these observations about leadership in the early church, we see evidence of divine election in the selection of leaders. This should be clear for the following reasons. We conclude that God, not humans, makes a person a spiritual leader.
As existing church leaders, our mission is not to create leaders out of non-leaders by naming them or ordaining them. On the contrary, our mission is to discern whom God has chosen to be a leader, and to ratify, or recognize that choice.
In naming leaders we are indicating that we believe God has shown this person is already chosen to be a leader because he or she is already doing the work of a leader and has the character of a leader. The implications of this perspective on leadership are profound. If we conclude that God chooses leaders, our goal becomes cooperatiaon with the choice of God in assuring that only divinely appointed leaders are recognized.
Even with these principles, the business of determining God's calling remains subjective. We are often reduced to guesswork when naming leaders, because there are so many variables involved. We usually are faced with compromise in at least some areas with every leader we recognize. Forgot your password? Get help. Password recovery. Latest News. Guarding Your Heart in the Pulpit. Top 10 Marriage Ministry Mistakes.
If you want your followers to take you seriously, then you need to show your people that you are serious with your directions or commands by doing them yourself. For instance, you cannot convince them to come on time if you always arrive in the office an hour late.
The best way to lead is by showing your followers how to do things. However, giving them instructions is not always enough to get your people to accomplish your expected results. Most of the time, you have to execute them first so they will clearly see that the task is doable, and if you can do it, they can do it too.
The best strategy to make people follow you is not an iron fist but a relationship. Yes, you have to be firm in terms of following policies, but being kind and approachable will not make you less of an effective leader. You should be a leader they can talk to without fear whenever they have concerns or need help in their jobs. It would make you adore him, right? Likewise, calling your team members on a first-name basis will help you win their hearts. It will make them feel valued as a person—not just a tool to accomplish your goals—so they are more likely to support you wholeheartedly.
Too much sternness will drive your people away—and one day, you would catch them talking against you behind your back or even planning to petition your replacement. But, on the other hand, if it does not affect the quality of their work, you do not have to be too strict about it, or else you would appear unreasonable to your team. So, for example, knowing how uncomfortable it is, why do the ladies wear high heels if they have to stand and walk around the office most of the time?
On the other hand, if someone commits a mistake, do not embarrass the person in front of the team. Another effective way to keep your organization on fire is by setting up a reward system. The more attractive the prize is, such as international travel for two for the top-selling agent by the end of the year, the more energized your team will be.
You might worry about how much it would cost your company, but imagine how much more profit you would gain if all your employees worked harder. If you really want to know how you can be a better leader to your team, then put yourself in their position. As an employee or team member, what would you need from your leader?
How would you want to be treated? What is your ideal kind of leader? Bonding or having fun with your team from time to time will help you build a relationship with them. You could be a friend without losing your authority over them. A more personal and genuine friendship with your members will help you gain their loyalty.
One way to show your team members or employees that you value them is by being open to their ideas. Allow them to participate in decision-making by involving them in the planning of your organization or company. Moreover, this is advantageous for you as well since brainstorming with more heads can generate more ideas.
You may be a leader, but you are still a human, so you still commit errors. Admitting your mistakes and apologizing for them are not signs of weakness. Rather, they are signs of humility, which only mature and brave leaders can do. Another way of being a better leader to your team is by genuinely caring about them.
Aside from knowing them by name, you can show this by asking how they are individually and offering help whenever they need it, and you can. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. They recognize that life can throw them into unexpected situations or challenges. But instead of allowing those unexpected events to cause anger, confusion or panic, servant leaders recognize that God is present in every circumstance.
They have the willingness to practice being flexible and actually invite change! It can be easy to get stuck in routines, with one set way of doing things. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Set in the context of running, the first two verses of Hebrews 12 define a life of resilience. Initially, you have to trick your body into liking long distances! You run short distances first and then build up to longer ones. You get blisters and you take water breaks, but eventually you can run farther and longer. Resilience in the Christian life can only happen when we look to Jesus. Servant leaders recognize that struggles are real and life is difficult, but God is in control.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back, to push through and to press on based on the truth that God has enabled us to persevere because he is our ultimate source of strength. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Could you imagine what life would be like if everyone thought, looked and acted the same?
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