John Maxwell, the author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (and dozens of other books that are iterations of the same principles) has a great quote:
Everything rises and falls on leadership…
I believe this is true. It’s one reason why the divine Logos becoming flesh and living among us is such a big deal. Jesus taught us how to be leaders. He chose his 12 disciples and molded and shaped them for (probably) 3 1/2 years. Leadership is very important to expand the kingdom and extend the gospel to the ends of the earth.
From what we can tell, the Apostle Paul spent much of his ministry investing in young men would be able to do the same (2Timothy 2:2). He knew the importance of strong leaders for the gospel.
So what does Paul tell us makes a good leader? Here are 10 things:
- Makes himself available to God (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Is and example of excellence (1 Timothy 4:12)
- Focuses on reaching people for Christ (2 Timothy 2:2)
- Strives for quality in teaching (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Ministers with a loving heart (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
- Prays fervently with belief (1 Timothy 2:1, 8)
- Faithful in the fundamentals (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
- Has a clear picture of God’s vision (2 Timothy 1:6-12)
- Is willing to change – flexibility (2 Timothy 1:13; 3:14-17)
- Never gives up – perseveres no matter what (2 Timothy 4:7)
